Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Cars for Snow and Winter Driving in 2027
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Cars for Snow and Winter Driving in 2027
The best winter car has capable all-wheel drive, good ground clearance, strong traction and stability control, and the ability to run proper winter tires. Below are the 10 best vehicles for snow and winter driving in 2027, ranked on traction, ground clearance, cold-weather range or economy, safety, and value, with real 2027 MSRPs and the specs that matter when the roads turn white.
*Published June 21, 2027 · Updated June 21, 2027*
Direct Answer
The best car for snow and winter driving in 2027 is the 2027 Subaru Outback — its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X-Mode hill control, and excellent safety scores make it the most confidence-inspiring winter vehicle at its price, starting around $30,000.
For the best value, the 2027 Subaru Crosstrek delivers the same AWD system in a smaller, cheaper package. For maximum capability, the 2027 Toyota 4Runner is the rugged choice. Remember: winter tires matter more than the drivetrain.
1. 2027 Subaru Outback 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2027 Subaru Outback is the best winter car you can buy. Its symmetrical all-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels full-time — not just when slip is detected — giving it a real grip advantage in snow. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it can plow through unplowed roads that strand lower cars, and X-Mode manages traction and braking down icy hills automatically.
Starting MSRP is around $30,000.
Beyond the hardware, the Outback earns top IIHS safety awards, comes with standard EyeSight driver assistance, and offers a heated steering wheel and heated seats on most trims. The wagon body keeps a low, easy-load floor while still delivering SUV-like winter ability, and it returns about 32 mpg highway.
It ranks first because it combines genuine winter capability, top safety, everyday comfort, and reasonable cost better than anything else. Car and Driver and MotorTrend consistently rate it among the best foul-weather vehicles. Fit a set of dedicated winter tires and it is nearly unstoppable.
2. 2027 Toyota 4Runner
The 2027 Toyota 4Runner is the rugged winter SUV. With available four-wheel drive, a true low-range transfer case on some trims, and roughly 9 inches of ground clearance, it tackles deep snow and unmaintained roads that would stop most crossovers. Starting MSRP is around $42,000.
Built on a body-on-frame platform, the 4Runner is engineered for abuse and shrugs off harsh winters. It tows well for hauling a snowmobile trailer, and its high stance and short overhangs help in deep drifts. The trade-off is fuel economy near 24 mpg highway, but for serious winter terrain that is a fair price.
It earns second place as the maximum-capability choice. For rural drivers, mountain dwellers, and anyone facing unplowed roads, the 4Runner is built for it.
3. 2027 Subaru Crosstrek 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2027 Subaru Crosstrek is the value winter champion. It packs the same standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance as the Outback in a smaller, more affordable body, with X-Mode for slippery climbs. Starting MSRP is just around $26,000.
The Crosstrek earns top safety scores, includes standard EyeSight, and returns about 34 mpg highway, making it cheap to run as well as cheap to buy. Its compact size makes it nimble on snowy streets, and the tall ride height handles snowbanks at the curb.
It takes the Best Value crown because no other vehicle offers this much real winter capability for the money. For budget-minded drivers in snow country, it is the obvious buy.
4. 2027 Toyota RAV4
The 2027 Toyota RAV4 is a dependable all-weather SUV. Available all-wheel drive with a snow/mud driving mode and about 8.4 inches of ground clearance handle most winter conditions, and the hybrid version's electric rear axle adds instant, precise traction. Starting MSRP is roughly $30,000, with the hybrid returning around 39 mpg combined.
The RAV4 pairs that capability with top safety scores, standard driver aids, and Toyota reliability — important when cold weather strains a vehicle. Heated seats and a heated wheel are available, and cargo room is generous for winter gear.
It earns fourth as the efficient, reliable choice. For drivers who want everyday practicality with solid snow ability, the RAV4 fits.
5. 2027 Audi Q5 quattro
The 2027 Audi Q5 is the luxury winter SUV. Its quattro all-wheel drive is among the most sophisticated systems available, shuffling power for excellent grip on ice and snow, and the available adaptive suspension can raise ground clearance. Starting MSRP is around $48,000.
The Q5's quiet, well-built cabin includes heated seats, a heated wheel, and available heated rear seats, and its driver-assistance suite is excellent for low-visibility winter driving. It is comfortable, refined, and genuinely capable when the weather turns.
It ranks fifth as the premium choice. For drivers who want winter security with luxury, the quattro-equipped Q5 delivers.
6. 2027 Honda CR-V
The 2027 Honda CR-V is a practical winter SUV with available all-wheel drive, about 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and a snow driving mode. Starting MSRP is roughly $31,000, and the hybrid returns around 40 mpg combined.
The CR-V earns top safety scores, includes standard Honda Sensing for slick-road safety, and offers heated seats and a heated wheel. Its spacious, reliable, and efficient package makes it an easy all-season daily driver that handles snow well on proper tires.
It earns sixth as the sensible family choice. For drivers who want a roomy, efficient SUV that copes with winter, the CR-V is a strong pick.
7. 2027 Volvo XC60
The 2027 Volvo XC60 brings Scandinavian winter know-how. Standard all-wheel drive, about 8.5 inches of ground clearance, and a cabin designed for cold climates — heated seats, heated wheel, and even heated washer nozzles on some trims — make it a natural in snow. Starting MSRP is around $48,000.
Volvo's safety reputation is legendary, and the XC60's driver aids excel in poor visibility. The plush ride and quiet cabin make long winter commutes comfortable. Plug-in hybrid versions add electric range for short trips.
It ranks seventh as the safety-focused luxury choice. Built where winters are brutal, the XC60 is engineered for them.
8. 2027 Ford F-150
The 2027 Ford F-150 is the winter workhorse. With available four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and the ability to add weight over the rear axle for traction, it handles deep snow and plows driveways with an attachment. Starting MSRP for a 4x4 crew cab is around $48,000.
The F-150's capability, towing strength, and bed make it ideal for rural winters where you also haul firewood, equipment, or a snowmobile. Available terrain modes optimize traction for snow, and heated seats keep the cab warm.
It earns eighth as the truck choice. For drivers who work through winter, the F-150 is built to keep moving.
9. 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe offers strong winter value with available all-wheel drive, a snow driving mode, about 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and a boxy, spacious cabin loaded with cold-weather features. Starting MSRP is around $35,000.
The Santa Fe includes heated seats, a heated wheel, and available heated rear seats, plus top safety scores and a long Hyundai warranty. Its upright shape makes it practical for hauling winter gear, and the hybrid is efficient.
It ranks ninth as the feature-packed value SUV. For drivers who want lots of winter comfort and capability without overspending, the Santa Fe fits.
10. 2027 Rivian R1S
The 2027 Rivian R1S is the electric winter standout. Its quad- or dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers precise, instant torque to each wheel for exceptional snow traction, and the air suspension can raise ground clearance to over 14 inches for deep snow. Starting MSRP is around $78,000.
The R1S includes a battery preconditioning and cabin heat-pump system that protects cold-weather range, plus heated seats, a heated wheel, and a snow drive mode. As a capable three-row EV, it pairs serious winter ability with everyday family use.
It rounds out the list as the premium electric choice. For EV buyers in snow country who want capability and space, the R1S leads — just budget for the price.
How to Choose
- Buy winter tires first — a vehicle with winter tires and front-wheel drive often outperforms an all-wheel-drive vehicle on all-season tires.
- Prioritize ground clearance (aim for 8 inches or more) so you can clear unplowed roads and snowbanks at the curb.
- Favor full-time or proactive all-wheel-drive systems (like Subaru's symmetrical AWD) over reactive systems that only engage after a wheel slips.
- Look for a snow or terrain driving mode plus strong traction and stability control for confident handling on ice.
- Value cold-weather comfort features — heated seats, heated steering wheel, and (for EVs) a heat pump and battery preconditioning.
- For EVs, check cold-weather range loss; models with heat pumps and preconditioning, like the Rivian R1S, hold up far better in deep cold.
FAQ
What is the best overall car for snow and winter driving in 2027? The 2027 Subaru Outback is the best overall, with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X-Mode hill control, and top safety scores, starting around $30,000.
What is the best value winter car? The 2027 Subaru Crosstrek is the best value at about $26,000, offering the same standard all-wheel drive and ground clearance as the Outback in a smaller, cheaper package.
Do I need all-wheel drive for snow, or are winter tires enough? Winter tires matter more than the drivetrain — a front-wheel-drive car on winter tires often beats an all-wheel-drive car on all-season tires for grip and braking, though AWD plus winter tires is best.
What is the best electric car for winter in 2027? The 2027 Rivian R1S leads, with precise all-wheel-drive traction, air suspension that raises ground clearance over 14 inches, and a heat pump that protects cold-weather range.
Bottom Line
The 2027 Subaru Outback is our Best Overall pick for snow and winter driving thanks to its full-time all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, X-Mode, and top safety scores. The 2027 Subaru Crosstrek is our Best Value choice, delivering the same core capability for less. Off-pavement and rural drivers should consider the Toyota 4Runner, and EV buyers the Rivian R1S.
No matter which you choose, a quality set of winter tires is the single most important upgrade you can make.
Sources
- MotorTrend — 2027 all-wheel-drive SUV winter testing
- Car and Driver — 2027 Subaru Outback and 4Runner reviews
- Edmunds — 2027 ground-clearance and AWD-system comparisons
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — 2027 pricing and winter-vehicle guides
- IIHS — 2027 Top Safety Pick ratings
- Tire Rack — winter-tire versus all-season traction testing
- EPA fueleconomy.gov — 2027 fuel-economy and EV cold-weather range data