If you live in an area prone to inclement weather, you’ll definitely be searching for the best SUV for snow and ice. Snowy conditions pose multiple risks for drivers, from low visibility to a severe loss of traction. Fortunately, the saturated market also offers vehicles that are set up to operate efficiently and safely in slippery situations. Of course, all-wheel-drive or genuine 4-wheel drive is a major component in helping you navigate slippery surfaces with more confidence, but many top-rated crossover SUVs also feature special driving modes for this purpose. Our rankings of the best SUVs for snow in 2024 will help you find the best of the bunch, to make sure you aren’t left out in the cold.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
9.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $38,035
- Fuel Economy
- 19/26 MPG
- Horsepower
- 293 hp
2024 Volvo XC60
8.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $46,900
- Fuel Economy
- 22/28 MPG
- Horsepower
- 247 hp
2024 Tesla Model X
8.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $79,990
- Fuel Economy
- 107/97 MPG
- Horsepower
- 670 hp
2024 Mazda CX-5
8.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $29,300
- Fuel Economy
- 26/31/28 mpg (base) | 22/27/24 mpg (Turbo)
- Horsepower
- 187 hp (base) | Up to 256 hp (Turbo)
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
8.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $40,970
- Fuel Economy
- 36/35 MPG
- Horsepower
- 243 hp
2024 Acura MDX
8.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $50,150
- Fuel Economy
- 19/26 MPG
- Horsepower
- 290 hp
2024 GMC Yukon XL
8.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $61,200
- Fuel Economy
- 15/20 MPG
- Horsepower
- 355 hp
2024 Subaru Forester
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $27,095
- Fuel Economy
- 26/33 MPG
- Horsepower
- 182 hp
2024 Kia Sportage
8.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $27,190
- Fuel Economy
- 25/33 MPG
- Horsepower
- 187 hp
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $52,600
- Fuel Economy
- 15/20 MPG
- Horsepower
- 355 hp
2024 GMC Yukon
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $58,200
- Fuel Economy
- 15/20 MPG
- Horsepower
- 355 hp
2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $83,000
- Fuel Economy
- 19/26 MPG
- Horsepower
- 355 hp
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
8.5/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $28,395
- Fuel Economy
- 24/31 MPG
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
2024 Ford Expedition
8.5/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $54,555
- Fuel Economy
- 17/23 MPG
- Horsepower
- 380 hp
2024 Ford Expedition Max
8.5/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $58,555
- Fuel Economy
- TBC
- Horsepower
- 380 hp
2024 Nissan Pathfinder
8.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $36,080
- Fuel Economy
- 20/27/23 mpg (2WD) | 21/27/23 mpg (AWD)
- Horsepower
- 284 hp (295 hp Rock Creek)
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
8.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $25,195
- Fuel Economy
- 27/34 MPG
- Horsepower
- 152 hp
2024 Ford Explorer
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $36,860
- Fuel Economy
- 21/28 MPG
- Horsepower
- 300 hp
2024 Audi Q5
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $45,300
- Fuel Economy
- 23/29 MPG
- Horsepower
- 201 hp
2024 Jeep Wrangler
7.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $31,995
- Fuel Economy
- 17/23 MPG
- Horsepower
- 285 hp
2023 Honda CR-V
7.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $28,410
- Fuel Economy
- 28/34 MPG
- Horsepower
- 190 hp
2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
7.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $35,195
- Fuel Economy
- 17/23 MPG
- Horsepower
- 285 hp
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
7.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $37,995
- Fuel Economy
- 20/27 MPG
- Horsepower
- 269 hp
2024 Toyota 4Runner
7.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $40,705
- Fuel Economy
- 16/19 MPG
- Horsepower
- 270 hp
2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
7.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $61,500
- Fuel Economy
- 22/26/23 mpg
- Horsepower
- 247 hp
2023 Jeep Renegade
7.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $27,850
- Fuel Economy
- 23/29 MPG
- Horsepower
- 177 hp
2021 Mazda CX-3
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $20,790
- Fuel Economy
- 29/34 MPG
- Horsepower
- 148 hp
2024 Lexus GX
- Base MSRP
- $62,900
- Fuel Economy
- 15/21 MPG
- Horsepower
- 349 hp
Characteristics of SUVs for Snow
While many drivers will attempt to brave the snow no matter what car they drive, there is no denying that certain types of cars are better at getting the job done than others. Being big certainly helps, which is why pickup trucks and SUVs have a natural advantage, but there is more to it than that. Here are the qualities that set best SUVs for winter snow and ice apart from their more urban siblings:
What to Consider Before Buying an SUV for Snow
Buying a new car can be tricky, with each option offering something different. Some of these differences are good, while others may put some shoppers off. Most cars with AWD are heavier, which has some knock-on effects when it comes to handling and fuel economy. However, there are other trade-offs, too, so make sure that you know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line. Here are the pros and cons of SUVs made for snow:
Pros
- Excellent traction in all situations
- Highly dependable and reliable
- Quite a few comfort and luxury elements
- Certain degree of off-roading ability
Cons
- Engines can be very thirsty
- Heavier than two-wheel-drive cars
- Not as cheap as all-weather cars
FAQs
What is the best SUV for snow driving?
Everyone has a different hot take when it comes to the best car in any particular category. Therefore, it helps to look at not only the top-ranking model on any list, but also those around it. If money isn’t a top concern, then the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Volvo XC60 are definitely worth considering, since they combine most of the pros of these cars. If you need even more space, the 3-row Grand Cherokee L is a good option. However, if you’re on a budget, the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage are good compromises.
Are there any affordable winter crossovers?
From sports cars to snow-plowing SUVs, there will always be certain brands striving to appeal to the cash-strapped masses. It is even more important to make sure you’re getting one of the better options out there when you really don’t have the money to spare on a bad choice. To this end, some sub-$25k cars include the Kia Sportage and Subaru Crosstrek.
Is it worth buying a used 4WD vehicle?
A high price tag is one of the biggest drawbacks to a good SUV made for snow. However, these cars are also designed to be extremely sturdy and dependable, so they stand the test of time very well. Used models are a great way to get all the benefits while skipping over some of those pesky price problems. You’ll still need to be able to afford the heavier fuel bills, though.
