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 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-V
Average purchase price: $17,801
Fuel economy: 25/31/27 mpg
NHTSA safety rating: 5/5
- 2015 Ford Fusion (2016 model pictured)
Average purchase price: $11,828
Fuel economy: 22/31/25 mpg
NHTSA safety rating: 5/5
- 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
Average purchase price: $15,738
Fuel economy: 20/28/23 mpg
NHTSA safety rating: 4/5
- 2015 Jeep Renegade
Average purchase price: $14,243
Fuel economy: 21/29/24 mpg
NHTSA safety rating: 4/5
- 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Average purchase price: $19,701
Fuel economy: 17/24/19 mpg
NHTSA safety rating: 5/5
- 2016 Mazda CX-3
Average purchase price: $15,985
Fuel economy: 27/32/29 mpg
NHTSA safety rating: 5/5
- 2011 Toyota 4Runner
Average purchase price: $19,028
Fuel economy: 17/22/19 mpg
NHTSA safety rating: Not been rated
- 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe
Average purchase price: $18,093
Fuel economy: 15/21/17 mpg
NHTSA safety rating: 4/5
- 2016 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?
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