For some people, driving in the snow is like the monster under the bed. It’s something scary you have to face for a lot of your life but is ultimately unavoidable.
Unlike the monster, however, fear of driving in snow is not irrational. Maneuvering in winter conditions can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the right ride for it.
In some places, where it snows once or twice a year, usually a solid pair of all season tires is enough to get you through the winter. Trucks and SUVs are no longer the only option to plow through snowy roadways. From sedans to wagons, here are the top five cars for winter driving.
Top Five Best Performing Cars In The Snow
#5 Ford Fusion SE
Price, Fuel Economy, Power:
- MSRP: From $27,730
- MPG: 22 city/34 highway/28 combined
- Horespower: 231 HP
- Torque: 270 lb-ft
- Engine: 2.0L
It can be a challenge to find a mid-size sedan that performs well in the snow. Unfortunately, you often have to sacrifice fuel economy and size for the benefits of four or all wheel drive.
Thankfully, the Ford Fusion SE model is a fantastic exception.
This mid-sized sedan touts an impressive 22/34 MPG, has all the driving benefits and handling of a sedan and has optional AWD protection.
The “Intelligent” AWD on the car uses sensors to monitor traction, balancing torque between the front and back wheels to enhance handling and traction.
The Ford Fusion SE AWD is also dripping with luxurious added features, like a keyless entry keypad and optional heated steering wheel.
Austin says
Did you not review the Range Rover? It clearly is the best off road vehicle with many special programs options such as snow/ice mode…
ken says
Two of these should be considered SUV’s, not cars.
Andy says
This list of snow cars totally misses the point. I thought from the picture the old vw bug ( with the aircooled engine in the back ) they’d mention it as it is definitely so much better in the snow, especially icy roads, than the cars listed, but I guess they’re more interested in selling cars than writing a provacative and interesting article, so much for an informative read!
K.R.V. says
I think you are confused with the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee! You stated in the first paragraph something about a rear axle disconnect? and yes that is for the Cherokee, which is a front wheel drive lower model Jeep, but in the Grand Cherokee you have pictured, it is the FRONT axle that gets disconnected for better mileage, NOT the rear!
K.R.V. says
Why would you go and include SUV’s in an article about cars that are good in the snow? and then not have cars that are good in the snow not in the story? Cars like the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger? with the AWD option? instead of the Pathfinder and Jeep? Even the new Chrysler 200 can be bought with AWD, for under 30K with a deal. I bought my AWD Charger R/T with a Hemi for 33K, and it is great in the snow! sure it does not have the clearance a Pathfinder of Grand Cherokee has, but the real driving dynamics of the Charger are far and away better than either of the SUV’s mentioned! and I still get decent mileage! for a car with AWD and 370hp, I regularly get 17 city and 25 hyw. while driving at the speed limits. Plus I have heated seats, and the 525watt Dr. Dre sound system, with the very easy to use U-Connect system!
AustinAnthony says
The best vehicle driving in the snow is the Tesla Model S85D. There is a YouTube video with an owner climbing a snow and ice covered hill with several 4-wheel drive vehicles stuck with their flashers on. The instantaneous computer-control of the electric motors powering the front and rear tires will always dominate over the delayed-response as a result of the mechanical linkages coupled to a gas-powered engine that all the other automakers use. There truly is no comparison.
john simpson says
Forgot to mention the Subaru Impreza. Winner of many snow rallies including the Monte Carlo and you can buy at least four Subaru for one Tesla and one hundred thousand plus miles without effort is more likely with Subaru over Tesla.