The best cars and SUVs for winter 2025

All-wheel drive is available from sedans to pickup trucks even at favorable prices. When choosing a car, don't forget about the most important factor in winter driving: tires. Electric vehicles also offer excellent traction control capabilities despite having a lower range in cold weather.

For those who are not interested in a massive four-wheel drive truck, finding a car or crossover that is safe and maneuverable in the snow is not an easy task. Thus, experts have ranked the best SUVs and sedans for winter driving.

The best sedans

Subaru Legacy

• Base price (with all-wheel drive): $26,065 in the U.S. market.
• Ground clearance: 14.98 cm.
• Reliability rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports.

This is an ideal all-wheel drive sedan for under $30,000. The car is suitable for winter driving thanks to its excellent fuel-efficiency, decent ground clearance for a sedan, and standard all-wheel drive.

Mazda3 Sedan

• Base price (with all-wheel drive): $30,595.
• Ground clearance: 13 cm.
• Reliability rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports.

The Mazda3 offers something that is becoming increasingly rare: standard all-wheel drive on a sedan at a good price. Starting with the Carbon Edition and above, all-wheel drive is available, providing drivers with significantly improved traction on snow.

Kia K5

• Base price (with all-wheel drive): $29,195.
• Ground clearance: 13.4 cm.
• Reliability rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports.

The K5 sedan has optional all-wheel drive, which starts at $30,000. According to Consumer Reports, the Kia K5 also has excellent reliability ratings. Equipped with winter tires, the K5 will do well in the snow if more ground clearance is not a must.

Tesla Model 3

• Base price (with all-wheel drive): $44,370.
• Range: 584 km.
• Ground clearance: 13.9 cm.
• Reliability rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports.

Cars with an ICE engine do not compete with electric all-wheel drive. Reaction time and traction control capabilities are noticeably faster in an electric vehicle with all-wheel drive. Despite its low ground clearance, the much more expensive Tesla Model 3 will do a great job on winter roads, experts say.

The best crossovers and SUVs

Subaru Forester

• Base price: $31,115.
• Ground clearance: 8.7 inches.
• Reliability rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports.

The Forester is getting an update for the 2025 model year. In addition to additional space and features, buyers will see a higher price. Subaru, on the other hand, is known for mostly avoiding dealer markups, making it easier to buy a model at a fair price. Why not the Crosstrek? With the Forester, you simply get more for your money. Drivers will appreciate the Forester's substantial cargo volume and more room for passengers.

Subaru Ascent

• Base price: $35,740.
• Ground clearance: 22 cm.
• Reliability rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports.

The Ascent is ideal for those who need a larger SUV with standard all-wheel drive. The 2024 Ascent has three rows of flexible seating for 8 passengers, which other models on this list cannot match. Ground clearance is excellent, which means you won't have any problems driving in the snow (with the right tires, of course).

Mazda CX-50

• Base price: $31,720.
• Ground clearance: up to 21 cm.
• Reliability rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports.

The CX-50 comes with standard all-wheel drive and ground clearance of 8.3 to 8.6 inches, making it a great choice for buyers on a budget. The manufacturer offers a number of well-equipped trims, from the base 2.5 S Select for just $30,300 to the premium 2.5 Turbo Premium starting at $41,300.

Honda CR-V

• Base price (with all-wheel drive): $31,450.
• Ground clearance: 20.8 cm.
• Reliability rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports.

The CR-V is the clear winner among SUVs under $40,000. The CR-V AWD is ideal for those who need all-wheel drive, which is engaged only when needed. The rest of the time, the CR-V is front-wheel drive.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

• Base price (with all-wheel drive): $43,615.

• Ground clearance: 20.3 cm
• Reliability rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports.

The Highlander Hybrid AWD has more than 20 cm of ground clearance and all-wheel drive in addition to excellent reliability at a reasonable price. Smaller hybrid SUVs such as the Hyundai Tucson or Honda CR-V are good for winter if equipped with all-wheel drive, but experienced drivers know that ground clearance matters in a snowstorm.

Tesla Model Y

• Base price (with all-wheel drive): $49,370
• Range: 495 km (expect 20% less in winter).
• Ground clearance: 16.7 cm.

In cold weather, electric vehicles lose their range due to battery chemistry. In addition, the charging speed may be slower in severe cold without the possibility of pre-conditioning the battery. Tesla, as an electric vehicle manufacturer, took these challenges into account when creating its brand. It has built-in battery preparation during route planning. This means that when you are heading to a charging station, the car will automatically heat the battery to the ideal temperature for faster charging. Everything in the electric car is computerized. The torque and traction control functions are configured to maintain control much faster than is possible in a traditional vehicle.

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