20 Best 2016 Cars And Crossovers For Snow

Now that a good chunk of the nation has gotten its first hard slap of winter weather, we’d bet there are more than a few motorists out there who’ve already grown weary with their vehicles’ inherent slipping and sliding though the snow.

Of course the best solution would be to purchase a full-size pickup or big and heavy truck-based SUV and equip it with four-wheel-drive with selectable low-range gearing that enables it to plow through the deepest snow drifts, but that’s not necessarily the most amenable or affordable way to go.

That’s why automakers are now offering all-wheel-drive (AWD) on their rear-drive sedans and sports cars – not to mention crossover SUVs, wagons and even a growing number of what would otherwise be front-drive autos – for improved foul-weather traction and added peace of mind.

But which of the myriad AWD vehicular choices can be expected to perform best under the snowiest conditions?

We scoured automakers’ spec sheets to compile a list of 20 affordable cars/station wagons and car-based crossover SUVs from the 2016 model year that can be expected to handle the worst Mother Nature can dish out this winter. Each can be fitted with AWD for less than $50,000 and feature a much-higher-than-average ground clearance (the distance between the pavement and the lowest part of a vehicle) that enables them to traverse moderately snow-packed roads or driveways without unduly scraping the undercarriage or becoming snowbound. In addition, all offer winter-friendly amenities like heated seats, and are every bit as enjoyable to pilot on dry pavement as they are capable in the snow.

Finally, it should be noted that adding AWD to any vehicle does not enable a driver to violate the laws of physics. Driving all four wheels might help dislodge a car or crossover from a snowed-under parking space, make it go faster on wet or snowy pavement and may afford extra grip in other low-traction situations, but it does little to improve a given model’s handling in the snow and nothing for its braking. Any vehicle can spin dangerously out of control on a patch of ice or through a slick curve, or slide precariously through a sudden stop if it’s driven without regard to conditions.

Always slow down as the weather worsens. Leave extra room between your vehicle and the traffic ahead – a car’s brakes won’t work as well as they would on dry pavement. And keep an eye out for frozen patches, especially on bridges and overpasses which tend to freeze sooner than paved roads.

1. Volvo XC90

Like all the models in this “Best Cars for Snow” slideshow, the redesigned Volvo XC90 crossover SUV features a tall ground clearance – in this case a class-leading 9.3 inches – which enables the all-wheel-drive vehicle to traverse moderately snow-packed roads or driveways without unduly scraping the undercarriage or otherwise becoming snowbound. Base MSRP with AWD: $49,800.

2. Jeep Cherokee

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.8 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $25,395.

3. Subaru Forester

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.7 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $22,295.

4. Subaru XV Crosstrek

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.7 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $21,595.

5. Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.7 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $26,495.

6. Subaru Outback

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.7 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $24,995.

7. Mitsubishi Outlander

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.5 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $24,995.

8. Mazda CX-5

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.5 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $24,445.

9. Land Rover Discovery Sport

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.3 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $37,455.

10. Volvo XC70

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.3 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $38,600.

11. Jeep Patriot/Compass

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.1 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $19,595/$21,595.

12. Toyota Highlander

Ground clearance with AWD: 8.0 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $32,975.

13. Volvo S60 Cross Country

Ground clearance with AWD: 7.9 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $43,500.

14. Volvo V60 Cross Country

Ground clearance with AWD: 7.9 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $41,000.

15. Volkswagen Touareg

Ground clearance with AWD: 7.9 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $42,705.

16. Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia

Ground clearance with AWD: 7.6 inches (Traverse: 7.3 inches). Base MSRP with AWD: $45,660/$31,205/$36,175.

17. Nissan Rogue

Ground clearance with AWD: 7.6 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $24,590.

18. Honda Pilot/Acura MDX

Ground clearance with AWD: 7.3 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $34,230/$44.865.

19. Kia Sorento

Ground clearance with AWD: 7.3 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $28,000.

20. Audi Allroad

Ground clearance with AWD: 7.1 inches. Base MSRP with AWD: $42,700.

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