With winter already in full swing, drivers across the country are dealing with cold weather. It means rain, wind, ice, sleet and snow. With this change of season, it's good to know which vehicles can handle winter weather. Below are the features that make certain cars great for driving on snowy roads.
To pick a winner for each segment, iSeeCars considered multiple hazards associated with driving on snowy roads.
For example, ice prevents a car's tires from gripping the road, making it difficult to stop and steer. Specifically, black ice is particularly harsh because drivers cannot see it and adjust for it.
Reduced visibility is another risk iSeeCars considered. An effective defroster or heater is essential to keep visibility as high as possible in whiteout conditions or ice/snow buildup.
In addition, tire pressure and tread are important factors when driving on snowy roads.
The best cars for snow have these features
2023 Subaru Impreza | Subaru
iSeeCars listed 10 key features that make a car suitable for driving on snowy roads. The most important of them is all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The former splits power between the front and rear wheels, making it easier for him to maintain control if one of the tires slips.
Anti-lock braking is another feature of modern cars that recycles the brake pads during hard stops, which aids in braking while driving on snowy roads.
Additionally, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking can increase safety and prevent accidents.
Other car features that make it ideal for driving in snow include higher ground clearance, headlight washers, heated seats/steering wheels, heated mirrors, traction/stability control, remote start, and winter or snow tires. there is.
To determine which models were cut, iSeeCars scored the vehicles on a scale of 1 to 10. Analysis includes National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings, value retention, and long-term reliability.
5 best cars for snow driving
iSeeCars chose vehicles from 10 segments. All models come with AWD or 4WD, have the necessary ADAS and safety features, and perform well in snowy conditions.
The Subaru Impreza is the top small car for snow with a score of 8.6 out of 10. It performed best in quality (8.9) and safety (10). And with a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,795 to $25,895, it's his most affordable AWD model.
The best midsize car for driving on snow is the Toyota Camry, with an overall score of 8.9. AWD is available on all trims with a 4-cylinder engine. Boasting a perfect safety score (10) and a slew of his ADAS features, this sedan, at around $25,295 to $35,720, is perfect for snow driving.
iSeeCars named the Dodge Charger the best big car for snow with an 8.8 overall. AWD is available on his SXT and GT trims with V6 engines. Also, the AWD system only engages when the car deems it necessary. Prices for new chargers range from about $35,250 to $74,900.
Toyota's Prius is the top hybrid car with an overall rating of 8.8. All models are equipped with AWD. Additionally, the hatchback design and standard safety features make it a great choice among hybrid vehicles. A new Prius will cost around $24,525 to $32,650.
According to iSeeCars, the best electric car for snow driving is the Tesla Model 3, with an overall score of 8.7. All vehicles are equipped with AWD as standard. Additionally, the driver can remotely preheat and defrost the car via the app. Prices for the new Model 3 range from $46,490 to $58,990.
iSeeCars gave the Lexus IS 350 an impressive 9.3 overall. Thanks to high reliability (8.9), safety (10) and value retention (9.0), the IS 350 is the best luxury small car on snow. The new IS 350 starts between $43,050 and $45,050, but offers a comfortable interior and plenty of driver's aids.
The Audi A6 doesn't score high on reliability (6.5), but it's a luxury midsize car that's perfect for iSeeCars snow driving. Thanks to a perfect safety score (10) and his AWD in the standard, the A6 gets an 8.8 overall. Prices for new models range from about $37,500 to $48,300.
Among luxury heavy-duty cars, the Audi A7 is best suited for driving on snow, with an overall score of 8.2. Like the A6, the A7 comes standard with AWD. It also has automatic emergency braking and night vision to help with snow. The new A7 is priced between $69,200 and $78,350.
The BMW 3 Series has been recognized by iSeeCars as the best luxury hybrid car for snow. The 7.5 3 series has the lowest overall score, with a slightly lower safety score (9.0) and a lower value retention score (7.2). AWD is an additional $2,000 option, bringing the new model's suggested retail price from $42,850 to $44,950.
It didn't get a quality score from iSeeCars, but the Porsche Taycan is still the best electric snow luxury car. All models except the base model are equipped with AWD as standard. Features such as Traction and Stability Control and Instantaneous Torque Vectoring make the Taycan ideal for snow driving. Prices for new models range from $79,900 to $185,000.
What is the best vehicle for snowy roads?
According to the iSeeCars analysis, the Lexus IS 350 stands out as the best car as it received the highest overall score. One of the safest vehicles on the list, the Lexus Safety System+ offers numerous ADAS features. Includes automatic high beams, lane keep assist and lane departure warning.
A cheaper alternative to the IS 350 is the Toyota Camry. It has his second-best score and offers many of the same advantages as its luxury sedan cousin.
