What do you emphasize when buying a car? What criteria do you have? Some folks prefer appearance over efficiency. Others bet on durability. Without a doubt, all of these qualities are valid. Yet, an important want my be flying over your radar: performance on snow and ice.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, driving a winter-prepped vehicle will not only boost your driving confidence but will also increase your safety on the road.
Below are our top picks for the five best cars for snow and ice to help you get through your winter commute safely.
What are the best cars for the winter?
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best-performing off-road vehicles. People associate the entire brand with driving on difficult terrains while ensuring high stability and safety. They have largely kept that reputation with time. Now the Cherokee lineup offers multiple all-wheel-drive systems, including the sophisticated AWD of the Trackhawk trim.
One of the major advantages of AWD vehicles has to do with higher traction. Naturally, that allows for better performance on snow and ice. The downside is that driving on all wheels is not necessarily fuel-efficient. With that said, modern AWD systems can adapt to any given situation so efficiency does not really suffer that much. Plus, if you have to drive on snowy roads a few months a year, trading some fuel efficiency for safety may not be such a bad compromise. Especially, if the off-road performance is paired with a powerful engine and high interior comfort.
What about raw performance though? You will not be disappointed! The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 2020 can accelerate 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Its 6.2L V8 beast of an engine powers the machine effortlessly. Should you wonder about comfort, you can have plenty of it too. With a modern infotainment system, heated and ventilated seats, powerful speakers, and a series of other luxury features you can have a blast in this car during winter and summer alike!
Acura RDX SH-AWD
The Acura RDX with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is not your conventional AWD vehicle. For starters, it is agile. The dry-road performance is coupled with all the advantages of an all-weather vehicle.
Its sophisticated system is also smart, optimally distributing power between the front and rear wheels. For example, during the normal straight-line drive, the power is concentrated in the front wheels. Once the car accelerates, the power is distributed among the rear wheels to reach stability and balance. Does this sound too technical? Don’t worry, just know that the Acura RDX won’t disappoint you!
That being said, we have to clear one thing up. Just because a vehicle can tackle snow does not necessarily mean it makes for a good off-road car. Want to know what does? Check out our article on the best off-road vehicles!
Toyota Rav4 AWD
The new Toyota RAV4 AWD is one of the best AWD options on the market. It provides great acceleration through its 203 horsepower engine.
It features three driving modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal. These modes ensure clear acceleration, proper fuel usage, and good performance. Its multi-link rear suspension also provides the much needed traction for snow driving. It actually does wonders for off-road terrains as well.
RAV4’s exterior design follows the trends of angles and edges. It has been improved from the last generation and now offers a more aggressive look. Now you also get refined interior design and with the panoramic glass roof you can enjoy awesome winter trips!
Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV
Land Rover Discovery Sport has been one of the best selling models of the Jaguar Land Rover family since 2014.
The model’s 2020 iteration received many upgrades and new features, which make it a preferable option for a trendy, yet safe off-road vehicle.
Around 60% of the model’s parts been updated for the 2020 Land Rover Discovery, including the exterior design and the smart interior technological features. The base four-cylinder engine is more powerful, reaching 246 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission drives the four wheels.
The off-road performance has been enhanced, offering better stability compared to some other SUVs. The car thrives not only on dry roads but also on snow and ice. The 2020 model comes in four different trims: Base, S, SE, and HSE.
Subaru Crosstrek
With an 8.7 inches ground clearance, up to 55.3 cubic feet cargo and with symmetrical all-wheel drive, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is a great choice for a safe winter drive. Moreover, it is also an economical choice, as it comes at about $22,000.
Subaru regard safety as a top priority. The auto manufacturer constantly updates and improves its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert are some of the sub-systems of this updated safety technology.
You can get the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek in three different trims: Base, Premium, and Limited. Having tested the car on road and track, the Edmunds experts gave it a 7.6 out of 10. With all the built-in safety measures, AWD system, and significant ground clearance, this car will offer you a successful drive across snow, ice, and even rough terrain.
What kind of vehicle is best in the snow?
Whenever you are looking for a car to handle snowy conditions, it must meet these criteria:
- Traction and grip. The cars need to be equipped with the appropriate power and transmission systems to allow for better traction and grip.
- Distance from the ground. The ground clearance is an important feature your car should have. After all, you do not want your vehicle to be stuck in the snow.
- Winter tires. – Winter-proof your wheels by installing winter tires and ensuring the appropriate tire pressure.
- All-wheels-drive. Pick cars with AWD systems vs. the RWD, in order to smoothen your turns, accelerate safely and ultimately be able to drive even on an icy road.
Shipping your winter car
After finding the best car for snow and ice, you may need to ship it at some point. Also, preparing your car for the season should be a priority. Learn more with our article with tips on winterizing your car.
At Corsia Logistics, we offer comprehensive vehicle shipping solutions no matter the season. We are here to help you, when you need a realistic car shipping quote, to choose services, or to track your delivery, our team of logistics experts is always ready to assist.
Contact us online now or call. Ship your car with peace of mind, rain, snow, or shine.
