As the winter months approach, many of us find ourselves considering the best vehicles to navigate icy roads and snow-laden landscapes. Whether you're tackling backcountry trails or simply making the daily commute in harsh weather, having a reliable vehicle with superior performance in snow is crucial. The ideal winter vehicle brand must offer a combination of robust four-wheel or all-wheel drive systems, advanced safety features, and proven track records in winter conditions. Below, we invite you to explore a curated list of brands renowned for their excellence in snowy environments, ensuring your journeys during the cold season are both safe and comfortable.
Illustration of vehicle for snow
Best brands of vehicle for snow in 2025
Subaru
Subaru is renowned as one of the best producers of vehicles for snowy conditions, thanks to its legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System, which is standard on all models except the BRZ. This advanced drivetrain optimizes torque distribution, ensuring exceptional traction and control. In 2021 and 2022, Subaru sold 712,297 and 722,280 vehicles, respectively, highlighting the brand's popularity for its all-weather capability. The 2022 Subaru Outback and Impreza were ranked as the best in their segments for snow driving by iSeeCars, with the Outback featuring 8.7 inches of ground clearance and both models equipped with Subaru's EyeSight safety technology. Subaru's commitment to all-around safety and its unique all-wheel-drive system make its vehicles highly reliable in snowy conditions. For more insights into which Subaru models excel in snow, visit Baierl Subaru's blog.
Toyota
Toyota is renowned for its robust and reliable vehicles, making it an excellent choice for navigating snowy conditions. In 2023, Toyota saw a significant 7.2% increase in global vehicle sales, with the U.S. remaining its most important single-country market, where models like the RAV4 and Corolla, known for their traction and durability, were among the top sellers. The brand's strong sales growth, including a 29.8% increase in Japan, underscores its commitment to producing vehicles that perform well in various weather conditions. Toyota's vehicles are equipped with advanced technology, such as all-wheel drive systems, which enhance stability and control on snowy roads. With models like the 4Runner and Tundra showing sales increases, Toyota continues to be a trusted brand for drivers in snowy regions.
Jeep
Jeep is renowned as one of the best producers of vehicles for snowy conditions, with the Jeep Wrangler standing out for its exceptional performance in winter driving. The Wrangler scores a 9.2 out of 10 for best SUV for winter driving, thanks to its high ground clearance, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and robust traction control mechanisms. In 2023, the Wrangler recorded 155,491 unit sales in the US, highlighting its popularity and reliability in snowy environments. Jeep's market share in the off-road vehicle segment is approximately 30% in North America, further solidifying its reputation for rugged and capable vehicles. The Wrangler's ability to handle deep snow and icy roads with confidence has been validated by both real-world experiences and data-driven analysis. For more insights on Jeep Wranglers' winter capabilities, visit this blog post.
Audi
Audi is renowned for its exceptional performance in snowy conditions, largely due to its advanced quattro all-wheel drive system, which has been refined over years of participation in rally championships. The 2023 Audi RS 3, for instance, demonstrated impressive capabilities in snow, navigating through 9 inches of Rocky Mountain snow with ease when equipped with Pirelli snow tires and utilizing its Dynamic mode and adjusted traction control. Audi's quattro system has been consistently praised for its effectiveness in winter conditions, making it a preferred choice for drivers in snowy regions. The brand's commitment to innovation, such as the integration of electrification into their AWD systems, further enhances their vehicles' performance in adverse weather. This expertise has been highlighted in various tests and reviews, solidifying Audi's reputation as one of the best producers of vehicles for snowy conditions.
Volvo
Volvo is renowned for its exceptional performance in snowy and icy conditions, making it one of the best producers of vehicles for winter driving. The brand's all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems, such as those in the S60 and XC90 models, have been praised for their reliability and traction in extreme winter conditions. For instance, owners have reported successful navigation through ice storms and snow-covered roads with minimal issues, attributing this to the combination of AWD, traction control, and proper driving technique. In 2023, Volvo achieved a significant growth in sales, with over 128,701 vehicles sold in the US, reflecting the trust in their vehicles' performance, including in harsh winter environments. Additionally, Volvo's investment in electrified vehicles has not compromised their winter capabilities, with models like the XC40 Recharge maintaining the brand's reputation for safety and performance in snowy conditions. For more insights on their ownership and history, check the Volvo ownership page.
Land Rover
Land Rover is renowned for its exceptional performance in snowy and slippery conditions, thanks to its advanced Terrain Response system, which includes a dedicated Grass, Gravel, and Snow Mode. This mode optimizes vehicle handling and traction by assessing factors like gradient, slip, and temperature, ensuring enhanced control and performance. The brand's models, such as the Range Rover and Defender, have seen significant sales increases, with over 114,646 Defenders sold in the last year, highlighting their popularity and capability. The Terrain Response system is a key feature that sets Land Rover apart, making it a top choice for navigating snowy terrains. Despite some user experiences indicating room for improvement, the technology and design of Land Rover vehicles are highly regarded for their ability to handle challenging winter conditions.
BMW
BMW is renowned for producing vehicles well-suited for snow driving, thanks to its advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive system and robust engine options. The BMW X5, for instance, with its high ground clearance and torquey diesel engine in the xDrive35d model, is particularly adept at handling deep snow and slippery roads. Even the BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon stands out for its fun and controlled driving experience in snowy conditions. Additionally, models like the BMW i7 undergo rigorous testing in extreme winter conditions to ensure optimal performance. In 2022, BMW's Plant Spartanburg produced over 416,000 vehicles, many of which are designed to handle various weather conditions, including snow.
Ford
Ford stands out as one of the best producers of vehicles for navigating snowy conditions, with models like the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport showcasing exceptional capabilities in snow-covered terrains due to their all-terrain systems and G.O.A.T. modes. The Ford F-150 is another winter-ready powerhouse, featuring a versatile engine lineup and a Snow Mode that enhances traction on snowy roads. The Ford Edge, though not as high in ground clearance, still offers reliable AWD and safety features for most snowy days. Even the Ford Mustang Mach-E, an electric vehicle, performs well in snow with its dual-motor system and traction control. These features make Ford vehicles highly capable and safe for driving in snowy conditions. For more details, visit their blog on handling snow.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen stands out as a leading producer of vehicles tailored for snowy conditions, offering a range of models equipped with advanced technologies such as 4MOTION all-wheel drive, which enhances traction and stability on icy and snow-covered roads. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, for example, features an intelligent AWD system, traction control, anti-lock braking, and electronic stability control, ensuring superior performance and safety in winter driving. The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, an electric SUV, is also designed to tackle harsh winter conditions with its thermal management system optimizing battery performance in cold temperatures. Volkswagen's commitment to winter-ready vehicles dates back to 1984 with the introduction of the Passat Estate GT syncro, and their technology has continuously improved since then. With models like the Atlas Cross Sport and Jetta, Volkswagen provides a robust lineup for navigating snowy and icy roads. For more information, you can explore the best 2024-2025 VW vehicles for winter driving.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its exceptional performance in snowy conditions, particularly when equipped with winter tires. Studies have shown that vehicles with winter tires have a 38% lower chance of being involved in collisions compared to those with all-season tires on snowy roads. In tests, winter tire-equipped Mercedes-Benz vehicles stopped significantly shorter, with a 41-foot difference in stopping distance at 30 mph compared to all-season tires, highlighting their superior safety and control. Additionally, winter tires on Mercedes-Benz models can accelerate to 60 mph in 19.1 seconds, outperforming all-season tires by nearly 4 seconds. This makes Mercedes-Benz a reliable choice for navigating snowy and icy roads. For more information, visit their winter driving safety page.
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