There’s nothing more serene than freshly fallen snow. Enjoying it float through the air as you stay nestled inside sipping hot cocoa sitting by the fireside can seem like the perfect set-up until you have to go outside and get into your car. Then, your nerves spring into action as you think about how you’re ever going to navigate through this winter wonderland that has suddenly made its presence on your drive into work or an unplanned trip to the store to pick up that forgotten dinner ingredient. If you live where it gets cold and have to make your way through snow and ice, having a car that can traverse these often treacherous road conditions is imperative because, as always, the safety of yourself and those around you matters most. Although there is a used car for everyone, not all used cars can perform in this kind of weather, which is why we made a list of the best used cars for winter driving, so that you can travel with confidence this winter season.
2018 Subaru Outback
It’s no surprise that Subaru kicks off our list as one of the safest and most dependable cars for winter driving. After all, Subaru is revered as being one of the most reliable brands on the road today, and if you’re searching for the perfect companion to get you through the winter months and beyond, you can’t go wrong with the Outback. The 2018 Outback made Forbes’ list of the 10 Best Crossover SUVs for Snow, and for a good reason. With all-wheel drive, a strong frame, and high ground clearance, the Outback can tackle any terrain like a champ, including slippery road conditions, placing it at the top of our list for winter-friendly vehicles. Plus, with an ultra-comfortable interior and a rugged exterior, you get the best of both worlds when you’re traveling.
2014 Ford F-150
In our varied list of brave winter vehicles, it can be expected that a pickup truck would make the cut. And if you’re looking for a strong, versatile, and extremely functional vehicle to help you make your way through snowdrifts and icy roads, the Ford F-150 has your back. With a variety of standard safety features to help you travel through rough road conditions, like four-wheel drive, traction control, and anti-lock brakes, plus a rugged, durable exterior, the F-150 makes your daily commute easier in rain, shine, sleet, or anything else that comes your way. For those who need a bit more power and capabilities in a vehicle, the F-150 is a strong option, especially if you live in a cold climate.
2019 Toyota RAV4
Revitalized with all the latest advancements, Toyota’s RAV4 has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings. Built with adventure at its core, the RAV4 can navigate through virtually any road condition with exceptional prowess, and if you’re looking for a sturdy winter vehicle, the RAV4 shines. Newly redesigned for 2019, the RAV4 got a major makeover with its Adventure model, featuring all-wheel drive, superior handling, and multi-terrain drive modes to help you travel in any type of weather. In your search for the right winter vehicle, the RAV4 offers an exceptionally confident ride and is the perfect size for those who don’t want to travel around in a big, bulky vehicle.
2020 Mazda CX-5
Named Best-in-Class Winter Compact SUV by the New England Motor Press Association, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a winter road warrior’s dream. With functional features like all-wheel drive and all-season tires, paired with convenience features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel, the CX-5 provides a safe, confident, and comfortable ride in the snow. The great thing about the 2020 CX-5 is that since the new 2021 models have already been released, you’re able to easily find used 2020 models, which feature all the latest tech and safety features to make your ride safer and more enjoyable this winter season.
2019 Honda Pilot
If you’re looking for the perfect family vehicle that also performs in the snow, the Honda Pilot will deliver a clean, smooth ride with all the space you need for your family. With a roomy interior featuring three rows of seats, an upgraded exterior, and all-wheel drive available, you not only have the ideal vehicle to transport your family in, but you also have the confidence you need to travel through rough road conditions with ease. Plus, with Honda’s celebrated reputation of designing extraordinary vehicles, you have the peace of mind you need knowing that you’re traveling in a reliable, secure, and dependable vehicle.
2019 Subaru Forester
Another Subaru makes our list, and this time it’s the smaller option, the Forester. Voted one of the best cars for the snow by U.S. News & World Report, the Forester boasts standard all-wheel drive, a tough frame, and impressive ground clearance. Built to take on the snow or the trails, the Forester makes the perfect vehicle for any time of the year. Traverse the icy, snowy bluffs in the winter or tackle the muddy trails in the summer. With the Forester, you have a versatile vehicle for any road condition imaginable.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep takes the cake when it comes to exceptionally talented off-road vehicles, but as far as functional everyday vehicles, can the name live up to its reputation? It certainly can with its lively lineup of rugged, high-performance vehicles designed to plow through snow, mud, sand, or anything else that comes into its path. Perhaps one of the most impressive is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and if you’re looking for a vehicle to handle itself well in the snow, any of the recent models will do just that without trouble. Featuring available Quadra-Trac II four-wheel drive, the Grand Cherokee is able to transfer torque to one axle or the other to enhance its capabilities in snowy environments, making it a sure pick for those who are craving adventure and want a reliable way to get through the winter months effortlessly.
2015 Toyota Sienna
Minivans make great family vehicles due to their roomy ride, convenience features, and safety options that help protect your precious cargo. When it comes to a confident ride in the snow, the Toyota Sienna delivers an all-wheel drive experience to help you travel rough terrain with confidence and an Outdoor Package, which includes all-weather floor mats, mudguards, and more to make your drive more comfortable in snowy situations. Let’s face it, snow is fun to look at, but when you have to travel in it, it can get a bit messy. That’s why the Sienna takes that into consideration, making it a great family car to enjoy your local winter wonderland.
2020 Ford Fusion
If an SUV or a pickup truck isn’t on your wish list of reliable winter vehicles, then you may want to keep it simple with a sturdy sedan. The 2020 Ford Fusion features a powerful EcoBoost engine, which offers up an efficient ride with available all-wheel drive to help you traverse tricky road conditions like you’re in a much larger vehicle. With the release of the 2021 model, speculated to be the last of the Fusion breed, you’re able to get a good deal on 2020 models, which include an upgraded Sync 3 infotainment system, advanced safety features, and more to make your journey more connected and enjoyable.
Travel Safer this Winter
Wintertime is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous. That’s why if you live in a place where you experience some harsh weather conditions, it’s best to choose a vehicle that you can count on and one that is built to handle snow, ice, rain, and whatever else Mother Nature tosses your way. Visit your local used car dealership and test drive one of these reliable winter vehicles so that the next time you’re admiring the snow, you’re able to travel in it with the confidence you need this winter.
