When inclement weather strikes, it’s essential to still be able to navigate snowy and icy roads. Especially in cities that experience longer stints of snowfall, you need a vehicle that can take on snowy roads, so you can continue to do essential tasks like going to work, buying groceries, and even visiting friends and family.
However, not every car is equipped to handle bad road conditions. If you live in a place where snow is the norm during the winter months, it’s pivotal that you have a car that’s built to take on harsh conditions.
The best cars for snow typically have an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, high ground clearance, and numerous safety features, like adaptive headlights, forward collision emergency braking, lane departure warning systems, heated seats and steering wheels, and more.
The 5 cars below are the best of the best when it comes to driving in harsh conditions, so you never have to worry about getting your car unstuck from the snow.
1. 2022 Subaru Outback
With automatic high beams, a lane departure warning system and more, the 2022 Subaru Outback has it all when it comes to snow driving.
Scoring a 5/5 safety score from the NHTSA, the Subaru Outback boasts 7.25 inches of ground clearance, standard AWD and strong winter tires, making it a viable choice for driving in the worst conditions. With the Subaru Outback, you’ll be able to trek out on the roads with peace of mind on snowy days.
2. 2022 Subaru Ascent
An AWD system and 8.5 inches of ground clearance make the Subaru Ascent another fantastic option for taking treacherous snowy conditions.
This particularly roomy vehicle is well-equipped with safety features that help to take the stress out of driving in the snow, namely automatic emergency braking, a reverse camera digital display, and more. The Subaru Ascent is a great family car that can take on the toughest conditions.
3. 2022 Volvo XC40
Hailed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a Top Safety Pick+ Winner, the Volvo XC40 lives up to its acclaim, scoring an additional 5-star rating from NHTSA and boasting a library of winter driving safety features.
With an optional AWD system, the Volvo XC40 punches above its class of subcompact SUVs, with a ground clearance of 8.3 inches. Additionally, the vehicle comes with blind-spot monitoring, stability and traction control, and more.
4. 2022 Acura RDX
One of the most reliable compact SUVs, the Acura RDX provides more safety features than the other vehicles in its class.
With a package that includes pedestrian detection, road sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, and more, the Acura RDX is an excellent subcompact choice for driving in the snow.
5. 2022 Audi A4
If you’re looking for a more sleek and stylish option that’s still equipped to handle snowy and icy conditions, then the Audi A4 may be the perfect option for you.
Standard in all models, the A4 comes with a collision preparation system that closes all windows and sunroofs if it detects a collision is imminent. Additionally, the A4 has adaptive cruise control that follows lane markings and keeps a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
To see a full list of the best cars for snow as well as more information about what makes a car perform well in the snow, check out an infographic below from our friends at The Zebra