If you live in an area that gets hit by snow, or one where the weather is unpredictable, you may be considering a used vehicle that can handle harsh winters. Which one do you pick, though? Here, we’ve listed some of the best cars for snow.

10 Best Vehicles for Snow and Ice

In no particular order, here are 10 of the best used four- or all-wheel-drive vehicles that can handle intense snowy and icy weather based on model history, fuel economy, and safety ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

  • 2015 Subaru Outback2015 Subaru Outback

    Average purchase price: $17,819

    Fuel economy: 25/32/28 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined)

    NHTSA safety rating: 5/5

  • 2016 Honda CR-V2016 Honda CR-V

    Average purchase price: $17,801

    Fuel economy: 25/31/27 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: 5/5

  • 2015 Ford Fusion2015 Ford Fusion (2016 model pictured)

    Average purchase price: $11,828

    Fuel economy: 22/31/25 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: 5/5

  • 2016 Chevrolet Equinox2016 Chevrolet Equinox

    Average purchase price: $15,738

    Fuel economy: 20/28/23 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: 4/5

  • 2015 Jeep Renegade2015 Jeep Renegade

    Average purchase price: $14,243

    Fuel economy: 21/29/24 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: 4/5

  • 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

    Average purchase price: $19,701

    Fuel economy: 17/24/19 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: 5/5

  • 2016 Mazda CX-32016 Mazda CX-3

    Average purchase price: $15,985

    Fuel economy: 27/32/29 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: 5/5

  • 2011 Toyota 4Runner2011 Toyota 4Runner

    Average purchase price: $19,028

    Fuel economy: 17/22/19 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: Not been rated

  • 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

    Average purchase price: $18,093

    Fuel economy: 15/21/17 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: 4/5

  • 2016 Subaru Forester2016 Subaru Forester

    Average purchase price: $17,428

    Fuel economy: 24/31/27 mpg

    NHTSA safety rating: 5/5

Why These Cars?

Each one of these cars has consistently been ranked as a top vehicle for snowy conditions. Every model listed comes with available four- or all-wheel drive and boasts excellent handling. All have their own great features, but, depending on your needs, one may be better than another.

For example, large families that need to carpool frequently during winter may look into a Tahoe or 4Runner, whereas someone who just needs a vehicle to commute to work may look into the CX-3 or Fusion. The bottom line is this: pick a car that fits your daily needs as well as your budget.

Looking to Buy a Car for the Winter Season?

If one of these vehicles intrigues you, but you’re worried your credit is standing in the way, let Auto Credit Express help. We work with a nationwide network of special finance dealerships that have lenders ready to help people struggling with various credit issues. Don't go through the stress of visiting multiple dealers looking for a way to get a car loan – start with us instead. Simply fill out our auto loan request form, and we'll get to work matching with a local dealership!