This article was updated in 2024.
Also, watch our Best SUV for Snow YouTube video here.
With so many SUVs on the market, it’s tough to nail down the best SUV for snow, but we managed to boil the list down to some affordable and premium picks to keep in mind to tackle harsh winter roads.
Subaru Outback: The AWD Champion
Key Features:
Snow/Dirt mode with Subaru X-Mode
Renowned, proven Subaru all-wheel drive
Outback Wilderness trim offers more rugged features
The Subaru Outback has been a favourite among drivers in snowy regions for many years, thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that delivers excellent traction and stability on slippery roads. The Outback also has a high ground clearance and comes equipped with features such as heated front seats and mirrors, making it a comfortable and practical choice for winter driving.
Now, there’s an even more rugged version to take on snow and ice with the Outback Wilderness. Along with the synonymous cladding, this new trim gets larger Wilderness-designed wheel arches, perfect for traversing the white stuff. Plus, Subaru’s X-Mode in Snow/Dirt reacts very quickly to apply power and traction to where it’s needed and the suspension on the Wilderness provides 241mm or 9.5” of ground clearance over the rough terrain and if that isn’t quite enough, the 4 metal skid plates provided a little extra insurance. Here are our top picks for the best winter tires for the Outback SUV.
Volvo XC90: Renowned Safety with Swedish Style
Key Features:
Built on Volvo’s SPA platform for strength & safety
Standard Recharge tires
Heated seats, a heated steering wheel & a windshield wiper de-icer
The Volvo XC90 is a premium SUV with advanced safety features, including all-wheel drive and stability control, making it a strong performer in snowy conditions. The XC90 also has heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a windshield wiper de-icer, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for winter driving.
This is the Swede’s largest SUV and comes with standard Recharge tires for use all year round to ensure the winter months are covered. And for added assurance for snow driving, the latest XC90 is built on the company’s SPA platform (for the most robust Volvo cars to date) thanks to the extensive use of boron steel, coupled with numerous safety systems designed to protect people inside and outside the premium SUV.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Rugged Family SUV with 4WD
Key Features:
Selec-Terrain 5 drive mode system with Snow mode
Four-wheel-drive system
Jeep’s reputation for handling difficult terrain & road conditions
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a rugged SUV that performs well in snowy conditions thanks to its four-wheel-drive system and good ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee also offers features such as heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote start system, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for winter driving.
The latest Grand Cherokee comes with the Selec-Terrain system with five available terrain modes — including a Snow mode offering optimized calibrations for various snow road scenarios (other modes include Auto, Sport, Rock, and Mud/Sand). Plus, the standard all-aluminum 3.6L V6 engine serves up 293 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque is enough to conquer most snowy conditions.
Toyota 4Runner: Reputation for Reliability
Key Features:
More safety standard features for 2024 and new 2025 Trailhunter dials it up
New LED high beams in addition to LED low beams & fog lamps
Four-wheel-drive system & good ground clearance
The Toyota 4Runner is a reliable and capable SUV that performs well in snowy conditions thanks to its four-wheel-drive system and good ground clearance. The 4Runner also has features such as heated front seats and mirrors, making it a comfortable and practical choice for winter driving.
The latest 4Runner adds a new TRD Sport to the lineup — a road-tuned model that joins the trail-oriented TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models. Plus, more safety features are standard to make winter driving a little less stressful. This includes LED high beams and low beams and fog lamps to pitch in during those white-out, blizzard conditions on the road. Here’s a look at the first-ever 2025 4Runner Trailhunter.
Audi Q5: Quattro For the Win
Key Features:
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system
Blend of power, handling, & refinement
Heated front seats & a heated steering wheel
The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV that offers all-wheel drive and advanced safety features, such as traction control and stability control, which make it a top performer in snowy conditions. The Q5 also comes equipped with features such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for winter driving.
Regarding power, the latest Q5 has a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, powered by Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Overall, the Audi Q5 offers a blend of power, handling, and refinement, making it a top performer in its class.
Ford Explorer: A Family Favourite Packed with Features
Key Features:
Available intelligent four-wheel-drive system
Seven drive modes, including Snow mode
Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel
The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV that offers all-wheel drive and a terrain management system that adapts to changing road conditions, making it a good choice for snowy weather. The Explorer also comes equipped with features such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a comfortable and practical choice for winter driving.
Like the other SUVs on this list, the mid-size Explorer features a Terrain Management System, which provides up to seven drive modes, including Snow mode. The engine includes a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain (the Explorer ST we tested makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque). For winter driving, there’s an available intelligent four-wheel-drive system that automatically adjusts torque between the front and rear wheels to improve handling and traction. But if your winter driving duties take place in the mountains, the rugged Explorer Timberline is the way to go.
Range Rover Sport: Powerful with Upscale Amenities
Key Features:
Sophisticated all-wheel-drive system & advanced traction control
Heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a windshield wiper de-icer
Terrain Response 2 system for snow conditions
The Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and advanced traction control, making it a top performer in snow and other challenging conditions. The Range Rover Sport also has features such as heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a windshield wiper de-icer, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for winter driving.
This Range Rover’s most powerful engine option makes up to 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The Range Rover Sport features an air suspension system that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, and its Terrain Response 2 system enhances traction and handling on various terrains.
SUVs designed for snow typically have a combination of features that improve traction, stability, and visibility on slippery roads. Here are some of the key features to look for when choosing an SUV for snow:
All-wheel drive: All-wheel drive (AWD) distributes power to all four wheels, improving traction and stability on slippery roads. AWD is especially useful in snow and ice, where it can help prevent wheel slippage and maintain traction.
Traction control: Traction control helps prevent wheel slippage by reducing engine power or applying brakes to the slipping wheels. This feature can be especially useful in snowy or icy conditions where maintaining traction is critical.
Stability control: Stability control helps keep the SUV stable and prevents skidding or spinning by selectively applying brakes to individual wheels or adjusting engine power. This feature can be especially useful in slippery conditions where sudden movements can lead to loss of control.
Ground clearance: SUVs with higher ground clearance can better navigate snow-covered roads and uneven terrain. They can also traverse deeper snow without getting stuck.
Winter tires: Winter tires are specially designed to improve traction on snow and ice, with a tread pattern that helps grip the road and a rubber compound that remains pliable in cold temperatures. Switching to winter tires can make a significant difference in the SUV’s ability to navigate snowy roads.
Heated seats and heated steering wheel: Heated seats and a heated steering wheel can make driving in the snow more comfortable, especially on long drives. These features can help keep the driver warm and reduce the need for bulky winter clothing.
Windshield wiper de-icer: A windshield wiper de-icer helps prevent ice from accumulating on the wipers, improving visibility in snowy or icy conditions.
Overall, the best SUVs designed for snow have a combination of features that improve traction, stability, and comfort in challenging winter conditions.
