When people think of a car for snow, they think of all-wheel drive. AWD does help, but the most important part of a winter car is something you can add to almost any vehicle: proper winter tires.
Tires first
All-wheel drive helps you get moving, but it does nothing for braking or cornering. Winter tires, with softer rubber and many small grooves (sipes), grip much better on snow and ice and in temperatures below about 45°F (7°C). Tests by consumer organizations regularly show a front-wheel-drive car on winter tires stopping shorter on ice than an AWD car on all-season tires. Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall.
Then drivetrain and clearance
With good tires in place, AWD is a real bonus for climbing snowy hills and pulling out of unplowed streets. Ground clearance matters if you face deep, unplowed snow, since a low car can end up riding on the snow instead of the road.
Cars known for doing well in snow include the Subaru Outback, Forester and Crosstrek (all with standard AWD), the Toyota RAV4 AWD, Honda CR-V AWD, Mazda CX-5, Volvo XC60 and, for heavier conditions, the Toyota 4Runner or a pickup with four-wheel drive and good tires. A front-wheel-drive sedan on winter tires is also perfectly capable in most cities.
Helpful winter features
Heated seats and steering wheel are comforts, but a heated windshield or wiper area, heated mirrors, good headlights and a remote starter make winter mornings safer and quicker. Stability control and a decent battery matter more than any gadget: cold weather is the main cause of battery failures, as explained in how to handle a car battery issue.
Matching a car to your climate
The same logic works for other climates. In very hot regions, look for a strong air-conditioning system, light paint and interior colors, rear vents and good sun protection; batteries also wear out faster in heat. In wet climates, good tires and effective wipers count most. Electric cars handle snow well thanks to their weight and smooth power delivery, but lose range in cold weather, more so without a heat pump.
Driving well matters most
No car is safe on ice at normal speeds. Slow down, double your following distance and avoid sudden inputs. Our guide to driving safely in winter conditions covers the techniques, and seasonal car maintenance explains how to prepare your vehicle each fall.
