Best Vehicles For Driving In Winter Snow

When temperatures drop and roads become treacherous, being seated in the right set of wheels is essential for safety. Not all winter vehicles are created equal, though, and choosing the right option requires evaluating a raft of things, including the drivetrain, ground clearance, and cold-weather comfort features. Whether you’re facing standing snow or a seasonal blizzard, driving a good car for snow makes all the difference in maintaining control. That is why we’re looking at 10 standout options for the 2026 model year to answer one simple question: What is the best vehicle for snow?

2026 Rivian R1T

MSRP: From $72,990

The Rivian R1T features a standard Dual-Motor AWD powertrain that produces 533 horsepower, with options for Tri-Motor or Quad-Motor setups. Electric torque control provides instantaneous power distribution to individual wheels, which significantly reduces wheelspin on icy surfaces. The adjustable air suspension raises ground clearance to an impressive 14.9 inches, allowing the truck to clear deep, unplowed snow easily. Dedicated Snow and All-Terrain driving modes adjust throttle response and regenerative braking to maintain vehicle stability. These robust mechanical attributes make electric trucks surprisingly good cars to drive in snow.

Inside the cabin, the R1T offers an insulated environment designed to combat freezing temperatures. The interior features standard heated seating for the front and rear passengers, as well as a heated steering wheel. A preconditioning system accessible via a mobile app warms the battery and cabin before departure, efficiently defrosting the windows.

Unique features:

• 14.9 inches of adjustable ground clearance
• App-controlled remote cabin preconditioning
• Dedicated low-traction Snow driving mode

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser

MSRP: From $57,880

The Toyota Land Cruiser utilizes an i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that pairs a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. This system connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system. The SUV boasts eight inches of ground clearance and features a two-speed transfer case for low-range gearing. The Multi-Terrain Select system includes a specific Deep Snow mode that alters traction control logic to maximize grip on slippery roads. Center and rear locking differentials ensure equal power distribution when traversing heavy snow.

Inside, the Land Cruiser features standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, while the available ventilated seats and multi-zone climate control maintain optimal passenger temperature. The large tactile physical buttons allow drivers to adjust heating settings easily while wearing thick winter gloves.

Unique features:

• Multi-Terrain Select with Deep Snow mode
• Standard full-time four-wheel drive
• Oversized physical climate control buttons

2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country

MSRP: From $53,595

The Volvo V60 Cross Country is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain that generates 247 hp and 258 lb-ft. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The wagon boasts an impressive 8.3 inches of ground clearance, which allows it to navigate deep snowpacks with the capability of a traditional SUV. The advanced AWD system constantly monitors wheel slip and instantly redistributes torque to the wheels with the most traction to prevent sliding on icy roads.

Inside, the V60 Cross Country delivers a Scandinavian winter experience. The cabin features heavily bolstered, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel wrapped in premium leather. Volvo also equips the vehicle with a highly effective dual-zone climate control system that rapidly warms the interior. Rubberized floor mats protect the luxury carpeting from melting slush, while the heated windshield washer nozzles ensure clear visibility during harsh snowstorms.

Unique features:

• 8.3 inches of lifted ground clearance
• Heated windshield washer nozzles
• Rapid-heating dual-zone climate system

2027 Kia Telluride

MSRP: From $39,190

The 2027 Kia Telluride features a naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine that offers 291 hp and 262 lb-ft. When equipped with the optional Active On-Demand AWD system, power is distributed between the front and rear axles. The Telluride provides 8.0 inches of ground clearance and includes a dedicated Snow mode. This mode adjusts engine mapping and transmission shift points to reduce wheelspin. Drivers can also engage the AWD Lock feature to evenly split power at low speeds. This should go a long way in preventing the SUV from getting stuck in deep snow.

Inside the cabin, the Telluride offers available heated seating for both the front and second-row passengers, along with a heated steering wheel. A standard tri-zone automatic climate control system ensures optimal temperatures throughout all three rows. The remote start feature allows drivers to warm up the vehicle before they leave the house.

Unique features:

• AWD Lock mode for low-speed extraction
• Remote start for pre-warming the cabin
• Available heated second-row captain’s chairs

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

MSRP: From $38,920

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is powered by a standard 3.6L V6 engine that generates 293 hp and 260 lb-ft. For winter driving, buyers can select from three highly capable 4WD systems, including the advanced Quadra-Drive II with an electronic limited-slip rear differential. The available Quadra-Lift air suspension can raise the vehicle to provide 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The Selec-Terrain traction management system features a specific Snow setting that optimizes engine torque, transmission shifting, and 4WD torque distribution to safely traverse icy roads.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee is equipped with standard dual-zone automatic climate control, alongside available heated front and rear seats. A heated steering wheel adds that extra layer of driver comfort. The remote start capability ensures the interior is warmed before you step inside the vehicle.

Unique features:

• Quadra-Lift suspension provides 10.9 inches of clearance
• Selec-Terrain system with dedicated Snow mode
• Electronic limited-slip rear differential

2026 Ford F-150

MSRP: From $36,274

The Ford F-150 offers a diverse lineup of powertrains, starting with a robust 2.7L EcoBoost V6 producing 325 hp and 400 lb-ft. When configured with the available electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, the truck excels in low-traction environments. The F-150 provides between 8.2 and 13.1 inches of ground clearance, enabling it to power through heavy unplowed snow. The terrain management system includes a Deep Snow/Sand mode that manages the engine and transmission to maintain forward momentum.

Inside, the F-150 features oversized dials and buttons that are easy to operate while wearing heavy gloves, and the available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel provide rapid warmth on freezing mornings. The available heavy-duty all-weather floor mats will catch melting snow and slush.

Unique features:

• Terrain Management with Deep Snow/Sand mode
• Glove-friendly physical cabin controls
• Factory all-weather tray-style floor mats

2026 Subaru Outback

MSRP: From $34,995

The Subaru Outback relies on a standard 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Subaru equips every Outback with its legendary Symmetrical AWD system, which constantly routes power to all four wheels for maximum traction. The Base model features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Wilderness trim increases that figure to 9.5 inches. The dual-function X-MODE system offers dedicated settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, which optimizes engine mapping and traction control.

Inside the cabin, the interior includes available heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The StarTex water-repellent upholstery on select trims resists moisture from snowy boots and wet jackets. Dual-zone automatic climate control keeps the cabin warm, while standard heated exterior mirrors ensure your rearward visibility remains unobstructed.

Unique features:

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system comes standard
• Dual-function X-MODE for varied snow depths
• StarTex water-repellent upholstery on select trims

2026 Toyota RAV4

MSRP: From $31,900

The all-new Toyota RAV4 utilizes a 2.5L four-cylinder engine generating 203 hp and 184 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. When optioned with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, the system actively distributes power to the rear wheels that need it most. The SUV offers up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to navigate safely through moderately deep snow, while the standard Multi-Terrain Select dial includes a dedicated Snow mode to maximize traction by adjusting throttle response and reducing wheelspin on slippery surfaces.

Inside, the RAV4 offers several winter-ready amenities. The available Weather Package adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system warms the interior efficiently. Available rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers with a de-icer function keep the windscreen clean and clear.

Unique features:

• Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive
• Multi-Terrain Select with standard Snow mode
• Windshield wiper de-icer functionality

2026 Subaru Forester

MSRP: From $29,995

The Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. It is matched to a CVT. Every trim level comes standard with Subaru’s highly regarded Symmetrical AWD system, which provides exceptional balance and grip on icy roads. The Forester boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to easily clear unplowed driveways. The standard X-MODE traction management system optimizes the engine output and transmission ratios to reduce wheelspin.

Inside the cabin, the Forester features large windows that minimize blind spots during heavy snowstorms. The available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel keep the driver and occupants warm, and the climate control system will quickly defrost the windshield.

Unique features:

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes completely standard
• X-MODE traction management system limits wheelspin
• Large windows provide class-leading outward visibility

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

MSRP: From $29,763

The Ford Bronco Sport is equipped with a standard 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 hp and 200 lb-ft. Every model comes with an advanced 4WD system paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This SUV boasts up to 8.8 inches of ground clearance, enabling it to power through sizable snowdrifts. The standard G.O.A.T. Modes terrain management system includes a specialized Slippery mode that adjusts throttle response and transmission mapping to reduce wheel slip on ice.

Inside, the Bronco Sport features available rubberized flooring and easy-to-clean cloth seating that can withstand snow, mud, and slush. The available cold-weather package adds heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. An automatic climate control system quickly warms the passenger space during those cold winter commutes.

Unique features:

• Standard G.O.A.T. Modes with Slippery setting
• Up to 8.8 inches of ground clearance
• Available easy-to-clean rubberized interior flooring

Sources: J.D.Power, Ford, Jeep, Kia, Rivian, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo