The 10 SUVs That Conquer Winter Weather
As Canadian drivers, we’re no strangers to the harsh realities of winter weather. From the first snowfall until the last remnants of ice melt away, our roads become a treacherous obstacle course. Blinding blizzards reduce visibility to mere feet, while freezing rain coats the pavement in a treacherous layer of ice. Even after the plows have cleared the way, packed snow and slush can still leave roads slippery and unpredictable.
In these conditions, having a capable winter vehicle is not just a convenience – it’s a necessity for safe travel. Ordinary cars and trucks struggle to maintain traction and control, leaving drivers white-knuckled and on edge with every turn. However, an SUV equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) can power through the worst that winter throws our way. With their advanced traction systems and higher ground clearance, these winter warriors can tackle snow-covered roads and slippery conditions with confidence.
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Why AWD/4WD SUVs are Essential for Winter
When winter hits with its icy roads, deep snow, and whiteout conditions, having the right vehicle can mean the difference between a safe journey and a treacherous ordeal. All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems provide a distinct advantage by delivering power to all four wheels, maximizing traction on slippery surfaces. This enhanced grip allows for better acceleration, sharper handling, and more controlled braking – crucial factors when navigating through winter’s wrath.
Consider this scenario: you’re driving up a snowy hill, and the rear wheels of a two-wheel-drive vehicle start spinning helplessly, unable to find purchase on the slick surface. With an AWD or 4WD SUV, the power is distributed to the wheels with the most traction, allowing you to crest that hill with confidence. This added traction also pays dividends when driving on icy patches or navigating tight corners blanketed in snow.
Beyond traction, SUVs offer another winter-conquering asset: ground clearance. With their raised ride height, these vehicles can plow through deep snow that would leave a sedan or coupe stranded. Imagine trying to traverse an unplowed parking lot or rural road after a heavy snowfall – the additional ground clearance of an SUV allows you to forge ahead without getting stuck or causing undercarriage damage.
Take the Jeep Grand Cherokee, for example, with its available Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. This combination turns the vehicle into a virtual snow plow, capable of tackling even the most daunting winter conditions. The Subaru Outback, with its famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, is another formidable winter warrior, equally at home on snowy city streets or remote mountain passes.
Evaluating the Best Winter SUVs
When evaluating the top SUVs for winter driving in Canada, several key factors come into play. Firstly, all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) capabilities are essential for maintaining traction on slippery, snow-covered roads. These systems distribute power to all four wheels, providing enhanced grip and stability compared to traditional two-wheel drive vehicles.
Ground clearance is another crucial consideration, as it allows SUVs to navigate through deep snow without getting stuck or bottoming out. Higher clearance also helps prevent snow and ice buildup from interfering with the vehicle’s undercarriage components.
Advanced safety features like traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes play a vital role in winter driving safety. These systems help drivers maintain control and avoid skids or loss of traction in hazardous conditions. Some SUVs even offer specialized winter driving modes that optimize vehicle settings for maximum control on ice and snow.
Reliable cold-weather performance is a must for any winter-worthy SUV. Factors like robust battery performance, effective heating systems, and durable components that can withstand freezing temperatures are all important considerations. Additionally, some SUVs incorporate features like heated seats, steering wheels, and side mirrors to enhance comfort and visibility during harsh Canadian winters.
Interior space and cargo capacity are also important factors, as winter driving often requires hauling extra gear like snow shovels, ice scrapers, and emergency kits. SUVs with ample passenger room and versatile cargo areas make it easier to accommodate bulky winter clothing, sports equipment, and other essentials.
Finally, the availability of winter tire options is crucial. Dedicated winter tires, with their specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds, provide significantly better traction and braking performance on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Choosing an SUV with a wide range of winter tire options ensures optimal performance and safety during the coldest months.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that offers a balanced blend of practicality, efficiency, and capability. While not the most rugged option on this list, the CR-V’s available all-wheel-drive system and ample ground clearance make it a solid choice for winter driving.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder (190 hp, 179 lb-ft torque)
- Drivetrain: FWD (standard) or AWD (optional)
- Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches
- Cargo Space: 39.2 cu-ft (rear seats up), 75.8 cu-ft (rear seats down)
Winter Pros:
- Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces.
- Vehicle Stability Assist and Traction Control help maintain control in adverse conditions.
- Ample ground clearance and compact size make it maneuverable in snow.
- Efficient turbocharged engine sips fuel while still providing decent power.
Winter Cons:
- Not as capable off-road or in deep snow as some larger SUVs.
- Lower ride height than some competitors can be a disadvantage in heavy snow.
- Smaller cargo area may be limiting for hauling winter gear.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that offers a well-rounded package for winter driving in Canada. With available all-wheel drive, ample ground clearance, and a suite of advanced safety features, the RAV4 is a capable and reliable choice for tackling snowy and icy conditions.
Under the hood, the RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful option on the market, this engine provides ample acceleration and passing power, even when loaded with passengers or cargo.
When it comes to winter performance, the RAV4’s available all-wheel-drive system is a standout feature. This intelligent system can automatically distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed, ensuring optimal traction and stability on slippery surfaces. Additionally, the RAV4 boasts a generous 8.4 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to navigate through deep snow with ease.
Inside the cabin, the RAV4 offers a spacious and comfortable interior with ample room for passengers and gear. The cargo area is particularly impressive, with up to 69.8 cubic feet of space available when the rear seats are folded down, making it easy to transport winter sports equipment or luggage for a ski trip.
Pros for Winter Use:
- Available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
- Generous ground clearance for navigating deep snow
- Advanced safety features like traction control and stability assist
- Spacious interior and cargo area for winter gear
Cons for Winter Use:
- Base model lacks all-wheel drive
- Fuel efficiency may suffer with all-wheel drive engaged
- Limited off-road capabilities compared to more rugged SUVs
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has long been a favorite among drivers in wintry climates, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, and rugged nature. This compact SUV is built to tackle even the most treacherous winter conditions with ease.
Under the hood, the Forester packs a punchy 2.5-liter boxer engine that delivers a robust 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This power, combined with Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, ensures excellent traction and control on slick surfaces. The Forester also boasts an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to navigate through deep snow without getting bogged down.
Subaru’s winter pedigree is undeniable, and the Forester exemplifies this heritage. Its all-wheel drive system actively monitors traction and distributes power to the wheels with the best grip, ensuring optimal control in challenging conditions. Additionally, the Forester comes equipped with a host of advanced safety features, including traction control, stability control, and brake assist, providing an extra layer of confidence when driving on snow and ice.
Pros:
– Standard all-wheel drive
– Impressive ground clearance
– Robust safety features
– Ample cargo space for winter gear
– Subaru’s proven winter performance
Cons:
– Modest acceleration compared to some rivals
– Cabin noise levels could be improved
– Limited off-road capabilities compared to more rugged SUVs
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a well-balanced blend of capability, comfort, and value for Canadian winter driving. With an available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, the Escape can seamlessly transfer power between the front and rear wheels as needed for optimal traction on slippery surfaces.
Under the hood, the Escape is available with three engine options: a 1.5L EcoBoost, a 2.0L EcoBoost, and a hybrid powertrain. While the hybrid sacrifices some performance, it provides excellent fuel efficiency even in cold weather. Ground clearance is a respectable 7.3 inches, allowing the Escape to handle deep snow without getting stuck.
Inside, the Escape offers a spacious cabin with up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it easy to stow winter gear like skis, snowboards, and bulky coats. Advanced safety features like AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control help maintain stability in adverse conditions.
Pros for Winter: Intelligent AWD system, decent ground clearance, advanced safety tech, roomy interior, hybrid option for fuel savings.
Cons for Winter: Some underpowered engine options, lower ground clearance than larger SUVs, cabin can feel cramped with a full load of passengers and gear.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that offers a well-rounded package for winter driving in Canada. With an available intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Rogue can handle a variety of slippery conditions with confidence.
Under the hood, the Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful option on this list, the Rogue’s engine provides enough oomph for daily driving and highway merging.
One of the standout features of the Rogue for winter driving is its impressive ground clearance of 8.4 inches. This elevated ride height helps the Rogue navigate through deep snow and slush without getting bogged down or bottoming out.
Winter Pros:
- Available intelligent all-wheel-drive system
- Excellent ground clearance of 8.4 inches
- Spacious interior with ample cargo room for winter gear
- Available heated front seats and steering wheel
- Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Winter Cons:
- Underpowered engine compared to some competitors
- No off-road-specific driving modes or terrain management system
- Lower towing capacity than some larger SUVs
Overall, the Nissan Rogue is a practical and capable choice for Canadian drivers seeking a reliable and well-equipped SUV for winter driving. Its combination of all-wheel-drive, ground clearance, and advanced safety features make it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee blends off-road capability with modern comfort and style. With roots tracing back to the original Jeep models that conquered battlefields in World War II, the Cherokee showcases Jeep’s renowned 4×4 prowess. It’s a mid-size SUV that doesn’t shy away from snow, ice, or deep mud.
Under the hood, the Cherokee offers multiple engine options, including a punchy 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 and a torquey 3.2L V6. Both pair with an advanced 4×4 system with settings for different terrain types. An optional air suspension allows increasing ground clearance to over 8 inches for extra capability.
Winter pros of the Cherokee include its high ground clearance, short overhangs for better approach/departure angles, and available snow modes to optimize traction. The roomy interior has ample cargo space for gear like skis or a snowboard. Heated seats/steering wheel are a bonus on frosty mornings.
Downsides are that fuel economy suffers compared to smaller crossovers, and the boxy shape creates more wind noise at highway speeds. But for those who want a rugged, off-road-ready SUV that laughs at winter’s worst, the Cherokee is an excellent choice.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is a well-rounded mid-size SUV that checks many boxes for Canadian winter driving. It comes standard with an intelligent AWD system that automatically transfers power between the front and rear wheels as needed for optimal traction.
With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and available 18-inch wheels, the Terrain can handle deep snow without getting bogged down. Under the hood is a punchy 1.5L turbocharged engine making 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of power to plow through winter conditions.
Advanced safety tech like traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes aid in maintaining control on slippery surfaces. The Terrain also offers useful features like heated front seats, remote start, and a heated steering wheel to make those frigid mornings more comfortable.
Winter Pros: Capable AWD system, good ground clearance, strong turbo engine, advanced safety tech, heated comfort features.
Winter Cons: Smaller cargo area than some rivals, higher price for upper trims.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite among winter warriors in Canada. This rugged mid-size SUV offers superior all-weather capabilities with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Outback’s raised suspension and beefy tires allow it to plow through deep snow with confidence.
Under the hood, the Outback packs a punchy 2.5L 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 182 hp or an optional 2.4L turbocharged engine with 260 hp. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth, efficient power delivery. The Outback’s standard X-Mode optimizes the AWD system for maximum traction on slippery surfaces.
With 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Outback has ample room for winter gear like skis, snowboards, and sleds. The spacious cabin also offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel for those brutally cold Canadian mornings. Safety features like EyeSight driver assist technology and LED headlights with high beam assist enhance visibility and hazard prevention.
On the downside, the Outback’s ride can feel a bit firm and unrefined compared to some car-based crossover competitors. And while capable, its maximum 9.5 inches of ground clearance still falls short of dedicated off-road SUVs for extreme winter exploration. But for daily winter commuting and road trips, the Outback remains an exceptional cold-weather companion.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that offers a compelling blend of capability, comfort, and safety for Canadian winters. With available all-wheel drive and a robust 3.5L V6 engine, the Highlander has the power to tackle snowy roads with confidence.
From a specs standpoint, the Highlander boasts an impressive 8.0 inches of ground clearance, which helps it navigate deep snow and slush with ease. Its advanced traction control system and vehicle stability control work in tandem to prevent slips and maintain control on icy surfaces.
Safety is a strong suit for the Highlander, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking helping to mitigate collisions. The available blind spot monitoring system is particularly useful during winter when visibility can be compromised.
Inside, the Highlander offers a spacious and versatile cabin perfect for winter adventures. The generous cargo area can easily accommodate skis, snowboards, and other winter gear, while the third row provides seating for up to eight passengers. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel ensure comfort on the coldest days.
Pros:
- Powerful V6 engine with available AWD
- Ample ground clearance for snow
- Advanced safety tech for winter conditions
- Roomy interior with cargo space for winter gear
- Comfortable heated seats and steering wheel
Cons:
- Lower fuel efficiency than some competitors
- Third row can feel cramped for adults
- Higher price point than some other midsize SUVs
Jeep Grand Cherokee
When it comes to tackling the harshest Canadian winters, the Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out as the top SUV choice. This rugged and capable vehicle combines powerful performance with exceptional off-road capabilities that translate seamlessly to winter driving conditions.
Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee offers a range of powerful engine options, including the potent 5.7L V8 HEMI that delivers an impressive 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the available Quadra-Drive II 4WD system, this SUV can conquer even the most treacherous snow-covered terrain with ease.
The Grand Cherokee’s off-road prowess is further enhanced by its impressive ground clearance of up to 10.8 inches, allowing it to navigate through deep snow without getting bogged down. The Selec-Terrain Traction Management System optimizes the vehicle’s performance by adjusting various parameters, such as throttle response, transmission shifting, and transfer case behavior, to suit different driving conditions, including snow, sand, mud, and rock.
Inside the cabin, the Grand Cherokee offers a spacious and comfortable interior with ample room for passengers and cargo. This makes it an ideal choice for families or outdoor enthusiasts who need to transport winter gear, such as skis, snowboards, or camping equipment.
When it comes to safety, the Grand Cherokee doesn’t disappoint. It boasts a range of advanced safety features, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, and Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking. These systems help keep you and your loved ones secure on the road, even in challenging winter conditions.
With its exceptional performance, off-road capabilities, spacious interior, and advanced safety features, the Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out as the ultimate winter SUV for Canadian drivers. Whether you’re navigating through deep snow, icy roads, or treacherous mountain passes, this vehicle will get you to your destination with confidence and style.
Expert Winter Driving Tips
Even with the best winter SUV, driving in harsh Canadian conditions requires proper preparation and safe techniques. Here are some expert tips to keep you safe on the roads this winter:
Winter Tires
Investing in a quality set of winter tires is one of the most important steps for safe winter driving. Winter tires are designed with a specialized tread compound that remains flexible in cold temperatures, providing superior traction on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Be sure to install four matching winter tires and avoid mixing with other tire types.
Safe Driving Techniques
Adjust your driving habits for winter conditions. Accelerate and brake slowly and gently to avoid losing traction. Increase your following distance to allow more room for stopping. Take turns slowly and avoid sudden steering inputs. If you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go.
Emergency Kit
Assemble an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle. Essential items include a shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, booster cables, a flashlight, blankets, non-perishable snacks, and a first aid kit. Also include an ice scraper, snowbrush, and warm clothing in case you need to leave your vehicle.
Maintenance Checklist
Proper maintenance is crucial for reliable winter performance. Have your battery, coolant, wiper blades, and other key systems checked before winter. Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freezing. Check tire pressures frequently, as cold temperatures can cause tires to lose air. Finally, clean off all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving for maximum visibility.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Winter SUV
When it comes to tackling the harsh Canadian winters, having the right SUV is essential for safe and confident driving. Our top 10 list covers a range of excellent options, each offering its own unique strengths for winter conditions.
If you’re looking for the ultimate winter warrior, the Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out as the clear frontrunner. With its robust 4WD system, ample ground clearance, and advanced traction control features, it’s built to conquer even the most treacherous snow and ice. The Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander are also top contenders, combining impressive all-weather capabilities with spacious interiors and a reputation for reliability.
When choosing your ideal winter SUV, consider factors like AWD/4WD capabilities, ground clearance, advanced safety features, and cargo space to accommodate winter gear. Additionally, prioritize models with proven performance in cold weather and a wide selection of winter tire options.
Remember, even the most capable SUV requires proper winter tires and cautious driving techniques to maximize safety. Regularly maintaining your vehicle, carrying an emergency kit, and staying informed about road conditions are also crucial steps for winter preparedness.
Ultimately, the right winter SUV should instill confidence and peace of mind, allowing you to embrace the beauty of Canadian winters without compromising your safety or mobility. With our top 10 list as a guide, you’re well-equipped to find the perfect SUV for your winter driving needs.
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Questions About Best SUVs for Winter Weather
What are some of the key features that make an SUV well-suited for winter driving in Canada?
Some of the most important features to look for in an SUV to handle Canadian winters are an advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system, generous ground clearance, winter-specific drive modes, and advanced safety technologies like forward collision warning and lane keeping assist. AWD provides enhanced traction on slippery surfaces, while good ground clearance helps prevent getting stuck in deep snow. Winter drive modes optimize traction and stability systems for low-grip conditions. And the latest driver aids can help prevent accidents in poor visibility or when roads are treacherous.
How does the Subaru Outback's symmetrical AWD system give it an advantage in winter?
The Subaru Outback’s symmetrical full-time AWD system is designed to split power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels at all times. This provides optimal traction and stability right from the start, before wheels can begin slipping. Many competitors only send power to all four wheels after detecting wheel slip first. The Outback’s system combined with ample 8.7 inches of ground clearance makes it extremely capable in snow and ice right out of the gate.
What safety systems does the Toyota RAV4 offer to help prevent accidents in winter weather?
The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance technologies. This includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, and road sign assist. These features work together to provide an extra layer of protection by detecting potential hazards, keeping the vehicle centered, and automatically applying the brakes if needed.
How fuel efficient are the Honda CR-V's available engines?
The Honda CR-V offers two fuel-efficient engine options. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with AWD. For maximum efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid pairs two electric motors with a 2.0-liter gas engine for a combined 40 mpg city and 35 mpg highway rating. Both engines provide enough power for confident merging and passing, while delivering excellent fuel economy even in winter conditions.
What different drive modes are available on the Ford Escape to tackle varying winter conditions?
The Ford Escape’s Intelligent AWD system includes selectable drive modes to optimize performance for different terrain and conditions. Slippery mode adjusts throttle response and enhances traction control aid to provide better grip on ice or snow-covered roads. Deep snow/sand mode remaps throttle response and transmission shift points to more easily keep the wheels powered in loose or soft surfaces. There are also modes for muddy ruts, as well as normal on-road driving.
What makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee such a legendary off-road and winter driving vehicle?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system provides unmatched traction and capability in winter conditions. It combines a rear electronic limited-slip differential with a two-speed transfer case to deliver outstanding grip on snow and ice. An adjustable air suspension allows the ground clearance to be raised to a maximum of 10.8 inches for tackling deep snow drifts. And with a choice of powerful V6 or V8 engines, the Grand Cherokee has no problem powering through tough winter driving scenarios.
What safety technologies does Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite include?
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 offers a comprehensive array of driver assistance features. It bundles automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Together, these technologies help provide 360 degrees of active safety monitoring and intervention to avoid potential collisions from the front, side, and rear.
How does GMC's Traction Select system work to enhance winter driving capabilities?
The GMC Terrain’s available AWD system includes a Traction Select feature that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s settings for different driving situations. It provides modes for ideal performance in normal conditions, as well as sport, towing, off-road, and winter driving scenarios. In winter mode, the system adjusts the transmission shift points, engine throttle response, and electronic stability control calibrations to maximize traction and control on snowy, icy roads.
What makes the Mazda CX-5's i-Activ AWD system so effective in winter weather?
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system uses sophisticated algorithms to constantly monitor factors like outside temperature, windshield wiper usage, steering angle, and yaw rates. It can predict when traction may be lost and proactively adjust power distribution between the front and rear wheels to maximize grip before any slippage occurs. This predictive capability gives the CX-5 an edge over reactive AWD systems when encountering slippery winter road conditions.
How does Hyundai's HTRAC AWD system enhance traction in winter driving?
The Hyundai Tucson’s HTRAC AWD system features an active on-demand coupling that can route power between the front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driver inputs. For winter driving, the Snow mode remaps the throttle response and transmission shift points for better traction and control. An advanced traction control system can also transfer power across the rear axle to prevent wheel slip and enhance grip on snow and ice.
What are some of the advanced driver assistance features available on the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Volkswagen Tiguan offers a full suite of available driver assistance technologies under the IQ.DRIVE umbrella. This includes forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, park distance control, and more. These systems can help mitigate accidents in poor winter visibility or when roads are slippery by providing an extra layer of active safety monitoring.
How do the various AWD systems differ in how they engage and distribute power?
There are a few key differences in how AWD systems function. Some like Subaru’s symmetrical AWD are full-time systems that constantly distribute power between the front and rear axles. Others like Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD are reactive, only engaging the rear wheels when the fronts begin to slip. More advanced systems like Mazda’s i-Activ can proactively adjust power distribution before wheels slip based on inputs like steering angle and temperature. Many also offer driver-selectable modes to optimize traction for specific conditions like snow or mud.
How much ground clearance do these top winter SUVs typically provide?
Most of the top winter SUVs featured offer between 7-9 inches of ground clearance to help prevent getting stuck in deep snow. The Subaru Outback leads the pack with 8.7 inches, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee can raise its air suspension up to 10.8 inches of clearance when needed. Even the smallest models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V provide a respectable 8.1 and 8.2 inches respectively. This extra height helps prevent the underbody from getting hung up and allows the SUVs to better plow through deep snowdrifts.
What are some tips for driving an SUV safely in winter conditions?
Even with a capable AWD SUV, it’s important to adjust your driving habits for winter weather. Accelerate and brake slowly and smoothly to maintain traction. Increase your following distance to allow more room for stopping. Avoid aggressive steering inputs or abrupt maneuvers that could cause a skid. Inspect and clear all snow and ice off your vehicle before driving. Keep an emergency kit with items like a shovel, sand/cat litter, blankets, and snacks. And finally, simply avoid driving if conditions become too hazardous. No vehicle can overcome the dangers of heavy snow or ice storms.
How do these winter SUVs compare in terms of fuel efficiency?
Most of the compact and mid-size SUV models featured achieve pretty impressive fuel economy ratings even with their AWD systems. The most efficient is the Honda CR-V Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, followed closely by the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at 38 mpg. The non-hybrid 4-cylinder models like the Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson all manage respectable EPA ratings in the 26-29 mpg combined range. The larger Jeep Grand Cherokee and its available V8 engine is the least efficient at around 19 mpg combined. But all make use of modern fuel-saving tech like direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and idle stop-start to maximize mpg.
Are there any significant drawbacks to the extra ground clearance on these winter SUVs?
The increased ride height that gives these SUVs their winter capability does come with a couple potential downsides. Higher ground clearance typically results in a higher center of gravity compared to lower-riding cars and crossovers. This can make the vehicles feel a bit more top-heavy and prone to body lean in corners. The step-in height can also make entry and exit slightly more difficult for smaller passengers. However, these are fairly minor trade-offs for the added snow-driving prowess and peace of mind the extra ground clearance provides.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing an AWD system?
When shopping for an AWD system for winter driving, there are a few key factors to weigh. A full-time AWD system like Subaru’s is ideal, as it provides maximum traction from a standstill. Systems with driver-selectable modes like those from Jeep, GMC, and Hyundai offer great flexibility for different terrain. Advanced predictive systems like Mazda’s i-Activ provide an extra edge. Ground clearance is also crucial, with 8+ inches being preferable. Finally, an AWD system with a locking differential or torque-vectoring capability delivers even better grip in the worst conditions.
How do the available cargo capacities compare among these top winter SUV picks?
Most of these SUVs offer generous cargo room to haul winter gear and supplies. The mid-size models like the Subaru Outback (75.7 cu ft), Toyota RAV4 (69.8 cu ft), and Honda CR-V (75.8 cu ft) lead the way in maximum cargo space. The compact Ford Escape (65.4 cu ft) and Mazda CX-5 (59.6 cu ft) have a bit less room. And the Jeep Grand Cherokee ranges from 68.3-60.6 cu ft depending on the model. All can easily swallow a few suitcases or multiple snowboards/skis with the rear seats folded. The Outback and CR-V edge out the others with their slightly longer cargo floors.
Are these winter SUV picks all offered in hybrid versions?
Not all of the SUV models highlighted offer hybrid powertrain options yet. The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Jeep Grand Cherokee currently sell hybrid variants for enhanced efficiency. The Subaru Outback, Nissan Rogue, GMC Terrain, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Volkswagen Tiguan are still internal combustion-only. However, many automakers have plans to roll out electrified versions of their SUV lineups in the coming years to meet stricter emissions standards. So hybrid and plug-in hybrid options may become available across the board.
What are the typical price ranges for these capable winter SUV models?
These top winter SUV picks span a fairly wide price range depending on the model and trim level. The most affordable options are the compact Hyundai Tucson (MSRP $24,950-$34,700) and Nissan Rogue (MSRP $25,900-$36,070). Stepping up to a mid-size, the Honda CR-V ranges from $25,750-$35,850, while the Toyota RAV4 runs $26,350-$36,880. The Ford Escape ($25,555-$38,005) and Mazda CX-5 ($25,370-$37,505) are similarly priced. The Subaru Outback ($26,795-$39,695) and Jeep Grand Cherokee ($35,505-$64,490) occupy more premium segments. The top trims of the GMC Terrain ($28,195-$43,895) and Volkswagen Tiguan ($25,995-$38,635) also push into luxury territory.
