Winter is coming, and for those who don’t have the luxury of hibernating, it’s time to gear up and face the snowy, icy, and often treacherous roads. Enter the winter-ready SUV, your knight in shining armor ready to tackle Old Man Winter head-on. These 7 SUVs are not just built to survive the cold—they’re designed to thrive in it.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback, particularly the 2023 model, epitomizes the rugged versatility that has made it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts and families. Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system ensures maximum traction, no matter how slippery the roads get. The Outback’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches means it can easily navigate through deep snow, and its X-MODE feature optimizes engine output and enhances control, making those icy patches a bit less nerve-wracking. With heated seats, a steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control, you’ll stay warm while the Outback handles the cold.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a tank in an SUV’s clothing. This beast is designed for off-road adventures but performs just as admirably on snowy highways. Its full-time 4WD system, with a locking center differential and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), ensures superior stability and control. The Land Cruiser also boasts a powerful V8 engine that can bulldoze through the toughest snowdrifts. Inside, luxury abounds with heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and second-row seats.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is known for its off-road prowess and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to winter driving. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system provides excellent traction, while the Select-Terrain Traction Management System lets you choose the perfect setting for snow, mud, sand, or rock. With a ground clearance of 8.6 inches and an air suspension system that can raise the vehicle even higher, the Grand Cherokee can easily handle deep snow. The interior features heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote start system to warm up the car before stepping outside.
Volvo XC90
When you think of winter, you think of Sweden and Swedish cars, and the Volvo XC90 should be at the top of your mind. This SUV combines Scandinavian design with superior winter capabilities. Inside, the XC90 is a cocoon of warmth with its heated seats, heated steering wheel, and heated windshield washer nozzles—because who likes scraping ice off their windshield anyway? Its exterior features clean, crisp lines, a bold front grille, and distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights. Volvo’s focus on safety is evident in the XC90’s robust structure and advanced safety features, including the City Safety collision avoidance system and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 proves that luxury and winter capability can go hand in hand. Its Quattro all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional grip on snowy and icy roads, while the adaptive air suspension can raise the vehicle to clear deep snow. Under the hood, the Q7 offers a range of powerful engine options, from efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders to robust 3.0-liter V6s, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. Enhanced by smooth, flowing lines, the car’s aerodynamic profile contributes to its aesthetic appeal and fuel efficiency. With the Audi Q7, you can brave any blizzard in style.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is like that reliable friend who’s always there when you need them, especially in winter. The current model, launched in 2020, is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, enhancing its towing capacity and driving dynamics. It comes with a choice of engines, including a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, and a hybrid option, providing power outputs ranging from 300 to 400 horsepower. The Explorer’s interior is spacious, with three rows of seating and up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. It also features the latest in-car technology, such as Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a suite of driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery is a master of all terrains, and winter is no exception. Its full-time four-wheel-drive system, coupled with the Terrain Response 2 system, lets you choose the best settings for various conditions, including snow and ice. The latest model, the Discovery 5, boasts a lightweight aluminum architecture that offers a choice between a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine producing 340 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 254 horsepower. The Discovery’s 11.1 inches of ground clearance (with air suspension) makes it one of the best SUVs for deep snow. It also features heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and even a heated windshield to melt away ice quickly. The Discovery combines rugged capability with luxurious comfort, making it an ideal choice for winter warriors.
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11 Cars that are Known for Breaking Down Regularly
