Eight new cars for winter driving

by Baron Wilton

posted on December 20, 2022

Eight trucks and SUVs equipped with this season’s essentials

Winter is in full swing, and the best way to explore the great outdoors is in a vehicle equipped to conquer the road ahead. When snow and ice blanket the ground and the idea of a mountain trip is calling you, the most responsible and fun way to tackle the road is in a 4×4 or all-wheel drive car with winter tires, generous ground clearance, and of course heated seats. We put together a list of some of the most capable and comfortable winter-ready cars that have been released or redesigned within the last couple years and are waiting to accompany you on your adventures this season.

Ford Bronco Black Diamond

The Ford Bronco is one of America’s quintessential SUVs, and its return in 2021 was huge for the automotive community. The new Bronco comes in eight trims, all of which support various types of off-roading or winter-trekking.* The Black Diamond trim (named after the most intense level of skiing) offers seven driving modes, 35-inch all-terrain tires, rubberized floors with easy-cleaning drain plugs, and reinforced steel bumpers. Ben’s rarer four-door Bronco is also equipped with the Sasquatch package, bringing glossy aluminum rims, added torque, and position sensitive dampers. Plus, 330hp and 415 lb-ft of torque will not go unnoticed when traveling through the expansive national parks of the Wild West.

Nissan Frontier PRO-4X

Nissan finalized the Frontier’s extensive makeover in 2022, and the redesigned truck has modernized looks and more advanced features than years prior. Nissan’s suite of safety technology comes standard on the new Frontier, including blind spot warnings, automatic emergency braking, a heads-up display, and a handy 360º camera ideal for parking or avoiding large rocks in the snow. The Frontier is now powered by a 3.8L direct-injection V6 engine, offering 310 hp and near-instantaneous thrust. Saif’s Tactical Green PRO-4X is the most adventure-ready 4×4 trim offered on the Frontier, featuring Bilstein shock absorbers, red contrast interior stitching, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and overfenders to protect against rock scrapes.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

Mark’s Grand Cherokee 4xe is the off-roading focused Trailhawk trim, which includes Jeep’s 4×4 adjustable air suspension, a locking rear differential, baby blue tow hooks, hood decals, and a snazzy, contrasting black roof. This one also comes in Jeep’s new 4xe trim, which introduces a plug-in hybrid drivetrain exclusively to the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models. That’s right, this Jeep is both specially equipped for tough terrain and is a hybrid.* The Grand Cherokee 4xe can trudge through an impressive 56 miles of snowy terrain on pure electric power, hauling up to five passengers with 375 hp and a gripping 470 lb-ft of torque. You can expect wireless smartphone connectivity, a passenger-only infotainment screen and heated massaging seats for a luxurious trek through the Rockies.

Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

Bjorn’s beefy Solar Octane Tundra will undoubtedly stand out amidst the snowy white background of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The newly redesigned Tundra is among few Toyota vehicles to display the distinguished TRD Pro badge, which is the overlanding-focused trim within Toyota’s TRD racing brand.* Toyota’s motorsports and rallying prestige is overwhelmingly felt inside the Tundra TRD Pro, which features the iFORCE MAX V6 Hybrid engine with 437 hp and a 10-speed automatic transmission. A buoyant air suspension, an LED light bar, and an advanced 12-speaker JBL audio system is standard fun with this premier Tundra. The truck even achieves 22 mpg — a huge feat for a sizable truck with instantaneous torque — thanks to its highly efficient hybrid powertrain.

Subaru Outback Wilderness

You can never over prepare for a memorable trip through Anchorage’s nearby glaciers or Aurora Borealis viewpoints, and Julie’s Outback Wilderness is proof of just that. Julie has decked out her Outback with a ski rack and ice scrapers and, if requested, a bike rack, snow sleds, pull-behind sleds, and military-grade winter gear. Safety takes no holiday in the new Outback Wilderness, equipped with Subaru’s all-wheel drive powertrain, Dual X-Mode for all-terrain driving, winter studded tires, and over nine inches of ground clearance. Inside the cabin, you’ll appreciate moisture repellant upholstery, fold-down rear seats, and heated seats and steering wheel.

Rivian R1T

The Rivian R1T will always be the world’s first electric truck and the winter is the best time to take advantage of its impressive capability. Featuring 314 miles of range and up to 835 hp, this beast is among the most powerful trucks available. But the Rivian’s value doesn’t stop there. The R1T offers eight driving modes, over three feet of wading depth, and can sprint up to 60 mph in less than three seconds. Inside Benjamin’s R1T, you’ll enjoy LTE connectivity, vegan leather-wrapped seats, and a fully immersive Meridien sound system with Bluetooth speakers you can detach and bring with you on foot.

Land Rover Defender 110

Patrick’s blacked-out Defender may look ominous, but the newly redesigned SUV icon is remarkably inviting. The Defender 110 grows 17 inches longer than the two-door Defender 90, offering generous space for up to seven passengers. Inside the luxuriously rugged cabin, you will find a wireless charging station, a fully expansive panoramic roof, Land Rover’s premier Meridian sound system, and did we mention a mini fridge? Under the hood, the British stunner features 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque powered by a 3.0L Ii6 mild-hybrid engine that cleverly re-energizes the battery throughout the drive. Despite its distinguished appearance, the Defender is ready to tackle even the most intense conditions with 11.5 inches of ground clearance, adjustable air springs, and 360º cameras that can display what’s below the hood of the truck.

Ford F-150 Tremor

It’s impossible to make a list of capable trucks without mentioning America’s best selling vehicle — the Ford F-150. Kyle’s F-150 Tremor adds an air of luxury and off-roading prowess to the popular truck without the burly flare of the premier Raptor trim.* Kyle’s F-150 features a 400 hp twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine that rides on 33-inch all-terrain tires and Ford-exclusive shock absorbers. Walking around the truck, you’ll notice matte black aluminum rims, orange Tremor badging, and a sizable 66-inch bed. The F-150 Tremor also features trail-ready driving controls to make it easier to tackle steep grades including one-pedal driving for a rapid and smooth braking response.

* Please keep in mind that off-roading with any vehicle booked on Turo is prohibited.

Baron Wilton

Baron is a walking encyclopedia of car facts. His favorite sport is behind the wheel of his Jaguar F-Type, which he drives more in the canyons of SoCal than on the streets.

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