Explore these important factors to take into account when driving in snowy and other wintery weather. Best vehicles for driving in snow must have a strong drivetrain, which includes everything from the transmission to the tires. Look for driver assistance and safety features like stability control, blind-spot monitoring, etc.
Then, take into account any comfort or convenience amenities, including heated seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers, which can significantly improve driving conditions in icy conditions. To skip ahead to the part you want, use the links below.
Contents
- 1 Top 6 Vehicles for Driving in Snow
- 2 1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 3 2. Honda Pilot
- 4 3. Mazda CX-9
- 5 4. Subaru Ascent
- 6 5. Subaru Outback
- 7 6. Subaru Forester
- 8 What are the best vehicles for driving in snow?
- 9 How Can You Prepare Your Vehicle For Driving In The Snow?
- 10 What Are The Dangers Of Driving In The Snow?
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 Final Thoughts
Top 6 Vehicles for Driving in Snow
If you’re one of the lucky people who live in an area with lots of snow, you know that having a great vehicle for driving in the snow is important. Here are 10 of the best vehicles for driving in snow.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The midsize Grand Cherokee SUV’s AWD Trailhawk variant gets jacked up with 13.3 inches of ground clearance for clearing heavy snow piles and navigating rugged terrain. It already sits lofty in the metaphorical saddle for off-road excursions.
The Grand Cherokee comes with a choice of two or three rows of seating, a V6 or V8 engine, and a plug-in hybrid model that will be available soon. Three different AWD systems are available, each with a different level of off-road and on-road tenacity. Additionally, a Selec-Terrain traction control system is optional and allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s performance for different road conditions, such as snow, rocks, mud, and sand.
2. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a fantastic option for safe and secure family transportation, with three rows of seating accommodating up to eight passengers. It has a sleek and potent 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower, mated to a nine-speed automated transmission.
The Pilot’s all-wheel drive system has Honda’s Variable Torque Management with torque vectoring, which can divide engine torque between the left and right rear wheels in addition to the front and back axles for better handling in a variety of road conditions. The TrailSport trim raises the ground clearance to 7.9 inches from the standard 7.3 inches.
3. Mazda CX-9
With engaging handling and a spirited 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque when running on regular fuel and 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet when running on premium, the three-row Mazda CX-9 is livelier to drive than most midsize crossover SUVs.
Most of the engine’s power is typically sent to the front wheels by Mazda’s optional “i-Activ” all-wheel drive system, with a minor amount of torque being sent to the back to hasten the conversion to all-wheel drive when necessary. For added traction on slick roads, it can automatically transmit as much as 50% of it to the rear wheels. It has a base clearance of 8.8 inches.
4. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent’s three rows easily accommodate eight passengers. It is equipped with Subaru’s X-Mode traction management technology, a superior all-wheel drive system, and hill descent control as standard equipment, making it a true winter weather warrior.
It is driven by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and is paired to a gearless CVT transmission. The Ascent’s suspension provides a smooth ride and a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance for navigating moderately difficult off-road trails or deep snow.
5. Subaru Outback
One of the first automobile-based crossovers was the Subaru Outback, which was simply a midsize Legacy wagon with a higher ground clearance and robust stylistic elements and cladding to give it a more SUV-like appearance and feel. The Outback and Forester share the same continuously variable automatic transmission and 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine as standard, but the Outback’s highest trims provide the choice of a faster 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
The new Wilderness trim adds a little more off-road ability to the Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance and 9.5 inches of ground clearance thanks to its all-terrain tires. Its ability to handle bad weather is enhanced by all-wheel drive and technologies like hill-descent control and X-Mode traction augmentation.
6. Subaru Forester
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which is standard on the little Subaru Forester, not only distributes power to all four wheels simultaneously but also actively distributes it to the wheels with the best traction on slick surfaces. The Forester’s ground clearance is also quite high at 8.7 inches, and it increases to 9.2 inches in the new Wilderness grade, which also includes all-terrain tires.
In order to increase the Forester’s ability to grip slippery surfaces, all models other than the base model include hill descent control and X-Mode traction improvement. It has a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter “boxer” engine with 182 horsepower.
What are the best vehicles for driving in snow?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to the best type of vehicle to use for driving in snow, as different people have different preferences. However, some vehicles are better suited for the task than others.
One option is a four-wheel drive vehicle. These are typically better at handling slippery surfaces, and can provide more stability when driving in snow. Another option is a sports utility vehicle or SUV. These vehicles have a higher ground clearance, which can be helpful when traversing deep snow.
If you live in an area that frequently sees heavy snowfall, it might be a good idea to invest in a vehicle that is specifically designed for driving in such conditions. Such vehicles include pickup trucks with snowplows, all-wheel drive cars, and SUVs with chains on the tires. Whatever vehicle you choose, make sure that you are familiar with how to use it in snowy conditions.
How Can You Prepare Your Vehicle For Driving In The Snow?
In the winter, it is important to be prepared for the snow. One important way to prepare your vehicle is to make sure that the tires are in good condition.
You should also make sure that your car has a full tank of gasoline, in case you get stranded. It is also a good idea to keep a winter emergency kit in your car. This kit should include a shovel, a blanket, a flashlight, and some food and water.
What Are The Dangers Of Driving In The Snow?
When it snows, roads can be treacherous. Driving in the snow can be very dangerous, especially if you’re not used to it. Here are some of the dangers you can face when driving in the snow:
- Slippery roads. When it snows, the roads can be very slippery. This can make it difficult to control your car, and you can easily lose control.
- Reduced visibility. Heavy snow can reduce visibility to just a few feet. This can make it difficult to see other cars, pedestrians, and obstacles on the road.
- Icy roads. When it snows, the roads can freeze over, making them very icy. This can cause your car to skid and lose control.
- Poor weather conditions. Snow can create poor weather conditions, such as low visibility, icy roads, and slippery roads. This can make driving very dangerous.
If you’re not used to driving in the snow, it’s important to take extra precautions. Be sure to drive slowly and carefully, and never drive if you don’t feel comfortable. If the conditions are too dangerous, it’s best to stay off the roads altogether.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to this. After all the planning and all the work, you reach the finish line. Congratulations! But don’t forget, the real work is just beginning.
Final Thoughts
No matter what vehicle you choose, make sure to always practice safe driving in the snow. Stay aware of your surroundings, slow down, and use caution when turning.