These SUVs Are the Best for Winter Driving

Driving in the winter can be an unpleasant experience. There’s the discomfort of entering a freezing vehicle to warm it up as well as the inherent safety dangers associated with winter driving conditions. Even if you’re confident in your ability to drive in the snow, your winter driving proficiency may not be shared with other people on the road. Luckily there are vehicles out there to make winter driving safer and more comfortable. Among those vehicles are SUVs across all sizes. We are breaking down the Best SUVs for Snow to help ensure you and your car are properly equipped for winter road conditions. 

How to Identify the Best SUVs for Snow?

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to taking on all-weather driving conditions. The Best SUVs for Snow have the right combination of features to improve performance in light to deep snow and on icy roads, while also maintaining clear visibility during winter conditions. You’ll also want features that provide added comfort and needed warmth. Here are some important features to help improve a car’s performance in the snow:

All-Wheel Drive/Four-Wheel Drive:  All-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels. The power is divided between the front and rear wheels, which can be helpful in snowy and icy conditions. If one set slips, the others will power the vehicle. Four-wheel drive sends a fixed amount of power to each axle, and 4WD can be switched on or off by the driver.

Anti-Lock Brakes: Anti-lock braking systems are available on all modern cars and help prevent wheels from locking up while providing steering control during aggressive braking. ABS automatically cycles the brake pads when a sudden stop occurs, which is helpful when trying to slow down on a slippery surface.

Driver-Assist Technology (forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking): Advanced driver-assistance systems are technologies designed to help drivers while driving and parking. They use automated technology to increase safety by reducing human error, which is a main cause of road accidents. Driver-assist technologies including forward collision warning, automatic high beam headlights, and automatic emergency braking can help prevent accidents in snowy conditions.

Ground Clearance: Ground clearance is the minimum distance between the bottom of the vehicle and the driving surface. High ground clearance helps prevent the bottom of the vehicle from scraping against uneven, snowy terrain, which can reduce traction to the point of getting “stuck” in deep snow

Headlight Washers: Headlight washers are common on SUVs and off-road vehicles,and help improve visibility by wiping headlights free of snow or dirt.

Heated Mirrors: Heated side mirrors work like a defroster to help quickly remove snow and ice from mirrors.

Heated Seats/Steering Wheel: These are comfort features, and help warm the driver in freezing conditions.

Remote Start: Another comfort feature, this allows the driver to start the car remotely.

Traction/Stability Control: These systems help ensure that all wheels have maximum traction. While they are packaged together, the two serve different functions. Traction control stops wheels from spinning, while electronic stability control (ESC) automatically brakes individual wheels when grip and traction are compromised. Both technologies became standard on all vehicles in 2012.

Winter/Snow Tires: Winter tires outperform all-season tires in snowy conditions, and are particularly effective on  cars equipped with four-wheel or all-wheel drive. 

Best SUVs for Snow Driving

To select the best SUV for snow driving, iSeeCars analyzed SUVs across all sizes. These cars achieved a score of 8.0 or above (out of 10) on iSeeCars quality analysis that takes into account long-term reliability, value retention, and highest average safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Based on this criteria, an iSeeCars Quality Score was calculated. These cars also have all-wheel or four-wheel drive and the right combination of safety features that aid drivers in snowy conditions.

Here are the best SUVs for snow across multiple vehicle categories:

Best Small SUVs and Crossovers for Snow

Small SUVs provide a higher ground clearance than sedans while adding cargo and passenger space. Here are the best compact SUVs for snow:

1. Jeep Wrangler

iSeeCars Quality Score: 9.2

Reliability Score: 8.5

Retained Value Score: 9.8

Safety Score: N/A

MSRP: $29,725

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $40,119

The best small SUV for snow is the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler is known for its off-road prowess, thanks to its high ground clearance, which also helps this vehicle maneuver in the snow. It also has optional four-wheel drive, which provides added traction in snow and icy conditions

2. Subaru Outback

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.8

Reliability Score: 8.4

Retained Value Score: 8.0

Safety Score: 10.0 

MSRP: $26,945

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $34,433

The 2022 Subaru Outback, which also tops the iSeeCars Rankings for the Best Small SUVs, is a top SUV for snow. Every Subaru Outback includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and radar cruise control. The Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive to provide increased grip, and also has excellent outward visibility from its wagon-like exterior design.

3. Subaru Forester

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.7

Reliability Score: 8.1

Retained Value Score: 8.1

Safety Score: 10.0  

MSRP: $25,195

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $31,934

The Subaru Forester’s standard safety technology includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and radar/adaptive cruise control. Similar to the Outback, standard all-wheel drive means the Forester offers increased grip during inclement weather. Upper trims also include hill descent control with X-Mode traction enhancement, which assists drivers in safely travelling down snow-covered hills.

4. Honda CR-V

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.6

Reliability Score: 8.5

Retained Value Score: 8.3

Safety Score: 9.0  

MSRP: $25,750

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $31,408

The Honda CR-V ranks fourth as the best small SUV for snow. Every CR-V includes Honda Sensing, which includes standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Honda CR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive can be added for $1,500 to every trim except the Touring trim, which includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

5. Toyota RAV4

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.5

Reliability Score: 8.0

Retained Value Score: 8.5

Safety Score: 9.0

MSRP: $26,525

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $31,467

The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for buyers seeking increased confidence on slippery roads for an extra $1,400. Weather packages can be added to certain trims which include a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

6. Hyundai Tucson

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.4

Reliability Score: 7.5

Retained Value Score: 7.8

Safety Score: 10.0

MSRP: $24,950

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $26,080

Standard driver-assist technologies for the Hyundai Tucson consist of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, and rear-seat reminder. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Hyundai Tucson, with all-wheel drive available on all trims for $1,400.

7. Kia Sportage

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.1

Reliability Score: 7.6

Retained Value Score: 7.6

Safety Score: 9.0

MSRP: $24,090 

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $25,280

The Kia Sportage’s standard driver safety tech includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention monitoring. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors can be added at higher trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sportage but all-wheel drive can be added to all trim levels for $1,500.

8. Mitsubishi Outlander

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.1

Reliability Score: 7.7

Retained Value Score: 7.1

Safety Score: 9.6

MSRP: $25,795

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $23,239

The Mitsubishi Outlander was redesigned for 2022 and has standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. All-wheel drive is standard.

9. Ford Escape

iSeeCars Quality Score: 7.8

Reliability Score: 8.0

Retained Value Score: 6.5

Safety Score: 9.0  

MSRP: $25,555

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $28,082

The Ford Escape offers forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment. The Ford Escape comes standard with front-wheel drive and makes all-wheel drive available on all trims for an added $1,500 except the top-line Titanium model, which includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

Best Midsize SUVs for Snow

Midsize SUVs and crossovers provide more cargo and passenger space than their small SUV counterparts and often include a third row of seating.

1. Toyota Highlander

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.9

Reliability Score: 8.5

Value Retention Score: 8.2

Safety Score: 10.0

Average New Car Price: $35,205-$49,510

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $41,763

The Toyota Highlander is a capable crossover with a comfortable, high-quality cabin and three rows of seats. The Highlander comes standard with a suite of safety features including cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. All trims come standard with front-wheel drive. AWD can be added to lower trims for $1,600 or $1,950 on higher trims.

A new Toyota Highlander costs between $35,205 and $49,510 and a three-year-old used Toyota Highlander costs an average of $41,763.

2. Honda Pilot

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.8

Reliability Score: 8.6

Value Retention Score: 7.4

Safety Score: 10.0

Average New Car Price: $36,830-$50,620

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $38,652

The Honda Pilot is a spacious three-row crossover SUV for those seeking a family-friendly hauler without the bulkiness of a full-size SUV. It’s available in all-wheel-drive or front-wheel drive and is a popular minivan alternative with spacious seating for up to eight passengers. It comes standard with a suite of safety features including collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pilot’s highest trim comes with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captains chairs. AWD can be added to lower trims for $2,000, and it comes standard on its highest elite trim.

A new Honda Pilot costs between $36,830 and $50,620 and a three-year-old used Honda Pilot costs $38,652.

3. Toyota 4Runner

iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.6

Reliability Score: 8.8

Value Retention Score: 9.0

Safety Score: 8.0

Average New Car Price: $37,305-$52,120

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $45,844

The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most reliable SUVs available thanks to its ruggedness and durability. Rear-wheel drive comes standard in most trims with the exception of TRD models, where four-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive can be added to the other trim levels for either $1,610 or $1,875. With over 9-inches of ground clearance, 4WD-equipped 4Runners can handle the harshest of winter conditions, making it the best midsize SUV for snow. The 4Runner’s TRD Pro trim, which has the off-road prowess to compete with the Jeep Wrangler, has a standard 4WD system that features low-range gearing and a locking rear differential to help escape extreme weather conditions. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

A new Toyota 4Runner costs between $37,305 and $52,120 and a three-year-old used Toyota 4Runner costs an average of $45,844.

4. Hyundai Santa Fe