9 Best Used Cars for Snow in 2024

For driving in snowy conditions, the right vehicle can make a significant difference in safety, performance, and peace of mind. For those living in regions with harsh winters, finding a car that can handle snow and ice is essential. Used cars offer an affordable way to get the features and reliability needed for winter driving without breaking the bank.

This guide will help you navigate the best options available in the used car market, focusing on the top models that excel in snowy conditions. We’ll delve into the key features that make a car snow-ready and provide detailed reviews of some of the most popular and reliable models.

1. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

AWD and 4WD systems provide better traction on slippery surfaces, ensuring that power is distributed to all wheels to prevent slipping and sliding.

2. Ground Clearance

Higher ground clearance helps prevent the car from getting stuck in deep snow and allows for smoother driving over uneven, snowy terrain.

3. Traction Control Systems

Traction control systems help prevent wheel spin during acceleration on slippery surfaces by reducing power to the wheels that are slipping and applying brakes to those wheels.

4. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle while stopping on icy or snowy roads.

5. Heated Seats and Mirrors

Heated seats provide comfort in cold weather, while heated mirrors ensure better visibility by preventing fogging and ice buildup.

6. Winter Tire Compatibility

The ability to fit winter tires, which are designed to perform better in cold temperatures and on snowy or icy surfaces, is crucial for safe winter driving.

The Subaru Outback is renowned for its exceptional capability in snowy conditions, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system and higher-than-average ground clearance. The Outback also boasts a variety of features aimed at enhancing safety and comfort during winter driving.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides superior traction on slippery roads.
• 8.7 Inches of Ground Clearance: Helps navigate through deep snow.
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
• Heated Seats and Mirrors: Ensures driver comfort and visibility in cold weather.

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, known for its reliability, spacious interior, and advanced safety features. It is well-equipped to handle snowy conditions, making it a preferred choice for snow driving.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Available All-Wheel Drive: Provides improved traction and control on slippery surfaces.
• Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™: Enhances stability and response.
• 8.2 Inches of Ground Clearance: Adequate for most snowy conditions.
• Honda Sensing® Suite: Includes collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that offers reliability, safety, and all-weather performance. Known for its strong resale value and durability, the RAV4 is an excellent choice for snowy conditions.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Available All-Wheel Drive: Enhances stability and traction on snow-covered roads.
• Safety Sense 2.0 Suite: Includes features like pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control.
• Ground Clearance of 8.4 Inches: Helps prevent the vehicle from getting stuck in the snow.
• Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel: Adds comfort during cold winter months.

The Ford Escape is a versatile compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, modern features, and solid performance in snowy conditions. Its available all-wheel drive and safety technologies make it a reliable option for winter driving.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Available All-Wheel Drive: Enhances grip and stability on snow and ice.
• Advanced Safety Features: Includes Ford Co-Pilot360™ with pre-collision assist, lane-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control.
• Ground Clearance of 7.8 Inches: Sufficient for light to moderate snow conditions.
• Heated Front Seats and Mirrors: Adds comfort and improves visibility in cold weather.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV known for its rugged off-road capabilities and luxurious features. It is a top choice for those who need a reliable vehicle for snowy conditions while also enjoying a comfortable and high-tech interior.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Multiple Four-Wheel-Drive Systems: Options like Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive provide superior traction and control.
• High Ground Clearance: Up to 11.3 inches with adjustable air suspension, perfect for deep snow.
• Selec-Terrain Traction Management System: Optimizes the vehicle’s systems for various terrains, including snow.
• Heated Front and Rear Seats: Enhances comfort for all passengers during winter.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV offering powerful performance, a spacious interior, and robust four-wheel-drive capabilities. It’s well-suited for families and individuals who need best used SUV for snow conditions.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Available Four-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability on snowy roads.
• High Ground Clearance: 8-10 inches, ideal for navigating through snow.
• Traction Control and StabiliTrak: Enhances vehicle stability and control on slippery surfaces.
• Heated Seats and Steering Wheel: Adds comfort during cold weather and improves snow driving experience.

The Mazda CX-5 is the best compact SUV for snow known for its stylish design, agile handling, and advanced safety features. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a reliable vehicle for winter driving.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Available i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive: Provides real-time monitoring and adjustment for optimal traction.
• Ground Clearance of 7.5 Inches: Suitable for moderate snow conditions.
• Advanced Safety Features: Includes Smart City Brake Support, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Heated Front Seats: Enhances driver and passenger comfort in cold weather.

The Volvo XC60 is a luxury compact SUV that combines elegant design with advanced safety features and excellent performance in snowy conditions. It’s a top pick for those seeking both comfort and capability.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides superior traction on snow and ice.
• Ground Clearance of 8.5 Inches: Helps navigate through snow-covered roads.
• City Safety System: Includes automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance.
• Heated Seats and Steering Wheel: Ensures comfort during winter months.

The Audi Q5 is a luxury compact SUV that offers a refined driving experience, advanced technology, and excellent performance in snowy conditions. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a stylish and capable used vehicle for snow.

Why It's Great for Snow?

• Quattro All-Wheel Drive: Provides exceptional traction and stability on slippery surfaces.
• Ground Clearance of 8.2 Inches: Suitable for navigating through snow.
• Audi Pre Sense® City: Includes automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
• Heated Seats and Mirrors: Enhances comfort and visibility in cold weather.

Choosing the right used car for snow conditions can significantly enhance your driving experience and safety during the winter months. The models listed above—Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Tahoe, Mazda CX-5, Volvo XC60, and Audi Q5—are all excellent options that combine reliability, performance, and comfort.

When selecting a used car for snow, prioritize features like all-wheel or four-wheel drive, adequate ground clearance, and advanced safety technologies. By considering these factors and reviewing the detailed features of each recommended model, you can make the right decision that ensures safe and enjoyable winter driving.

If you are looking to buy used cars, SUVs, or trucks for snow in Alaska, you can reach out to United Auto Sales, the best used car dealer in Anchorage, Alaska.

1. What is the most reliable car for snow?

The Subaru Outback is often considered one of the most reliable cars for snow due to its standard all-wheel drive and excellent ground clearance.

2. Is 4WD or AWD better in snow?

Both 4WD and AWD are effective in snow, but AWD is generally better for everyday driving and light to moderate snow conditions, while 4WD is preferred for deep snow and off-road conditions.

3. What car body type is best for snow?

SUVs and crossovers are the best body types for snow as they typically offer higher ground clearance and the option for all-wheel or four-wheel drive, providing better traction and stability.