Best SUVs for Snow for 2024
These are the best SUVs for snow based on iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle’s ground clearance and key features for driving safely in the snow
The best subcompact SUV for snow is the Subaru Crosstrek (9.3 inches inches of ground clearance), with the Subaru Outback (suv) being the best small and compact SUV for snow (9.5 inches inches of ground clearance). The Ford Bronco ranks #1 for the best midsize SUVs for snow (13.1 inches inches of ground clearance).
The best large SUV for snow is the Ford Expedition (10.6 inches inches of ground clearance) and the best crossover SUV for snow is the Subaru Outback (suv) (9.5 inches inches of ground clearance). Topping the list for the best three-row SUVs for snow is the Ford Expedition (10.6 inches inches of ground clearance), while the Jeep Wrangler (Plug-in Hybrid) ranks first for the best hybrid SUVs for snow (10.8 inches inches of ground clearance).
The best plug-in hybrid SUV for snow (PHEV) is the Jeep Wrangler (Plug-in Hybrid) (10.8 inches inches of ground clearance), with the GMC HUMMER EV (suv) being the best electric SUV for snow (10.2 inches inches of ground clearance).
SUV and crossover buyers benefit from several features, including an elevated ride height, increased passenger and cargo capacity, and improved off-road abilities. SUVs also have an advantage in winter driving conditions due to their higher ground clearance and available all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) systems. As with off-roading, driving through deep snow is much easier with an all-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance versus lower-riding coupes, sedans, and wagons.
Pickup trucks can also make excellent winter vehicles, as they provide an open-bed for hauling cargo and even higher ratings for towing, along with advanced four-wheel-drive systems and elevated ground clearance. But they don’t offer as much passenger space as SUVs, making them less family friendly.
The best vehicles for winter weather combine an AWD system with standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, plus all-season or snow tires. These are traits iSeeCars used to identify the top SUVs for snow. The models listed below are grouped by size and meet all of these requirements, along with having at least 5.5 inches of ground clearance. Within each category they are ranked by ground clearance because the best cars for snow are the ones that can travel through increasingly deep, snowy roads without getting stranded due to deep snow. When two SUVs are within .5 inches of ground clearance, iSeeCars uses the SUV’s safety score and iSeeCars overall quality score to break ties.
As you browse the lists below, keep in mind that many of these SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and while either of these drivetrains can handle moderate winter conditions (when driven prudently), you’ll often need to spend more for an all-wheel-drive version. Some models, like the Subaru Outback or Land Rover Range Rover, come with standard AWD or 4WD, both of which can negatively impact fuel economy but add confidence and safety in snowy conditions.
Stepping up from small or compact SUVs to midsize SUVs and luxury models will add premium features. Every new car, and even used cars up to 10 years old, will include traction control and stability control in their standard features list. But luxury SUVs add items like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote start, and specific driving modes designed for snowy or icy road conditions. Increased horsepower, adaptive suspension technology, blind spot monitoring, and power-folding rear seats are also becoming common traits in top trim SUVs.
The lists below include new and used SUV pricing for each model, along with fuel economy ratings and passenger capacity. Use them to find the SUV that meets your snow driving needs.
Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) for Snow
- Ground Clearance
Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) for Snow
- Ground Clearance
How We Rank These Cars
The best Cars for snow rank vehicles by their ground clearance and key features helpful to driving safely in the snow.
For a vehicle to make the iSeeCars Best Cars for Snow list, it has to have standard or optional four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and at least 5.5 inches of ground clearance. Vehicles that meet these requirements are ranked by their ground clearance, as higher ground clearance allows for safer and more effective travel over increasingly deep snow. When two vehicles are within 0.5 inches of ground clearance we prioritize by each model's safety score, then by key features for driving safely in snow, and finally by the iSeeCars Score, to break ties.
The iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
