{"id":21512,"date":"2021-11-24T09:20:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T17:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/?p=21512"},"modified":"2025-04-07T07:15:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T14:15:01","slug":"the-best-vehicles-for-winter-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/gearheads\/the-best-vehicles-for-winter-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"The best vehicles for winter driving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Favorite picks for this season\u2019s travels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For those who don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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 \u2014 the two systems operate in mechanically distinct ways<\/a> but their effect is essentially the same in most situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2019 sidewalls. If you don\u2019t have winter tires and are headed somewhere with snow, you should always carry chains with you just in case \u2014 even with a four-wheel drive vehicle, and even if snow isn\u2019t in the forecast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Filter your searches for \u201cSnow tires\/chains\u201d<\/a> to find listings offering either winter solution. And when in doubt, stick with one of these trusted brands with proven 4WD or AWD vehicles<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vehicles for snowy conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Subaru<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Joel’s 2021 Subaru Forester (Reno, NV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to its legendary all-wheel drive system, Subaru has long been the people\u2019s choice<\/a> for outdoorsy types of all stripes. Every Subaru<\/a> model (except for the BRZ sports car) comes standard with AWD, and the brand\u2019s 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\u2019t go wrong with Subaru.<\/p>\n\n\n

Browse Subarus<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Jeep<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Firas’ 2018 Jeep Wrangler (Mansfield, MA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a no-brainer. All Jeep<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

Browse Jeeps<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Toyota<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Andrew’s 20189 Toyota 4Runner (Aurora, CO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Toyota<\/a> boasts a large list of very capable vehicles \u2014 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\u2019t friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n

Browse Toyotas<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Land Rover<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Rasha’s 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (Calgary, AB)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>, 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.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

Browse Land Rovers<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Chevrolet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Ryan’s 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (Denver, CO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

All of Chevy\u2019s 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\u2019s pickup trucks, the Silverado and Colorado, will also certainly do the trick \u2014 just make sure they\u2019re four-wheel drive.<\/p>\n\n\n

Browse Chevys<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Audi<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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David’s 2017 Audi Q7 (Lakewood, CO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Among the German luxury brands, Audi<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

Browse Audis<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Ford<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Matt’s 2020 Ford Bronco (Bluffdale, UT)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By the numbers, Ford<\/a> is king of the truck world, so any 4WD Ford truck is worth consideration. Their SUVs are also quite popular though \u2014 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Browse Fords<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n
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Hit the road<\/p>\n

Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you\u2019re going.<\/p>\n Browse cars<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Favorite picks for this season\u2019s travels For those who don\u2019t live in a region where it snows regularly, navigating winter roads safely can be a bit nerve-wracking. This season, before…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":24717,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gearheads"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t