by Anna Hann
posted on 30 January 2025
With an estimated 27% of skiers in the UK planning to drive to the slopes this season, many drivers might want to upgrade their car to one better suited to a long journey in winter and the alpine terrain. In fact, ‘all-wheel drive’ is one of the most popular search terms on Turo.
But what else should you consider if you’re looking for a snow-ready vehicle to transport you to your ski resort safely? And what are the top ten cars to get you from the urban sprawl of the UK to the snowy mountains of Europe comfortably and stylishly? Let’s dig into the details.
Five features essential for long, snowy road trips
The features drivers want from a car for long-distance driving in the winter to help have a safe and comfortable drive might differ from other road trips. For starters, it helps to find a fuel-efficient vehicle and a Turo host who offers unlimited mileage, remembering that if you want to drive in Europe, you’ll need permission from your host and Turo. But there are other factors worth considering, too, helping make the journey to your ski resort – through potentially adverse conditions – as smooth as possible.
1. All-wheel drive
If you know you’ll be driving on snowy or icy roads, the first filter you’ll want to apply on your Turo search is ‘all-wheel drive’. Combining larger tyres and an all-wheel drive system or the off-road capability of a four-wheel drive improves traction on slippery roads and uneven terrain.
For instance, electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y or Ford Explorer can perform exceptionally well in snowy terrain and across slippery surfaces due to their all-wheel drive and instant torque. And vehicles like the Audi Q5 have specific technologies to ensure high performance in winter conditions.
It’s worth knowing that an all-wheel drive system (AWD) differs slightly from a four-wheel drive (4WD). Most modern SUVs have an all-wheel drive system optimised for on-road use. It sends the engine’s power to all four tyres, seamlessly shuffling torque between the front and rear tyres as needed. This helps keep your vehicle moving forward better than front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive on snow-covered roads.
Good winter tyres are essential for maintaining traction in snow and ice. You’ll also need to consider snow chains for your tyres. Each European country has its own legislation about using snow chains, so check what you need before you travel and make sure you’re prepared.
2. High ground clearance
Ground clearance is the space between the driving surface and the car’s underbody. Vehicles with high ground clearance help you drive more safely in deeper snow and across rougher terrain, so it’s an essential factor to consider when driving in the Alps. Helpfully, many all-wheel drive SUVs have higher-than-average ground clearance, so many of the SUVs drivers consider for a snowy road trip will have high ground clearance.
With a high ground clearance vehicle, like bigger SUVs such as Land Rovers, you also get the added benefit of better visibility, thanks to a higher driving position, which can give drivers more confidence in more challenging driving conditions en route to their ski lodge.
3. Comfortable and cosy interiors
Driving from the UK to a ski resort or ski lodge in the Alps involves a long journey, so in-car comfort is key when choosing your vehicle. You’ll want a spacious interior, especially if you’ve got passengers travelling in the back, and a great entertainment system to help pass the hours.
Different cars have different entertainment systems, from Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth systems to the Caraoke and in-car games you’ll find in Tesla models. Newer Mercedes-Benz cars have the brand’s MBUX Infotainment System, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience System, which uses artificial intelligence to transform your drive into a personal experience.
Adverse weather conditions aren’t just an issue for the outside of your vehicle—you’ll want a car that’s cosy and comfortable inside. Filter your ski car search on Turo to find cars with heated seats. They’re the fastest way to warm up if you’ve been outside and make for a comfortable drive. Many luxury SUVs and cars also have heated steering wheels to keep your mitts toasty as you drive.
4. Advanced safety systems
Advanced safety features enhance the safety and agility of vehicles in winter conditions. As some UK drivers aren’t used to driving in very snowy and icy conditions, choosing a car with advanced safety features can help navigate adverse weather conditions and steep terrain with built-in systems to support drivers, acting as extra eyes on the road and all-around sensors providing features such as lane assist and help guide you into tighter parking spots.
If you find a vehicle with adaptive cruise control, you can choose the speed you want to drive, and the car’s system will maintain it. However, this advanced technology goes beyond standard cruise control because if the built-in sensors detect a vehicle ahead, it will slow the car to maintain a pre-set distance. Then, if the road in front is clear, the vehicle will accelerate to your chosen speed.
Cutting-edge technology can help you feel more confident driving in adverse weather conditions and across challenging terrain. Some of the latest SUVs have adaptive suspension systems that use sensors to monitor the vehicle and road conditions and optimise the suspension settings.
Of course, you need to look for more than cutting-edge technology. Simpler safety considerations, like larger tyres that provide more grip on icy roads and choosing a capable SUV, should also be on your must-have list. And hill start assist is a great feature to make sure the car has to help if you’ve parked on an icy slope.
5. Ample space for ski gear and friends
Ski gear is bulky—especially if you’re taking your own skis and boots—so you’ll want to find a car or SUV with plenty of storage space, whether that’s a generous boot space or a vehicle that’s ready to take a roof box for your excess ski equipment. You might also want to look for a car where you can fold down the centre rear seat to fit long skis, such as a Tesla Model Y.
It’s not just room for the luggage you’ll need to consider. If you’re planning a winter ski trip with friends or family, you’ll want to make sure your passengers are comfy on the long drive. Filter your search to find a seven-seater option. You could also consider a minivan, but you’ll lose the high-ground clearance and all-wheel drive SUVs offer.
The ten best ski cars
With these five criteria in mind, we collated some of the best vehicles available in the UK for a long winter drive to the mountains. Some affordable, fuel-efficient options pack a punch with their added extras, and others, like the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover Defender, add significant power and style to their admirable performance credentials.
10. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento, with front heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard, is a fantastic option for those who don’t want to break the bank before their ski trip begins. The newest iteration of this family SUV has a stylish new look, with sleek LED headlights and a bold grille design.
Jay’s Kia Sorento also features a Bose sound system and multiple ways to connect your devices, helping those motorway miles fly by and making navigating your way to your ski town as easy as possible. Jay’s Sorento has four-wheel drive (not all Sorentos do), front and rear heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof so your passengers can admire those alpine views as you journey deeper into Europe.
9. Audi S4 Avant
The Audi S4 Avant may only be available as a used car in the UK after Audi stopped production, but its stellar driving experience still earns it a place in the top 10 list of ski cars. It’s not an SUV, so you don’t get the benefit of high ground clearance, so bear that in mind when making your choice, but for those long stretches of motorway to the Alps, you’ll find the Audi S4 Avant a smooth and comfortable drive.
Cameron’s Audi S4 Avant is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a grand tourer. It will effortlessly eat up the miles to the slopes and keep you and your passengers comfy on the journey. This model boasts plenty of boot space and the potential for a roof rack for extra space for all your gear.
8. MG HS
All-wheel drive and heated seats are crucial features, both of which are features of the mid-range SUV MG HS. This is a super practical option, with seriously generous boot space, but you’re not giving up some modern touches. There’s a huge touchscreen and great infotainment connectivity to help you find the best route and keep everyone entertained along the way.
Another option at the lower end of the price spectrum, Ayesha’s MG HS, more than holds its own against other, pricier models. Her Trophy version MG HS is top-of-the-range with some nice-to-have extras not found on all models, like a powered tailgate and wireless phone charging.
7. Mercedes-Benz GLA
While Mercedes-Benz has a few cars in its prestigious lineup that would make excellent options for driving to the Alps, including the mighty Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a top choice if you’re looking for something smaller that still has all the must-haves for winter driving.
As a luxury crossover, the Mercedes-Benz GLA doesn’t have the same high ground clearance as a full SUV. Still, it’s an all-wheel-drive car with heated seats, and it has Apple CarPlay for easily syncing road trip playlists and your preferred navigation app.
Daniela’s Mercedes-Benz GLA is a great value luxury car. It includes heated seats, all-wheel drive, and a camera for tricky Alpine parking.
6. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a strong option for long winter drives. It’s a fuel-efficient option without sacrificing the power you’ll need for steeper terrain, plus it’s all-wheel drive, has a backup camera, and a large boot. If it had heated seats, it would be a serious contender for one of the top spots.
Max’s Toyota RAV4 is a hybrid vehicle in pristine condition. It’s winter vacation-ready, with unlimited miles and the option to add a ski rack.
5. Porsche Cayenne
If you’re heading off to a luxury ski resort, you might be eyeing the premium end of the market for your wheels to get you there. Porsche is undoubtedly at the pinnacle of performance and prowess, but you’ll want to save the 911 for another journey in favour of the marque’s Cayenne model for your alpine adventures. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is a sports car with a 640 bhp twin-turbo V8 engine, offering a sporty driving experiencewithout compromising comfort and snow capability.
Alireza’s Porsche Cayenne is an excellent option for a comfortable drive and to look good doing it. This stylish model offers all-wheel drive, heated seats, plenty of space and a panoramic sunroof for those epic mountain views.
4. Range Rover Sport
Land Rover has roots in off-road capability, and the same goes for the brand’s prestigious marque, Range Rover. These famous vehicles are ideal for winter driving on snowy roads, and their off-road potential is well-known. You could pick any Land Rover for an alpine adventure (which is why you’ll find another Land Rover at spot number 2), but the world-leading British engineering and sheer power of the Range Rover Sport make it a top choice. For starters, it’s a seven-seater to get more of you to the ski lodge in style.
Aadil’s Range Rover Sport becomes great value if you split the cost between all seven available seats. This sleek black Range Rover Sport also boasts an all-wheel drive system, cosy heated seats, and adaptive cruise control for those long motorway stretches before you reach those mountain passes.
3. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander has all the hallmarks of a superb SUV. It offers a high driving position and high ground clearance, plus powerful acceleration and responsive road-holding. But it’s the space inside that makes this SUV a standout choice. Seven seats can be configured to suit your group to create extra storage space if you need it. There’s also excellent headroom and legroom in the Mitsubishi Outlander—ideal if your backseat passengers are adults.
Godfred’s Mitsubishi Outlander features oodles of boot space and in-car entertainment systems to make that long drive more palatable. These features, along with all the others you’d expect, such as all-wheel drive and parking assist, make it a top option for any trip. Plus, with unlimited miles included, this is a tempting option for those long journeys to Europe.
2. Land Rover 110 Defender
If any car is built for demanding environments, it’s the Land Rover Defender. This luxury SUV matches its flawless on-road (and off-road) capabilities with a supremely comfortable cabin and unbelievable power. It can handle 45‑degree side slopes and 45-degree inclines effortlessly, leaving other cars in its shadow.
The adaptive suspension system with air suspension is impressive on this model. Adaptive dampers monitor body movements up to 500 times per second and respond almost instantly. In fact, the air system can raise the body up to 145mm when needed, and when you arrive at your destination, the car automatically lowers the body to make getting out a little easier.
Salman’s Land Rover 110 Defender is among the highest-spec models you could want for a winter road trip to the Alps. With heated seats, a heated steering wheel, height control, plenty of space, and comfortable driving, only the higher price keeps this magnificent machine off the top spot.
1. Volvo XC90
Even after nine great options, the Volvo XC90 stands out as the perfect vehicle for any trip to and around the Alps this winter. The interior is a masterpiece of minimalist design, offering comfort and luxury with a focus on sustainable materials, like vegan leather. Sound insulation and advanced suspension technology reduce road noise and vibrations in the cabin, which is ideal if you’ve got snoozing passengers in the back on the way back to the UK, exhausted from all that skiing.
Malik’s Volvo XC90 has seven heated seats, 455 brake horsepower, and plenty of room for all your ski equipment. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect car to rent for the journey to the slopes.
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