Ice Age Icons: Best Cars for Winter Weather in 2024

Deciding upon what car is best for you in the winter can come down to one important factor. Beyond the class of make and model, it will frequently depend on your grade of winter tires! The Autoblog crew claimed in their recent article about winter driving that the proper rubber will see you conquering slush and snow. 

70% of Americans live in a climate which sees them having to brave winter weather on their way to work or school. All of the vehicles on this list have advanced all-wheel drive, and most have torque vectoring. This feature is very effective at distributing power from front to back to handle inclement weather. The best cars for winter weather in 2024 list also boasts very responsive steering and traction control.

The best cars for Winter Weather in 2024

There have been many advanced developments over the past decade to handle winter driving. These models top the list for “reindeer duty” and powering through the powdery white stuff. 

The Acura RDX:

Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System was one of the first to feature torque vectoring. The RDX is so proficient in this department that some drivers have had excellent experiences with factory tires. The RDX tops Autoblog’s list because of its top-notch ground clearance. Other reviewers were tasked with the challenge of driving through the Sierras, and claimed it was “wonderfully glued to the ground.”

The Audi A4 Allroad:

The Audi A4’s Quattro AWD system remains as one of the most effective in the industry. The Allroad was chosen for its spry agility and low center of gravity. One driver who braved St Louis winters with his A4 had excellent things to say about it. Its front and rear traction and all-wheel drive can slay snowy conditions, along with all-season tires. 

The Ford Bronco Sport:

All Bronco Sports come with all-wheel drive, and more ground clearance than today’s average model. The “Slippery Drive” mode expertly calibrates drive controls for greater response in treacherous conditions. For complete winter domination in the inclement weather category, The Bronco Sport handles much better than most vehicles in its segment. This is a vehicle already designed for the wild that happens to be primo in the most challenging elements. 

The Honda Pilot:

The Honda Pilot reminded these testing crews once again that “it’s all about the all-wheel drive system.” The pilot comes properly armed for the likes of Aspen or Breckenridge with a dedicated Snow Mode. When stacked up against the Subaru Ascent, the Pilot boasts faster input response. If the Pilot is moving away from your original course, the Vehicle Stability Assist will apply brakes on either side of the vehicle.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee:

The Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives on the winter wonderland scene with 3 4-wheel drive systems. The Quadra-Drive II includes an electronic limited-slip differential that enhances traction beyond the other two systems. The Quadra-lift air suspension system jacks the ride height up to do a fierce battle with any recent wintry accumulation. Full-Speed Collision Warning is one of the best ways to stay safe during bouts of weather with limited vision.

The Land Rover Defender:

The Defender has always been known as one of the most capable snow beasts out there! When held up against the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, the control inputs are more reassuring and poised to conquer ice. The Defender’s standard air suspension raises things up to 11.5 inches, providing clearance for stray frozen bits. The off-road camera systems are excellent for avoiding any vehicles that any recent snow dumping has rendered stationary. 

The Mazda CX-50:

The CX-50’s size offers a formidable advantage for winter driving. One driver posting on the Reddit forum claimed that the CX 50’s “Off-Road” mode made navigating through a recent dump of powder a breeze. Another satisfied driver in Michigan recalled how her CX50 was left in two feet of snow during a family gathering, and pulling out afterward was simple. 

The Subaru Crosstrek:

The Crosstrek has employed some very smart marketing behind its success among those who love to drive in winter. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive continually distributes power to all wheels. Ski and snowshoe enthusiasts alike offer up tons of love for the Crosstrek due to its low base price, and Deep Snow/Mud setting in the Sport level trim. If you’re traversing through anything less than 4 inches of snow, the Crosstrek won’t even break a sweat!

Farewell to Frost: 2024’s Snow-Ready Vehicle Conclusion:

This list of snow vehicles offers up some very diverse choices! There’s quite a bit of difference between a Bronco and an Audi, with a select few characteristics to appeal to many different drivers. Some may feel that the Crosstrek is a bit low on power, while others could think that the Defender screams overkill. What do you think of the best cars for winter weather? Let us know in the comments below, or check out another article about winter driving tips.