As the Mid-Autumn Festival has passed, and winter is approaching, it’s time to consider preparing a car suitable for winter driving. Which car models are better adapted to winter weather? “US News & World Report” has provided a list for consumers to refer to when purchasing a car, among which the Japanese Subaru stands out with its all-wheel-drive feature, with 5 models making the list.
Depending on where you live, the importance of winter driving varies greatly. However, with the increasingly unpredictable global climate, even southern regions may face the possibility of encountering blizzards. In places where snowfall is not frequent in winter, it is still necessary to be prepared for winter driving.
For those living in places where snow is a definite factor in winter, selecting a vehicle suited for winter driving is crucial. This means having a car that can navigate through wet, icy, and snowy conditions. This usually implies all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive capability, along with the need for extra ground clearance. Some top choices offer features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and even remote start. Equipped with these features, driving in winter can be more comfortable and manageable.
The system can detect if wheels are slipping and reduce wheel power to minimize slipping.
When braking hard, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) adjusts braking power to prevent wheel lock-up, reducing the risk of skidding.
If the vehicle starts to feel out of control or slide, the stability control system modulates both the ABS and traction control systems to regain traction.
Adaptive headlights turn with the steering wheel to follow the road on winding streets. Do not confuse this with automatic high beams, which use light sensors to automatically turn high beams on and off as vehicles approach and pass.
Blind-spot monitoring detects vehicles in the blind spots not covered by the side mirrors. If a vehicle is present in the blind spot, the driver is passively notified. If you attempt to change lanes into that lane, it will issue a more prominent warning.
Snow tires are designed with specific compounds and tread patterns for driving on icy and snowy roads. They are not suitable for year-round use and should be switched to summer or all-season tires when it is not winter.
“US News & World Report” has prepared a list introducing winter-friendly car models, along with their scores and prices. Since all-wheel-drive is an upgrade for car manufacturers, prices can vary. The listed vehicles are all 2024 or 2025 models.
Total Score: 9.4/10 | $38,190
Total Score: 9.1/10 | $24,590
Total Score: 9.2/10 | Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $62,300
Total Score: 9.1/10 | Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $29,000
Total Score: 8.9/10 | $25,195
Total Score: 9.0/10 | Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $40,150
Total Score: 8.6/10 | $29,695
Total Score: 8.8/10 | Suggested Retail Price: $29,795
Total Score: 9.4/10 | $47,600
Total Score: 8.8/10 | $34,395
Total Score: 8.8/10 | $58,300
Total Score: 9.0/10 | $28,895
Total Score: 9.0/10 | $40,650
Total Score: 8.7/10 | $40,035
Total Score: 8.2/10 | $32,735
All-wheel-drive transfers power to all four wheels when needed. Many cars default to front-wheel drive until wheel slippage is detected, at which point it automatically engages.
Four-wheel drive is a more traditional truck-style setup. It operates with rear-wheel drive until the driver switches it to four-wheel drive. There are options for automatic engagement and full-time four-wheel-drive systems.
All-wheel-drive is particularly suitable for winter driving and snowy conditions. It is ideal for drivers in cities and suburbs where roads are frequently plowed but still wet and slippery. Four-wheel drive is better suited for more extreme conditions, such as deep snow and driving on roads that are seldom plowed.
The Subaru Outback boasts a standard all-wheel-drive system, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and various advanced safety features.
The Subaru Forester offers many winter-friendly features of the Outback but with a more upright design that allows the driver to have a commanding driving position.
SUVs with high ground clearance and wide tires are better suited for snow driving. Additionally, some wagons, like the Subaru Outback, have tailored high ground clearance for winter driving.