This article is part of a directory: Best Cars of 2024
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If you live in an area prone to inclement weather, you’ll definitely be searching for the best SUV for snow and ice. Snowy conditions pose multiple risks for drivers, from low visibility to a severe loss of traction. Fortunately, the saturated market also offers vehicles that are set up to operate efficiently and safely in slippery situations. Of course, all-wheel-drive or genuine 4-wheel drive is a major component in helping you navigate slippery surfaces with more confidence, but many top-rated crossover SUVs also feature special driving modes for this purpose. Our rankings of the best SUVs for snow in 2024 will help you find the best of the bunch, to make sure you aren’t left out in the cold.

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Base MSRP
$38,035
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
Horsepower
293 hp
2024 Volvo XC60
Base MSRP
$46,900
Fuel Economy
22/28 MPG
Horsepower
247 hp
2024 Tesla Model X
Base MSRP
$79,990
Fuel Economy
107/97 MPG
Horsepower
670 hp
2024 Mazda CX-5
Base MSRP
$29,300
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Base MSRP
$40,970
Fuel Economy
36/35 MPG
Horsepower
243 hp
2024 Acura MDX
Base MSRP
$50,150
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
Horsepower
290 hp
2024 GMC Yukon XL
Base MSRP
$61,200
Fuel Economy
15/20 MPG
Horsepower
355 hp
2024 Subaru Forester
Base MSRP
$27,095
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Horsepower
182 hp
2024 Kia Sportage
Base MSRP
$27,190
Fuel Economy
25/33 MPG
Horsepower
187 hp
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
Base MSRP
$52,600
Fuel Economy
15/20 MPG
Horsepower
355 hp
2024 GMC Yukon
Base MSRP
$58,200
Fuel Economy
15/20 MPG
Horsepower
355 hp
2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Base MSRP
$83,000
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
Horsepower
355 hp
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
Base MSRP
$28,395
Fuel Economy
24/31 MPG
Horsepower
181 hp
2024 Ford Expedition
Base MSRP
$54,555
Fuel Economy
17/23 MPG
Horsepower
380 hp
2024 Ford Expedition Max
Base MSRP
$58,555
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
380 hp
2024 Nissan Pathfinder
Base MSRP
$36,080
Fuel Economy
20/27 MPG
Horsepower
284 hp
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Base MSRP
$25,195
Fuel Economy
27/34 MPG
Horsepower
152 hp
2024 Ford Explorer
Base MSRP
$36,860
Fuel Economy
21/28 MPG
Horsepower
300 hp
2024 Audi Q5
Base MSRP
$45,300
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
201 hp
2024 Jeep Wrangler
Base MSRP
$31,995
Fuel Economy
17/23 MPG
Horsepower
285 hp
2023 Honda CR-V
Base MSRP
$28,410
Fuel Economy
28/34 MPG
Horsepower
190 hp
2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Base MSRP
$35,195
Fuel Economy
17/23 MPG
Horsepower
285 hp
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Base MSRP
$37,995
Fuel Economy
20/27 MPG
Horsepower
269 hp
2024 Toyota 4Runner
Base MSRP
$40,705
Fuel Economy
16/19 MPG
Horsepower
270 hp
2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Base MSRP
$61,500
Fuel Economy
22/26 MPG
Horsepower
247 hp
2023 Jeep Renegade
Base MSRP
$27,850
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
177 hp
2021 Mazda CX-3
Base MSRP
$20,790
Fuel Economy
29/34 MPG
Horsepower
148 hp
2024 Lexus GX
Base MSRP
$62,900
Fuel Economy
15/21 MPG
Horsepower
349 hp

Characteristics of SUVs for Snow

While many drivers will attempt to brave the snow no matter what car they drive, there is no denying that certain types of cars are better at getting the job done than others. Being big certainly helps, which is why pickup trucks and SUVs have a natural advantage, but there is more to it than that. Here are the qualities that set best SUVs for winter snow and ice apart from their more urban siblings:

What to Consider Before Buying an SUV for Snow

Buying a new car can be tricky, with each option offering something different. Some of these differences are good, while others may put some shoppers off. Most cars with AWD are heavier, which has some knock-on effects when it comes to handling and fuel economy. However, there are other trade-offs, too, so make sure that you know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line. Here are the pros and cons of SUVs made for snow:

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What is the best SUV for snow driving?

Everyone has a different hot take when it comes to the best car in any particular category. Therefore, it helps to look at not only the top-ranking model on any list, but also those around it. If money isn’t a top concern, then the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Volvo XC60 are definitely worth considering, since they combine most of the pros of these cars. If you need even more space, the 3-row Grand Cherokee L is a good option. However, if you’re on a budget, the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage are good compromises.

Are there any affordable winter crossovers?

From sports cars to snow-plowing SUVs, there will always be certain brands striving to appeal to the cash-strapped masses. It is even more important to make sure you’re getting one of the better options out there when you really don’t have the money to spare on a bad choice. To this end, some sub-$25k cars include the Kia Sportage and Subaru Crosstrek.

Is it worth buying a used 4WD vehicle?

A high price tag is one of the biggest drawbacks to a good SUV made for snow. However, these cars are also designed to be extremely sturdy and dependable, so they stand the test of time very well. Used models are a great way to get all the benefits while skipping over some of those pesky price problems. You’ll still need to be able to afford the heavier fuel bills, though.