by Turo
posted on July 23, 2019
Cars for staying safe and comfortable on the road this winter
This season’s heavy snowfall might have you reaching for a cozy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, but if you’re one of the millions of drivers that need to be on the road, it can also be a little scary.
If you don’t live in a region where it snows regularly and you decide to head up to the mountains to enjoy a few days of skiing, driving in the snow can be even more nerve-wracking. With white-out conditions, slippery roads, and even black ice, it’s important to be prepared before you head out to face Old Man Winter.
Safe and comfortable vehicles for snowy conditions
From trucks to wagons, and everything in between, there’s a plethora of options to choose from when looking for the best vehicle for the snow.
Trucks
Trucks have always been a preferred choice for adventure seekers for a couple of reasons. Most models can come with all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive to keep drivers in control even in the worst conditions. On top of that, you’ll have space in the truck bed for snowboards, skis, and whatever else you need to bring along with you.
Trucks with double cabs are exceptionally comfortable if you’re planning on bringing the family or the gang up to the snow with you. And modern trucks — like the Jeep Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, and Chevy Colorado — have become much more reasonable when it comes to fuel consumption.
SUVs
Many SUV models are obvious choices for the snow because they combine four-wheel drive functionality and spacious comfort. What’s the best SUV for the snow? Of course there are a ton of options, but some of the classic wintertime favorites include the Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Explorer, and Jeep Wrangler. In fact, most any Jeep model will handle some frigid roadways nicely.
Sedans
AWD is no longer limited to SUVs or trucks. With AWD and a proper set of winter tires to enhance traction in the snow, you’ll find a sedan can take you where you want to go, whether it’s across town or up to the slopes.
Sedans with proven AWD systems like the Subaru Impreza and Audi A6 will be more than capable in hauling you and your buddies up to the slopes.
Wagons
If you’re looking for a car that’s jam-packed with practicality but oozing with style and quirkiness, then you may want to check out a wagon for your next snow-filled adventure. A wagon equipped with all-wheel drive can keep you steady over slick, snowy roads or on a steady incline to your snow cabin up the mountain.
With several wagon options to try out, you’ll want to start with a Subaru. This brand has made driving a wagon cool and relevant despite the growing number of SUVs and sedans out in the market. With its ground clearance and AWD, the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best vehicles for snow adventures. It’s fast, but not too fast, responsive, and handles the curves of a mountain quite easily.
If you want something fancier than a Subaru Crosstrek, a wagon to consider is the Volvo V60. With AWD and a bit of ruggedness, the V60 Cross Country is a perfect car to drive up the mountain in luxury.
5 tips for driving up to the mountains for ski season
Safe driving begins before you even get on the road. Having the right car and the right equipment can go a long way in preparing for winter driving. In the winter, your car’s condition matters a whole lot more, so check to see how your car battery is doing, wipers, headlights, brake lights, coolant, and tires before heading out. You’ll be glad you did.
1. Slow down and pay attention
Snowy and icy conditions can make the roads extra slippery, making it harder for you to slow down when you need to. So instead of waiting to test your reaction time and brakes, simply leave earlier than usual, drive slowly, and pay extra attention to the speed of drivers around you.
2. Understand what anti-lock brakes do
Speaking of brakes, do you know what happens when you suddenly hit a patch of ice, and your first instinct is to slam on the brakes?
Just about all new and newish cars have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which typically stops your tires from skidding if you stomp on the brake pedal too fast. This system will certainly help in the event of an adrenaline-filled panic-brake situation, but even with ABS, it’s easy for tires to break traction if you try to stop quickly on ice. Even if your vehicle has sophisticated traction control and ABS systems, be aware they won’t always save you in every circumstance.
3. Don’t depend on your tires too much
For the most part, all-weather or all-season tires are not cut out for true winter conditions. Snow tires are a wise investment if you find yourself driving on icy, wet, and snowy roads with any regularity — many people find a good set of winter tires trumps four wheel drive with regular tires.
But don’t forget that tires are just tires. Even the best snow tires don’t function properly if the person steering them doesn’t use them smartly — drive slowly and stay attentive on the road.
4. Go easy on the pedals
In general, avoid stopping and reaccelerating whenever possible, and instead be content with crawling at consistent speeds in traffic or in parking lots. Applying extra gas can cause your wheels to spin, and as soon as your tires aren’t gripping the road, you’re out of control. Same goes with braking too hard — you’ll lose traction that way too.
5. Listen to the weather forecast
Yes, the Weather Channel is not always right, but sometimes it is. If the news says that road conditions are getting dangerous, take a break and stay home instead. The snow will still be there tomorrow, and your visibility, as well as your safety and peace of mind, might be better suited if you wait it out.
Try out some different options
The snow season lasts several months in North America, giving you a good long while to drive into the mountains to enjoy a snowy weekend or a day of snowboarding and skiing. It also means that you can book a different car to take you there each time to see what works best for you. Filter for all-wheel drive on Turo and peruse around for the perfect vehicle for all your snowy adventures.
