Never let you down: the best cars for snow and ice in 2024

You can have a car with the most advanced all-wheel drive system, but if you use all-season tires, the brand and class of your vehicle won't matter much. Experts say that quality tires are the most important thing you need on slippery or snowy roads.

You'll need a full set of winter tires for safety and performance. Auto Blog experts have compiled a rating of the best cars for winter. Most of them have extra ground clearance for driving through deep snow, throttles and transmissions that provide a better sense of control over the vehicle on slippery roads.

Ford Bronco Sport

The top-of-the-line Bronco Sport Badlands model has an advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. Trims come standard with all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and Slippery Drive mode, which calibrates various vehicle controls and systems for better response to ice and snow. If you're looking for a small SUV, the Bronco Sport is the best choice.

Acura RDX

Acura's all-wheel drive system with extraordinary handling was one of the first to offer torque vectoring. The Acura RDX has a higher ground clearance and positions itself in the most popular segment of luxury SUVs.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is truly ready for snowfall, thanks in large part to its symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which constantly transmits power to all wheels, rather than just reacting to slippage. The cars are also well suited for transporting winter gear. The Crosstrek has a relatively affordable price and significantly better fuel economy than all the others on this list. In addition to the standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, the Crosstrek can be improved with the Deep Snow/Mud setting in the Sport trim, which also adds a much better 2.5-liter engine.

Audi A4 Allroad

Audi Quattro all-wheel drive systems have long been among the best in the industry. The experts chose the Allroad because its lower center of gravity, smaller size and greater maneuverability than small SUVs provide a high-quality and comfortable ride even in difficult conditions.

Honda Pilot

It's all about the all-wheel drive system. The Pilot, as well as its Passport and Ridgeline siblings, offer what is effectively a version of Acura's previous generation torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. This gives it an advantage over most competitors with three-row crossovers. The car includes a special Snow mode that is more responsive to input data (especially compared to the Subaru Ascent).

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee and its seven-seater brother, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, are ready to tackle much more extreme conditions than ordinary snow. Among the three all-wheel drive systems, the top-of-the-line Quadra-Drive II, which is standard on Trailhawk and Summit and optional on Overland, includes an electronic limited-slip differential for the rear axle that improves traction. The highest JGC trims also include the Quadra-Lift air suspension, which increases ground clearance.

Land Rover Defender

The Defender is a magnificent beast that can handle any task, especially when compared to luxury SUVs in a similar price segment. When it comes to snow, its standard air suspension allows the Defender to be lifted higher than most SUVs. Camera systems designed for off-road use will also come in handy.

Land Rover Range Rover

The Range Rover may not be as powerful as the Defender, but it packs a lot of quality features: a height-adjustable suspension, a special snow driving mode, off-road camera systems, and better handling than other SUVs.

Mazda CX-50

Mazda CX-50 provides better stability. The car also offers sufficient ground clearance, so you are less likely to get stuck in deep snow.

Rivian R1T and R1S

Thanks to separate engines on each wheel, the Rivian R1T truck and R1S SUV take torque distribution to a whole new level. The vehicles also have all-terrain tires (not the same as winter tires, but definitely capable of driving on snow), high-quality height adjustment, a surprisingly low center of gravity, and exceptional handling. However, it is interesting that there is no special snow mode among the eight driving modes.

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