Canadian winters are not just seasons. They become survival tests for you and your vehicles. A good AWD system can be the difference between driving and being stranded on your driveway. Safely getting through the winters can be stringent, but it is important to ensure that you have a car that can deliver performance and capabilities regardless of how dry or icy the roads are. These are 23 SUVs that have the best AWD systems for surviving Canadian winters:
Subaru Outback
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system has built a reputation as a winter traction legend, making the Outback a go-to choice for Canadian winters. That can drive in deep snow and on icy roads with ease. Driven by a 2.5L 4-cylinder or a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it delivers a balance of power and fuel efficiency. The interior has heated leather seats, a dual-zone climate control system, and an 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment touchscreen. It also has a 0-60 mph time ranging from 5.9 to 8.7 seconds, making it more than capable of handling icy roads.
Audi Q5
Audi’s Quattro AWD system gives owners maximum grip on slippery surfaces, making the Q5 an excellent winter SUV. Built with German engineering exactness, it’s equipped to take on winter roads with both style and poise. Beneath the surface, it’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder or an available more robust 3.0L V6 engine. Inside, premium leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a high-resolution Virtual Cockpit screen make the ride all the more comfortable. The Q5 can also launch from 0-60 mph in only 5.7 seconds, making winter driving more enjoyable.
Toyota RAV4 Adventure
Launched in 1994, the RAV4 Adventure model features Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, which modifies real-time power transfer for the best possible traction. It can navigate a snowy freeway or a slushy side street and is driven by a 2.5L 4-cylinder that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The cabin has all-weather floor mats, a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, and SofTex-trimmed seats. It’s a trusty winter friend with multi-terrain drive modes that adapt effortlessly to snow, mud, and ice for a stress-free ride.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Quadra-Trac II AWD on the Grand Cherokee is designed for serious off-road and winter use. It can plow through knee-deep snow and still ride like a luxury vehicle. It has a variety of engines, from a 3.6L V6 to a behemoth 5.7L V8, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as short a time as 6.3 seconds. It has heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, a 10.1-inch Uconnect screen, and a panoramic sunroof, providing a comfortable ride while quickly navigating deep snow.
Volvo XC90
Volvo’s AWD system, combined with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0L engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offers great winter stability. With its safety-first philosophy, this SUV is the ideal combination of Scandinavian luxury and snow-capable performance. The inside is classic Scandinavian opulence, with wool blend seats, crystal gear shift, and a 9-inch Sensus infotainment screen. Its hybrid model delivers 0-60 mph capability in 5.3 seconds, providing a fast and secure drive that appeals to winter drivers.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5’s i-Activ AWD system is ideal for Canadian winters, particularly because of its ability to anticipate traction loss before it occurs. It is the perfect car for Canadian drivers seeking a sporty, sleek SUV that doesn’t flinch when the snow comes. A 2.5L 4-cylinder engine powers it, and it only takes 6.8 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. The interior has heated front and rear seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, and premium Bose speakers. The CX-5 provides comfort and reassurance on frozen roads, making it great for icy winters.
Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport’s G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) AWD system makes it a beast in winter conditions that continues to deliver in the face of snowbanks. The rugged machine has a turbocharged 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost engine and a rugged interior featuring easy-to-clean surfaces, heated front seats, and a rubberized cargo floor. The Bronco Sport reaches 60 mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds, among the fastest small SUVs in the snow.
Land Rover Defender
This off-road icon has an advanced AWD system with terrain response for negotiating deep snow and ice. Take it from the city to a snowy mountain escape or ride out winter’s worst, the Defender is up to the task. Its engines include a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder up to a supercharged 5.0L V8. The inside is designed for adventure, with weather-resistant materials, heated seats, and a Pivi Pro infotainment system on a 10-inch screen. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, so owners can outrun any blizzard.
The Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Tahoe has been a mainstay in the full-size SUV segment for decades, providing reliability and ruggedness. It is designed to conquer the winter, whether driving icy roads or pushing through snowbanks. The Tahoe’s Autotrac AWD system offers smooth transitions between 2WD and AWD, and it has a 5.3L V8 or optional 6.2L V8 engine that offers ample power and a 0-60 mph acceleration of 6.5 seconds. The inside features leather-appointed seats, heated second-row seats, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and a rear entertainment system, ensuring a comfortable and safe drive in icy conditions.
Honda’s CR-V
The CR-V has been a popular choice among family and commuter crowds for ages, combining efficiency with all-weather ability. Its AWD system means that drivers don’t have to sacrifice performance when the roads get slippery. The CR-V’s Real-Time AWD system provides stability and efficiency in the snow. It’s driven by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and has a warm, comfortable interior with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a 9-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Its 0-60 mph rating at 7.6 seconds is an excellent pick for winter drives.
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Palisade makes luxury feel at home in winter-capable SUVs with the added benefits of premium comfort and rugged capability. Whether traveling to a ski resort or driving through city streets, this SUV easily navigates snow. The Palisade’s HTRAC AWD system has several drive modes, including Snow Mode, for improved winter performance. Its 3.8L V6 engine can accelerate to 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Its comfortable interior includes quilted leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a heated steering wheel, balancing comfort with winter proficiency.
Kia’s Telluride
The Kia Telluride instantly became one of the most desirable SUVs, thanks to its tough build and roomy interior. It is fashionable, and it can also handle snow-covered roads. The Telluride has an AWD system that learns different road types, so there’s no slip-up on frozen roads. It’s powered by a 3.8L V6 engine that clocks in at a 0-60 mph speed of 7.0 seconds. It has Nappa leather seats, a Harman Kardon stereo, and ventilated and heated second-row seats, making it ready for winter and comfort.
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Cayenne proves that sacrificing performance and winter capability can come in one vehicle. The Cayenne’s AWD system is built to provide superior traction and performance, making it the ideal car to drive on icy roads. Its range of engines includes a turbocharged V6 and a twin-turbo V8 that accelerates from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest winter-ready SUVs. It has leather sports seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and a heated multifunction steering wheel that ensures a comfortable drive.
BMW’s X5
BMW’s X5 has long been the benchmark for luxury SUVs, bringing the latest tech with some serious all-weather chops. It is a great option for individuals seeking an SUV that can dominate in the winter without trading away performance. It has a BMW xDrive AWD system that smartly shares power for ultimate winter traction. It has multiple engine choices, from a 3.0L inline-6 to a 4.4L twin-turbo V8. The interior boasts Vernasca leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a high-resolution digital instrument cluster. The 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds in the M50i trim makes it winter-proof and exciting to drive.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of combining elegance with off-road capability, and the GLE 4MATIC fits right in. It’s made to keep you comfortable and in command, even when the road gets rough. The GLE’s 4MATIC AWD system distributes power to individual wheels for maximum control on ice and snow. A 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder or 3.0L inline-6 mild-hybrid engine gives you the strength. The opulent interior boasts heated massaging seats, a Burmester surround sound system, and a dual 12.3-inch display configuration. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, providing comfort and confidence on wintry roads.
Volkswagen Atlas
The 4MOTION AWD system on the Atlas with Drive Mode Select guarantees stability when driving slippery roads. Its robust construction and impressive ground clearance make it a reliable vehicle for snowy roads. It has a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder or 3.6L V6 under the hood. It boasts ventilated front seats, a digital cockpit, and ample cargo space, making it the perfect winter road trip car. It is a trusty winter vehicle that goes 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds.
Tesla Model X Dual Motor AWD
Tesla’s dual-motor AWD system delivers instant torque and better grip on slippery roads. Its low center of gravity, due to battery placement, adds stability in extreme winter conditions. The interior is ultra-luxurious and minimalist, with heated synthetic leather seats, a 17-inch screen, and Falcon Wing doors for extra drama. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds, demonstrating that electric SUVs can conquer winter roads.
GMC Yukon AT4
The Yukon AT4’s Active Response 4WD system is built for extreme weather conditions. The vehicle features skid plates and an off-road-tuned suspension, making it a serious winter warrior. It has a 5.3L or a 6.2L V8 engine that accelerates to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, making it a winter beast. The interior includes perforated leather seats, a 15-inch heads-up display, and a heated steering wheel. With its high ground clearance and all-terrain tires, it effortlessly plows through deep snow and icy trails.
Acura MDX SH-AWD
Acura’s Super Handling AWD system dynamically transfers power to keep the vehicle on snow and ice. The system enhances cornering stability and minimizes wheel slippage on icy surfaces. It’s driven by a 3.5L V6 or a performance-oriented 3.0L turbo V6 that accelerates 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The inside has Milano leather seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a premium ELS Studio audio system, providing owners with a car that unites performance with luxury.
Infiniti QX60 AWD
The QX60 AWD is equipped with Infiniti’s Intelligent AWD system, which detects road conditions in milliseconds and ensures stability on icy roads. The system can also provide seamless transitions from front-wheel drive to AWD when needed and optimizes fuel efficiency. It has a 3.5L V6 engine that accelerates from 0-60 mph to 6.4 seconds, providing a blend of speed and security. The interior boasts semi-aniline leather seats, a tri-zone climate system, and a panoramic moonroof, making it a refined yet capable winter SUV.
Mitsubishi Outlander S-AWC
The Outlander’s S-AWC system enhances stability when driving on icy roads, making it a great Canadian winter vehicle. The car has driving modes, including Snow Mode, which has better traction for snowy roads. It has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine or plug-in hybrid form and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. The inside features quilted leather seats, a 9-inch touchscreen display, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system, creating an excellent winter SUV that provides comfort and performance.
Cadillac Escalade 4WD
The Escalade’s AWD technology offers great performance in the snow and is a good option for Canadian drivers. The car is equipped with Magnetic Ride Control suspension that smooths over rough, snowy roads for an improved ride. It has two engine choices, a 6.2L V8 and a 3.0L turbo-diesel. The inside has a bent OLED screen, massage seats, and an AKG Studio Reference audio system. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, combining sophistication with winter supremacy.
Nissan Rogue AWD
Nissan’s Intelligent AWD system optimizes for changing road conditions and provides a comfortable winter ride. The system distributes torque automatically to provide better traction on icy roads. It is driven by a 1.5L turbo 3-cylinder engine that can go 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The interior has Zero Gravity seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 9-inch touchscreen, making it an excellent budget winter SUV. Its fuel efficiency also makes it a smart choice for long winter commutes without frequent stops at the pump.
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