Steven Perez

by Steven Perez

posted on November 24, 2021

Favorite picks for this season’s travels

For those who don’t live in a region where it snows regularly, navigating winter roads safely can be a bit nerve-wracking. This season, before you head up to the mountains for skiing or playing in the snow, make sure you go prepared. When it comes to driving icy roads, experience really is the best teacher, but choosing the right vehicle will go a long way in setting you up for a safe experience.

First, a few basic tips. SUVs and trucks tend to be popular options for winter driving thanks to good visibility, interior space, and ground clearance, but remember that bigger often doesn’t mean better. Ultimately, your tires might have the biggest impact on your safety. When paired with winter tires or a solid set of chains, most four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles should do the trick. Note: Four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are often used interchangeably — the two systems operate in mechanically distinct ways but their effect is essentially the same in most situations.

Proper winter-rated tires (called snow tires or winter tires) are your best bet for driving on icy, wet, or snowy roads. Not sure if your vehicle has winter tires? Check for a snowflake or mountain icon on your tires’ sidewalls. If you don’t have winter tires and are headed somewhere with snow, you should always carry chains with you just in case — even with a four-wheel drive vehicle, and even if snow isn’t in the forecast.

Filter your searches for “Snow tires/chains” to find listings offering either winter solution. And when in doubt, stick with one of these trusted brands with proven 4WD or AWD vehicles.

Vehicles for snowy conditions

Subaru

Joel’s 2021 Subaru Forester (Reno, NV)

Thanks to its legendary all-wheel drive system, Subaru has long been the people’s choice for outdoorsy types of all stripes. Every Subaru model (except for the BRZ sports car) comes standard with AWD, and the brand’s mix of affordability and dependability is the reason you see Subarus all over every mountain town in North America. From the Impreza to the three-row Ascent, you can’t go wrong with Subaru.

Jeep

Firas’ 2018 Jeep Wrangler (Mansfield, MA)

Here’s a no-brainer. All Jeep vehicles can be found with AWD or 4WD and should handle frigid roadways with relative ease, but for longer trips, we recommend one of the bigger models like the Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, or Gladiator.

Toyota

Andrew’s 20189 Toyota 4Runner (Aurora, CO)

Toyota boasts a large list of very capable vehicles — the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser are longtime favorites for outdoor adventurers. But the RAV4, Highlander, Sequoia, and even the Sienna minivan can be found with AWD and would serve you well when conditions aren’t friendly.

Land Rover

Rasha’s 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (Calgary, AB)

Land Rover has one of the more sophisticated AWD systems out there and the brand has a long history of making top-tier go-anywhere SUVs. Every Land Rover model these days is also super luxurious and packed with creature comforts, making for cozy stints on the highway or in town. If you prefer something on the big and rugged side, try the Discovery or the new(ish) Defender.

Chevrolet

Ryan’s 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (Denver, CO)

All of Chevy’s SUVs, crossovers, and trucks can come with all-wheel drive. The Trax, Equinox, Traverse, and Blazer are all serviceable in inclement weather when properly equipped. If you need something larger, the Tahoe and Suburban are tried-and-true options for family road trips. Chevy’s pickup trucks, the Silverado and Colorado, will also certainly do the trick — just make sure they’re four-wheel drive.

Audi

David’s 2017 Audi Q7 (Lakewood, CO)

Among the German luxury brands, Audi has arguably the most pedigree when it comes to conquering slippery surfaces. Audi has been honing their quattro AWD system for decades, and today you can get any Audi model with full-time all-wheel drive. If you need some solid interior space, take a look at the Q5, Q7, or Q8, otherwise, properly-equipped Audi sedans or wagons will also get you where you need to go.

Ford

Matt’s 2020 Ford Bronco (Bluffdale, UT)

By the numbers, Ford is king of the truck world, so any 4WD Ford truck is worth consideration. Their SUVs are also quite popular though — from smallest to largest: Escape, Edge, Explorer, and Expedition. For a really special experience with one of the newest and most capable vehicles on the road, try finding a Ford Bronco.


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Steven Perez

Steven Perez

Steven is an avid car guy and content maker at Turo. Between Golden State Warriors games he can be found getting lost somewhere in California.

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