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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →No SUV is proven to “dominate” winter roads by its name alone. The shortlist below covers 10 models with useful combinations of available or standard AWD/4WD, snow-oriented features, clearance, or space—but there is no controlled, same-condition test here that ranks them against one another. The right choice depends on the exact model year and trim, tires, road conditions, and how much room you need.
How to choose an SUV for winter
Start with the conditions you actually drive in. For cleared town roads, suitable winter tires and predictable handling may matter more than extra ground clearance. For deep snow, steep driveways, or roads that are not plowed promptly, clearance and the specific AWD or 4WD system become more relevant. Neither AWD nor 4WD shortens braking distance on ice.
- Check the exact trim. A model may offer AWD or 4WD only on selected configurations, or reserve useful modes and hardware for an off-road-oriented trim.
- Match clearance to the route. More clearance can help keep the vehicle moving through deeper snow or over banks, but it does not create tire grip.
- Use appropriate tires. Confirm the tire size and fitment for the vehicle, and consider winter tires for regular snow and ice driving. AWD is not a substitute for tires suited to the conditions.
- Look for visibility equipment. Heated mirrors, a wiper de-icer, and effective headlights can help in winter weather; availability varies by configuration.
- Keep safety ratings in perspective. IIHS awards evaluate crashworthiness and crash avoidance, not snow traction or winter braking.
NHTSA recorded 101,390 estimated police-reported crashes in 2023 when snow or sleet conditions were present, including 22,293 estimated injury crashes and 320 fatal crashes. Those figures describe the broader risk of winter driving; they do not show that a particular SUV prevents crashes. NHTSA advises: “Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface.” See NHTSA’s Winter Weather Driving Tips.
10 SUVs to consider for winter driving
This is a use-case shortlist, not a measured ranking. Equipment and availability can change by model year, trim, and market. Verify the configuration you are considering before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- Worry-Free Self-Tightening Ratchets Provide Automatic Tightening And Centering
- Easy Installation And Removal In Minutes
- Do Not Exceed 30 Mph With These Chains On
- Diamond Pattern Cross Chain Provides A Smoother Ride And Superior Traction
- Meets Class "S" clearance requirements, even in light truck sizes
1. Subaru Outback: for everyday snow and winter visibility
Subaru describes the Outback as a wagon-style SUV with standard Symmetrical AWD and X-MODE. Its winter-driving guide also lists all-season tires, LED fog lights, and steering-responsive headlights. These are manufacturer-described features, not results from a comparative snow test. Check the specific model year for equipment and tire fitment. Subaru’s winter-vehicle guide explains the features it highlights.
2. Subaru Crosstrek: for a smaller SUV with selectable traction features
Subaru highlights X-MODE on the Crosstrek and says heated mirrors and a windshield-wiper de-icer are available on select configurations. Those visibility features may be useful in freezing weather, but they are not universal across trims. Compare the equipment list for the exact vehicle rather than assuming every Crosstrek has the same winter kit. Subaru’s winter-vehicle guide describes the features.
Rank #2
- Worry-free self-tightening ratchets provide automatic tightening and centering
- Easy installation and removal in minutes
- Do not exceed 30 MPH with these chains on
- Diamond pattern cross chain provides a smoother ride and superior traction
- Note-Chains should be fitted to tire before actual use. Fitment can be affected by age of tire, tire manufacturer and/or tread type
3. Subaru Forester: for standard AWD and a higher-clearance Wilderness trim
Subaru describes Symmetrical AWD as standard across Forester trims. For the 2025 model year, Subaru specifies 9.2 inches of ground clearance for the Forester Wilderness, along with AWD and dual-function X-MODE. That clearance is a manufacturer specification for that trim and model year, not an independent measure of winter performance. Subaru says most of its SUVs have at least 8.7 inches of clearance; check current specifications for the model and trim you are shopping. The 2026 Forester is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+; that award is a safety rating, not a snow-driving result. Subaru’s winter-vehicle guide, the 2025 Forester Wilderness specifications, and IIHS’s 2026 Forester rating cover these details.
4. Subaru Ascent: for families needing three rows
Subaru describes the Ascent as offering standard X-MODE and seating for seven or eight, depending on configuration. That combination may suit a household that needs passenger capacity as well as winter-oriented drive features. Confirm seating layout and equipment for the chosen trim. The 2025 Ascent appears on IIHS’s Top Safety Pick list; the award addresses safety testing, not traction in snow. Subaru’s winter-vehicle guide and IIHS’s 2025 award list provide the cited details.
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Rank #3
- Worry-Free Self-Tightening Ratchets Provide Automatic Tightening And Centering
- Easy Installation And Removal In Minutes
- Do Not Exceed 30 Mph With These Chains On
- Diamond Pattern Cross Chain Provides A Smoother Ride And Superior Traction
5. Ford Bronco Sport: for a compact SUV with a Slippery mode
Edmunds describes AWD as standard on the Bronco Sport and identifies a more advanced AWD setup and 8.8 inches of ground clearance on the Badlands trim, along with a Slippery drive mode. These trim-specific features make the Badlands worth comparing for drivers who encounter more than routinely plowed roads. They do not establish how the Bronco Sport performs against other SUVs in a controlled winter test. IIHS lists ratings for the 2026 model; use those as a safety reference, not a winter-performance score. Edmunds’ snow-SUV overview and IIHS’s 2026 Bronco Sport rating describe these points.
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee: for selectable 4×4 systems and a snow setting
Edmunds describes the Grand Cherokee as offering 4×4 systems and a Selec-Terrain Snow mode. The available hardware depends on the vehicle’s trim and model year, so check the build sheet rather than relying on the model name. The Grand Cherokee L is the version to consider if you need a third row. Snow mode is a vehicle setting, not a guarantee of control on slick roads. Edmunds’ snow-SUV overview discusses these configurations.
Rank #4
- Country of origin : China
- Designed for cars, pickups, and SUVs with very limited operating clearance around the drive tires
- Fast easy installation with no need to move the vehicle
- Designed-in rubber tightener means there is no need to stop and retighten after installation
7. Lexus GX: for difficult conditions and low-range capability
Edmunds describes the GX as having standard full-time four-wheel drive across trims, plus a Deep Snow mode and low range for difficult conditions. Those features are aimed at more demanding terrain than an ordinary plowed commute. Verify the equipment on the model year you are considering, and remember that low range and four-wheel drive do not eliminate the need to drive cautiously or use suitable tires. Edmunds’ snow-SUV overview describes the system and modes.
8. Ford Expedition: for passenger and cargo space with available 4WD
Edmunds recommends that shoppers in snowy areas consider the Expedition with four-wheel drive. Its appeal here is its large-SUV format for people who prioritize passenger and cargo capacity. Confirm that the specific vehicle has 4WD; do not assume it is included on every configuration. Edmunds’ snow-SUV overview discusses the model.
Best Value
- Worry-Free Self-Tightening Ratchets Provide Automatic Tightening And Centering
- Easy Installation And Removal In Minutes
- Do Not Exceed 30 Mph With These Chains On
- Diamond Pattern Cross Chain Provides A Smoother Ride And Superior Traction
- Note-Chains should be fitted to tire before actual use. Fitment can be affected by age of tire, tire manufacturer and/or tread type
9. Hyundai Tucson: for a compact crossover to screen for safety and AWD availability
The Tucson is among the models covered by IIHS award material that can help shoppers build a safety shortlist. That evidence does not establish winter traction. Check AWD availability, tires, and cold-weather equipment on the exact model year and trim, then consult the relevant IIHS rating for that vehicle. IIHS’s award information is a safety-screening resource, not a winter test.
10. Mazda CX-50: for a crossover to assess by configuration
The CX-50 is another model identified in IIHS award material as a candidate for a safety-screening shortlist. Treat the rating and winter capability as separate questions: verify the specific vehicle’s AWD configuration, tires, and cold-weather equipment, and use the current IIHS results only for the safety criteria they measure. IIHS’s award information does not rank snow performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Safety ratings are not winter ratings
IIHS evaluates crashworthiness and crash avoidance or mitigation. Its 2026 Top Safety Pick criteria include specified crash-test ratings, headlights, and pedestrian front-crash-prevention performance. A safety award can be one part of comparing vehicles, but it cannot tell you how an SUV accelerates, turns, or stops on snow and ice. Also check award-year and build-date restrictions: IIHS says the 2026 Sportage award applies only to vehicles built after May 2025, while the 2025–26 Explorer award applies only to vehicles built after June 2025. Consult the specific award entry for its full conditions. IIHS’s current ratings and award information lists its criteria and qualifications.
Cold-weather preparation matters whichever SUV you choose
A winter-capable configuration still needs a ready driver and vehicle. NHTSA notes that cold reduces battery power, and that electric and hybrid-electric vehicle range can fall in cold weather. Build those considerations into pre-trip planning, particularly for long or remote drives. For an EV or hybrid, allow for cold-weather range changes when planning charging and stops. For any vehicle, carry emergency supplies suited to your climate and route; NHTSA’s winter-driving guidance covers vehicle preparation and what to do if stranded.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
