Look for models that offer four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for a better grip on icy surfaces while shopping for a winter car.
Some SUVs even use predictive technology to foresee when to give extra traction to the wheels.
Others also have innovative safety systems that help drivers see through heavy snow in inclement weather and prevent accidents.
This article has picked the best 2020 and 2021 SUVs for snow and ice.
They vary in size and affordability, from the small crossover Honda CR-V to the full-size SUV Chevrolet Tahoe.
1. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides competent performance on or off the road with its exceptional off-road skills. The base model is equipped with a V6 engine with 295 horsepower.
Purchasers are able to upgrade to one of three V8s. When paired with optional four-wheel drive, the Grand Cherokee has enough traction and power to deal with snowy roads.
Jeep’s Selec-Trac traction and Selec-Terrain management systems, which include a snow and mud mode, come with upper trims.
The Grand Cherokee can haul a trailer filled with snowmobiles with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds or pull a car from a ditch.
There are heated seats, a heating steering wheel, and leather upholstery. Rear parking sensors, blind-spot detection, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are all optional safety features.
Cost: $34,200
2. 2021 Subaru Forester
The 2021 Subaru Forester is among the best SUVs for snow. It is lightweight, flexible, and economical, designed to withstand bad weather.
The Forester is capable of moving through snow and slush with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
All models come with all-wheel drive, giving the car extra grip on muddy, snowy roads.
Hill descent control and Subaru-X Mode feature upper trims, which add traction in mud or snow.
With a heated steering wheel, heated seats on both sides, and leather upholstery, Forester’s five-passenger cabin can be fitted.
The class-leading cargo room offers plenty of space for winter equipment to be packed.
Advanced safety features such as lane maintenance assistance and lane departure warning help keep the forester on the route.
Cost: $24,795
3. 2020 Kia Sorento
The 2020 Kia Sorento has won our 2020 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money prize for its spacious, seven-passenger cabin and below-average price tag.
The Sorento also received an outstanding estimated reliability ranking from J.D. Electricity.
Optional all-wheel drive adds stability and grip to support the SUV through blustery weather.
The SUV’s Smart Shift and Drive system automatically selects the best drive mode for the weather.
Buyers can install various safety devices to secure passengers in bad weather, including lane maintenance assistance, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.
Cost: $26,990
4. 2021 Ford Explorer
The 2021 Ford Explorer is among the best SUVs for snow; updated in 2020, it has a number of features to tackle winter weather.
The Explorer has enough strength and grip to take ice and snow in stride, with three powerful engine choices and available rear-wheel drive.
The available four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System features seven modes to improve stability and grip on various surfaces, including one for deep snow and sand.
Depending on the setup, the Explorer will seat up to seven individuals. Optional front and second-row heated seats and a heated steering wheel keep the roomy cabin of the SUV toasty.
Before you step outside, a remote start feature helps warm up the Explorer.
Security features such as lane maintenance assistance, forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic warning, and high-beam automatic headlights help keep you safe, even under hazardous road conditions.
Cost: $33,000
5. 2021 Honda CR-V
For its combination of value and quality, the Honda CR-V won our 2020 Best Compact SUV for the Money prize.
For the winter months, it is also one of the best SUVs for snow. Its available all-wheel-drive system provides additional traction on snowy and wet roads.
A spacious cabin with accommodation for five people and a cargo hold wide enough for thick winter coats and gear is available in the CR-V.
Leather upholstery and heated front seats are available to shield passengers from the cold.
At the same time, safety features such as lane support and automatic high-beam headlights help drivers maneuver in extreme weather conditions.
Cost: $25,350
6. 2021 Land Rover Range Rover
The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover is a large luxury SUV known for its class-leading ride and refined off-road capability.
The Range Rover has a choice of three engines and an optional Terrain Response system designed to improve grip in winter weather and snow conditions.
His class-leading 11.7 inches of ground clearance allows the SUV to drive with stability over mounds of snow.
With only two rows of seats, the cabin has enormous space. All models come with heated front seats and leather upholstery.
There are heated rear seats available. Lane exit warning, lane maintenance assist, 360-degree parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alarm are optional safety equipment.
Cost: $92,000
7. 2021 Acura RDX
When properly fitted, the 2021 Acura RDX compact SUV is one of the best SUVs for snow or extreme winter weather.
The optional Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system helps drivers retain power in harsh weather by sending torque to all four wheels to improve stability.
To help passengers keep warm as the temperature drops, the five-passenger RDX has a sleek, spacious cabin with heated front seats and synthetic leather.
Buyers may add heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel for extra comfort.
Mitigation of road departures and notification of lane departures help keep drivers on the road.
Available front and rear parking sensors are also useful in low visibility conditions.
Cost: $38,200
8. 2021 Toyota RAV4
The 2021 Toyota RAV4, declared the winner of our 2020 Best Compact SUV for Families award, is a sturdy, compact SUV with decent off-road chops.
Optional all-wheel drive, without losing grip, helps tackle snowy highways. Settings for rock and gravel, sand, mud, and snow come with the Multi-Terrain Pick system.
Upper trims boast 8.6 inches of ground clearance, as well as the power of hill descent, all-terrain tires, and steering torque-vectoring to increase the winter capacity of the RAV4.
The cabin of the RAV4 offers enough space for winter gear. It has been upgraded to synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel for more comfort.
The RAV4 has several safety features, such as a lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance to alert drivers if the SUV drives off or out of the lane.
Cost: $26,050
9. 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV is a comfortable winter ride with a great reliability rating and robust performance. Buyers can choose between two powerful V8 engines.
The available four-wheel-drive system of the Tahoe, combined with the size of the large SUV, enables it to tackle snow and other slippery surfaces.
With accommodation for eight passengers, the three-row Tahoe has a roomy interior with lots of space for heavy jackets and winter clothing.
Remote start helps you to warm the cabin from your home’s comfort. There are heated seats, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel.
Safety features available, including forward collision control, lane maintenance assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights, help drivers safely through winter conditions.
Cost: $49,000
10. 2021 Mazda CX-9
Thanks to its energy efficiency and luxurious interior, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 sits among the best SUVs for the snow list.
The SUV is a solid option for winter driving, with 8.8 inches of ground clearance and many systems to handle bad weather.
The predictive all-wheel-drive technology of the CX-9 anticipates slippery patches and automatically transfers torque to the tires for more traction in slush and snow.
An accessible traction assist mechanism helps to maintain composure over rough terrain.
Its heated front seats and spacious cabin are comfortable and warm for travelers.
In the upper models, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start are available.
Cost: $33,960
11. 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
With a 284-horsepower V6 and seating for seven passengers, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder midsize SUV is fitted.
Choose all-wheel drive and Nissan’s Intelligent 4×4 system, which automatically controls torque sent to the front and rear wheels for smoother cornering to tackle slippery roads.
A handful of different drive modes designed to take on rough weather are also included in the Pathfinder.
With available leather upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, shoppers can keep the Pathfinder’s five-passenger cabin toasty.
Starting with the push button helps you to warm up the car before going outside.
All models come with sensors for rear parking, forward collision warning, and automatic braking for emergencies.
Cost: $31,890
