It’s that time of the year again! Winter certainly has its challenges, to say the least. In our corner of the world, frosty roads crop up more times than we can count throughout the year. Investing in a car that’s not only capable of handling these slippery situations but also many other precarious conditions is exactly the gift you need to give yourself to get by. Find out below what makes a good car for winter as well as our top picks for the best cars for snow driving 2024.
So, you’re wondering whether your car has what it takes to muscle the arctic tundra? Or maybe you’re weighing what car specs will allow you to get to the bottom of your driveway in one piece. Either way, you can’t go wrong with some or all of these features in a car for snow or even all weather.
Rank | Car | Drivetrain | Ground Clearance (mm) | Winter Tires Available? | ESC | ABS | Heated Seats | Heated Steering Wheel | Remote Start | Hill Descent Control | Traction Control | Snow Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mazda CX-5 | AWD | 200 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
2 | Peugeot 3008 PHEV | AWD | 165 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
3 | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | FWD | 160 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
4 | MG ZS EV | FWD | 150 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
5 | Hyundai Kona Electric | FWD | 155 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
For an elegant SUV to handle winter’s ice, snow and harsh weather, consider the refined Mazda CX-5 all-wheel drive. This award-winning compact SUV is equipped for slippery conditions with available dynamic AWD integrating traction control and ABS technology for steady handling over snow and ice.
Powered by an efficient 187-horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, the CX-5 retains responsiveness behind the wheel, allowing drivers to traverse snow-covered rural routes with confidence. Plus, the heated front seats and steering are a big bonus on cold mornings.
The CX-5 promises future hybrid capabilities for the environmentally conscious drawn to greener vehicles. But for now, features like idle stop reduction and cylinder deactivation contribute to economic miles during winter hauls.
Safety innovations also prepare the CX-5 for hazardous winter driving. Radar cruise, lane keep assist and other proactive i-Activsense features enhance accident avoidance on dangerous snow and ice.
.
The newly refined Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid electric mid-size SUV provides eco-conscious families stability and comfort across ice, snow, and harsh winter terrains.
This PHEV pairs a 225-horsepower 1.6L gas engine with a 13.2kWh electric motor, allowing versatile switching between gas and electric modes depending on conditions. Traverse up on average 31 miles on full electric mode only, giving you instant silent torque from rest across icy lanes.
Inside, riders remain warm within a sleek, luxurious interior featuring leather upholstery, ambient lighting themes, and an expansive panoramic sunroof brightly lighting winter day.
You can handle snowy roads with confidence thanks to the 3008’s electronic stability program, optimized anti-lock brakes, and renowned Peugeot traction control grip mastering slippery slopes.
.
The newly updated 2024 Vauxhall Mokka Electric compact SUV handles icy, snowy, and slippery conditions with finesse using cutting-edge traction technologies. Systems provide accident avoidance across winter terrains by limiting wheel slippage and retaining responsive steering, with enhanced control across snow and slush.
The 134-horsepower electric motor’s instant torque enables climbing steep, snow-covered hills and handling deep powder easily thanks to immediate blizzard-ready power delivery. Regenerative braking slows speeds by safely harnessing kinetic energy.
The 50kWh battery enables over 200 miles range with 80% rapid recharging in just 30 minutes. Quick charging is accessible across winter charging station networks even in sub-zero temperatures.
Inside, the flexible, roomy cabin has heated seats and steering wheel so you stay warm while appreciating the modern exterior’s streamlined silhouette and slick LED lighting accents.
.
The 2024 MG ZS EV is a practical SUV beloved for its exciting and affordable nature. Thoughtfully styled, this award-winning electric model is designed around family needs.
Behind the large MG grille badge hides a 51.1kWh battery capable of delivering up to 198 miles or, through the long-range model, an impressive 273 miles - ideal for suburban and snowy countryside trips. Conveniently located is a charging port compatible with CCS and Type 2 sockets.
Choose from three winter-ready trims: Excite, Essence or Long Range. Each MG ZS EV model employs future-forward LED lighting, the MG Pilot System, and MG iSMART for remote controls and voice commands.
Leading battery and motor technology allows instant torque delivery at rest, powering you up slippery slopes. Low centres of gravity for winter traction and regenerative braking storing energy in the battery make the ZS EV a champion for cold weather.
.
Blending efficiency, capability and warranty-backed reliability, this versatile electric vehicle empowers families to embrace cold-weather road trips. The 64kWh battery enables up to 258 miles per charge, delivering confidence for commutes and journeys well beyond the neighbourhood.
Smooth, responsive acceleration comes courtesy of the electric motor providing 395Nm of instant torque when needed in slippery conditions. Stability and traction see a boost from the low centre of gravity design, allowing drivers to hug the road tightly around icy corners when adventure calls. Specialized testing in snowy conditions ensures lasting reliability as winter temperatures drop every year.
Rely on Hyundai’s 10-year/100k mile battery warranty and 5-year/60k comprehensive vehicle coverage. Additionally, the generous 332L of rear cargo space creates possibilities for endless winter getaways.
.