11 Best SUVs For Snow That You Must Check Out In 2023

Best SUV For Snow

Winter is a dangerous time to be on the road. So, if you live in a region that sees heavy snowfall, you should drive nothing but the best SUV for snow. Icy situations pose many risks for drivers, like low visibility, severe loss of friction, and chances of fatal accidents.

According to the US Department of Transportation, over 70% of the nation’s roads are in regions with heavy snowfall. Thus, it becomes crucial for all drivers to own a vehicle that can handle itself well in the snow.

SUVs are one of the best vehicles for snow season. Most are available in either all- or four-wheel drive, offer impressive ground clearance, and are comfortable. These family-size cars have become so popular in the American market in the past few years that finding the best SUV for snow and ice in 2023 is a bit of a challenge.

But do not worry. With the help of our experts, we bring you this list of the best SUV for snow 2023 for all the car fanatics. This article explores the 11 top SUVs you can own this winter that offer comfortable travel, facilitate safety, and come with impressive high-end tech & safety features.

Let us begin and see if your favorite made it to our list of best snow SUVs of 2023.

11 Best SUVs For Snow And Ice – Winter Driving In 2023

Buying a vehicle that can ensure your safety on the road is important. It does not matter if you go for fun cars, sleeper cars, off-roaders, or sports cars, as long as they can keep you safe under all the circumstances.

This becomes even more crucial if you are a family person. No one wants their family to get hurt just because their damn car could not handle the little distraught condition on the asphalt. Handling snow is a big issue for many automobiles, even for Italian cars. Thus, you need more than just European car brands or Japanese car brands.

You need the best vehicle for deep snow to ensure you are not stuck in heavy snow and freeze in your stranded car on the roadside. Below, we have reviewed the eleven best SUVs for snow you can go for in 2023 without having doubts or second thoughts.

1. 2023 Honda CR-V

Best suv for snow
  • Starting Price: From $28,410
  • Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 190 hp
  • MPG: 28 City / 34 Highway
  • Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
  • Top Speed: 115mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 185″ L x 74″ W x 66-67″ H

If you want snow cars that start with c, the 2023 Honda CR-V is the perfect SUV for you and your family. For model year 2023, CR-V is fully redesigned and marks the beginning of the model’s sixth generation.

This vehicle features an upscale and spacious interior, comfortable seating across two rows, a big cargo hold, and a long list of standard features. 2023 CR-V is powered by a 190 hp 1.5 L 4-cylinder mated with a continuously variable transmission.

This gives you an excellent fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Lastly, this one of the best cars for snow and ice driving gives you decent driving performance every single time.

Pros

  • Comfortable cabin
  • Spacious interior
  • Huge cargo hold
  • Good fuel economy
  • A long list of standard features

Cons

  • Not as thrilling as some rivals
  • All-wheel drive is not standard

2. 2023 Volvo XC40

Best suv for snow 2023
  • Starting Price: From $36,350
  • Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 194 to 247 hp
  • MPG: Up to 24 City / 32 Highway
  • Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
  • Top Speed: 112mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.7 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 175″ L x 75″ W x 65″ H

If you want the best luxury SUV for snow but also wish it to be a 4-cylinder car from a European car brand, there is no better choice than the 2023 Volvo XC40. This luxury subcompact SUV is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing 194 to 247 hp.

2023 XC40 is a small but spacious four-door ride. This SUV is all about practicality. You get refined powertrain choices, ample passenger and cargo space, and a long list of tech & safety features. For 2023, the model gets a refreshed exterior design, powertrains gain mild-hybrid capacity, and a new Google-based infotainment system.

However, this vehicle is not as luxurious as large Volvos. Plus, the infotainment icons are too small, making usage hard for some users.

Pros

  • Refreshed exterior styling
  • Refined powertrain options
  • Practical cabin
  • Many standard tech features
  • Ample seating & cargo space

Cons

  • Mixed interior quality
  • The new infotainment system is complicated to use

3. 2023 Ford Bronco

Best suv for snow and ice
  • Starting Price: From $34,890
  • Engine: 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 2.7 L V6, 3.0 L V6
  • Horsepower: 275 to 418 hp
  • MPG: Up to 20 City / 21 Highway
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic, 7-speed manual
  • Top Speed: 111 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.4 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 174-199″ L x 76-86″ W x 72-79″ H

If you want the best 4×4 for snow and ice, the best resale value SUV, then the popular Ford Bronco can be your next big purchase. The 2023 Ford Bronco is a compact SUV powered by powerful four-cylinder and V6 engines, channeling up to 418 hp.

Also Check:

You can own this impressive off-roader by exploring some of the best car lease deals 2023 has for you. With this ride, you will get exceptional off-road capability, muscular engine lineups like a muscle car, poised on-road handling, and roomy seating & cargo space.

You can enjoy your trip without any front seat hassle if you buy the best car seat gap filler. They will ensure your phone, wallet, keys, and other things are in place and do not get lost while you conquer those uneven terrains.

Pros

  • Exceptional off-road capabilities
  • Lively ride
  • Potent engine lineup
  • Poised handling
  • Spacious interior and cargo hold

Cons

  • Noisy cabin
  • Disappointing gas mileage

4. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Best luxury suv for snow
  • Starting Price: From $31,225
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 176 hp
  • MPG: Up to 41 city / 38 highway
  • Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
  • Top Speed: 114 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.5 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 181″ L x 73″ W x 67″ H

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is not only the best SUV for snow, but also one of the best keyless start cars 2023 has for you. This hybrid SUV is all about a well-built and roomy interior, comfortable ride quality, good reliability, and many tech & safety features.

The model gets its power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, all-wheel drive, and two electric motors. The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid is not only fast but also highly fuel efficient. The good gas mileage gives you 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

The composed ride and handling, spacious interior, user-friendly tech & safety features make this a great purchase. This is hands down the top all-wheel drive SUV for snow in 2023. You can install a dash cam with night vision to make this ride safer.

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain
  • Spacious interior
  • Composed ride and handling
  • Practical cabin

Cons

  • Wind and cabin noise

5. 2023 Ford Expedition

7 seater best suv for snow
  • Starting Price: From $54,755
  • Engine: 3.5 L V6
  • Horsepower: 380 to 440 hp
  • MPG: Up to 17 City / 23 Highway
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Top Speed: 124 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.1 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 210″ L x 80″ W x 76-77″ H

Are you looking for a 7-seater best SUV for snow? The 2023 Ford Expedition is a great choice for big and growing families. This large SUV is comfortable, and spacious, has powerful twin turbocharged engines, high towing capacity, and good gas mileage for its class.

If you only want SUVs with 5000 towing capacity or more, the 6,000-pound capacity of the 2023 Expedition is surely going to impress you. The interior is well trimmed, which you can maintain well with the help of the best upholstery cleaner for cars.

All new Expedition comes with plenty of standard and optional driver assistance technology. Features like forward collision warning and automated emergency braking are standard. Also, this SUV holds a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, making it a safe ride for snow and all other seasons.

Pros

  • Powerful engines
  • High towing capacity
  • Spacious seating in all three rows
  • Good fuel efficiency for class
  • Good cabin quality

Cons

  • Mediocre cargo space

6. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe

All wheel drive best suv for snow
  • Starting Price: From $54,200
  • Engine: 3.0 L 6-cylinder diesel, 5.3 L V8, 6.2 L V8
  • Horsepower: 277 to 420 hp
  • MPG: Up to 21 city / 28 highway
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Top Speed: 124 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.95 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 211″ L x 81″ W x 76″ H

Another best SUV for snow that can be yours with the help of the best auto insurance is none other than the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. This large SUV boasts huge passenger and cargo room, balanced driving & handling dynamics, plenty of standard features, and a quiet interior.

2023 Tahoe comes standard with 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 and an optional 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. However, for this year, a 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder engine has also joined the lineup. The diesel engine is the most efficient of the three engine options. With it, you get 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

This is one of the best snow cars with panoramic sunroof in 2023. 8″ touchscreen, wireless Android & Apple connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and voice recognition are some of the top standard features.

The base model can be yours for a starting price of $54,200. However, if it seems expensive, you can always lease a car. Also, if you are ever going on a family trip and decide to rent a car, a large SUV like Tahoe can be a great option to enjoy your trip most peacefully.

Pros

  • Ample passenger space
  • Adult sized third row
  • Massive cargo hold
  • Excellent fuel economy, especially with diesel engine
  • Intuitive infotainment system
  • Quiet interior
  • Agile for its size

Cons

  • Expensive high-end trims
  • Mixed ride quality

7. 2023 Subaru Forester

Best vehicle for deep snow
  • Starting Price: From $26,395
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 182 hp
  • MPG: Up to 26 City / 33 Highway
  • Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
  • Top Speed: 115 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.5 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 183″ L x 72″ W x 68-69″ H

If you want your SUV for snow from the best Japanese car brands, check out the 2023 Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester is hailed as one of the best SUVs ever made. And this model keeps the title with its impressive driving dynamics on snowy and icy roads.

The 2023 Subaru Forester is one of the most affordable SUVs on this list. This practical ride offers good interior space, a comfortable ride, intuitive features, and a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Also Check:

All the offered six trims are powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, producing 182 hp.

Subaru offers its EyeSight suite of camera-based driver-assistance features to keep you safe on the road. 2023 Forester also has a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It is an all-wheel drive best SUV for snow.

Pros

  • Well-built, roomy interior
  • Composed ride and handling
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Good fuel economy

Cons

  • Slow acceleration

8. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Best cars for snow and ice driving
  • Starting Price: From $41,535
  • Engine: 3.6 L V6, 5.7 L V8
  • Horsepower: 293 to 357 hp
  • MPG: Up to 19 City / 26 Highway
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Top Speed: 137 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.4 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 205″ L x 78″ W x 72″ H

Do you want cars similar to Jeep Wrangler? If yes, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the best alternative to the popular off-roader. This mid-size SUV comes with a seating space for up to seven people. It has potent engine options, composed ride quality, a spacious & luxurious cabin, and user-friendly tech & safety features.

You can go on off-road adventures and in-city explorations on this ride. The three-row seating is standard. The top three trims are downright luxurious, but the price for the base model in the class is high.

It is powered by a 3.6 L V6 or 5.7 L V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive, channeling 293 to 357 hp. For your safety, Jeep finally offers a host of newly standard driver-assistance technology with the Grand Cherokee L.

If the brand-new model is costly, you can consider buying used cars. But if you go down that road, learn how often to replace tires, or does the car shakes when accelerating and more.

Pros

  • Robust engines
  • Spacious, luxurious cabin
  • Composed ride
  • User-friendly entertainment system

Cons

  • High base price than competitors

9. 2023 Subaru Outback

Best suv for snow
  • Starting Price: From $28,395
  • Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 182 to 260 hp
  • MPG: Up to 26 City / 32 Highway
  • Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
  • Top Speed: 117 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.8 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 191″ L x 73-75″ W x 66-67″ H

Another Subaru that is hailed as a great SUV for snow is the 2023 Subaru Outback. This SUV can be yours for a starting price of $28,395. 2023 Outback is a versatile ride, all thanks to its smooth ride quality, spacious seating & cargo area, and a long list of standard features.

The 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is standard, whereas a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is optional. Both the engines come paired with standard all-wheel drive and CVT.

The interior is all about quality. So, if you want to keep it new-like for a long time, we recommend you buy car seat covers and the longest lasting car air freshener.

Subaru offers its EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology as standard on all Outback models. Such great safety features are why this ride holds a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a GOOD rating from IIHS.

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Smooth ride quality
  • Ample cargo and passenger space
  • Good ground clearance than

Cons

  • Sluggish base engine
  • The infotainment system is not easy to handle

10. 2024 Kia Telluride

Best suv for snow 2023
  • Starting Price: From $35,990
  • Engine: 3.8 L V6
  • Horsepower: 291 hp
  • MPG: Up to 20 City / 26 Highway
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Top Speed: 132 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.6 to 6.9 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 197″ L x 78″ W x 69-71″ H

The best midsize SUV of model year 2023 that is also among the best SUVs for snow is the 2024 Kia Telluride. This family-friendly SUV boasts huge passenger and cargo space, an upscale interior, many standard features, and smooth ride quality.

With the help of its V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it channels 291 hp to standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.

This ride gives you a maximum speed of 132 mph and an acceleration time of under 6.9 seconds. Kia offers everything you desire from an SUV, but its fuel economy is not as good as some of its top rivals.

Pros

  • Upscale and spacious cabin
  • Smooth ride quality
  • Lots of standard features
  • Easy-to-use infotainment system
  • Top trims are near luxurious rides

Cons

  • Mediocre fuel economy

11. 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic

Best luxury suv for snow
  • Starting Price: From $39,500
  • Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 221 hp
  • MPG: 23 City / 32 Highway
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Top Speed: 130 mph
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.8 Seconds
  • Dimensions: 174-175″ L x 72-73″ W x 63-64″ H

If you want nothing but cars that start with m for the snowy season, check out the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic. This 4 cylinder BMW car is powered by a 221 hp 2 liter engine and is among the top luxury subcompact SUVs of 2023.

In the 2023 GLA 250 4Matic, you get two rows of spacious seating, a fuel-efficient base engine, and plenty of driver assistance technology. Overall, this ride from the premium brand gives you a high-end cabin finish, stylish looks, and a pleasant-to-drive experience.

To keep this high-end ride smooth and shiny all the time, it is a good thing to invest in the best car scratch remover in 2023.

Pros

  • Premium looks
  • High-end cabin finishes
  • Smooth to drive
  • Good practical option

Cons

  • The infotainment system is fussy to use

Check Out The Basic Tool Required For Snow Driving

Apart from owning the best SUV for snow, there are some extra measures that you must keep in your hands. Not everyone out there can buy a new SUV, so if you live in snowy regions, the tools mentioned below will aid you in the best way possible.

Whether you are traveling in a snowy area, on an adventure, or stuck in a muddy area.

  • Winch- The best winch can get you out of any situation and take you to new places more confidently. With a quality truck winch, you’ll never have to wait for that crane again.
  • Car Snow Chains – Owning a ride that serves the purpose well is all good, but it never hurts to be extra careful. You can attach these car snow chains to the tires as they will provide a restraint on the icy road. Check Price Online Anti Slip Tire Traction Chains.
  • Roadside Emergency Kit – Whether you live in a snowy region or a hot one, a driver must carry a roadside emergency kit with him, no matter what. You can never predict the situations, but being prepared comes in handy. Check Price Online Best Roadside Emergency Car Kit.
  • Jumper Cables – A car can stop humming anytime without notice. At that time, even to get help from passersby, you need jumper cables with you. Check Price Online Jumper Cables for Car Battery. Also, read to learn how to jump-start your car.
  • Emergency Roadside Flares Kit – You do not know when and where your ride might end. So what’s better than getting stuck on the lonely road? Owning a flair kit that can help you signal for help. Check Price Online Emergency Roadside Flares Kit LED.
  • Tow Strap – Sometimes, getting towed by another vehicle is the only option to get out of your roadside emergency. To be able to get this help, you need an emergency off-road towing rope. Check Price Online Emergency Off Road Towing Rope.
  • Snow Brush – It is common for snow to sit on your windows, creating foam and sometimes even freezing. So, instead of taking your car to a mechanic, you can have the issue resolved with a car foam snow brush & ice scraper. Check Price Online Extendable Car Snow Brush with Squeegee & Ice Scraper.
  • Flashlight – Another universal thing that every driver needs with him is a flashlight. The better case is if you own one that is water-resistant. That way, it can serve you better. Check Price Online Heavy Duty Water Resistant Flashlight for Emergency.

Get To Know Why SUVs Are Ideal Snow Ride

It is common for people to know about a product before buying it. We understand your curiosity about why SUVs are the ideal snow ride, and we have the answers to put your doubts to rest.

  • Cabin Space – The ample seating space & good cargo area makes it the best in all manner. You can transport heavy winter necessities without having to spend on outsourcing.
  • Good Visibility – It is easy to lose the visibility of the road on a ride that is not equipped to handle extreme cold conditions. However, exclusive SUVs designed for snow will make your ride easy, no matter the situation.
  • Heavy Weight – A heavy vehicle is considered ideal for snowy roads as they are less likely to skid off the road or turn upside down during any unfortunate event. Thus, SUV serves better than any other ride.
  • Better Drivetrain Handles – Another feature that makes SUVs ideal rides is their better drivetrain handles. Some come with either 4WD or AWD, while some are available with both to put you at ease.

Should You Prefer 4WD or AWD?

  • AWD or All-Wheel-Drive works with little or no input from the driver. It generally operates as a full- or rear-wheel drive, meaning the engine sends all its torque to one axle. Furthermore, the power is dispensed to all the wheels.
  • 4WD or Four Wheel Drive also sends power to all four wheels, but it creates a drift between the front & rear axles, keeping them in sync.

4WD or AWD?

Choosing between 4WD and AWD entirely depends on the needs of the buyer. However, if you must know, All-Wheel-Drive is the better choice for most drivers.

The reason is simple. It automatically adjusts to changing road conditions and is designed to effectively work in snow & icy conditions. Also, it has the least bad effect on the fuel economy.

But remember that not all SUVs are suited to harsh wintry conditions. This means you must look for the best SUV for snow that provides you with all the desired features and safety on the road.

Conclusion

Winters are one of the most dangerous times of the year concerning road safety. Sliding off the road or losing balance are common issues people face with snow on the road. Thus, they need a vehicle that can provide better safety.

To help you with your winter crisis, we came up with this list of the best SUVs for snow. Each model has top safety features, advanced technology, stylish interior & exterior, and family size.

Ritambra

Ritambra is an absolute car fanatic who loves the ultimate Porsche 911. It is her dream car she wishes to own someday. She has over four years of experience in automotive writing. She loves to explore new car launches, different car accessories, latest automobile technologies, find out the best purchases, and where can fellow car fanatics find the best buying deals. With her skillful writing and in-depth knowledge of the automotive industry, you will learn about the latest automotive trends, news, launches, car reviews, top automobile comparisons, car maintenance, usage advice, and more. Her writing is delightful, informative, and entertaining, even for casual readers. You will fall in love with cars with Ritambra's writing and unshakable passion for them.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.