Winter brings more than snow. It also brings black ice, slushy roads, freezing rain, and dangerous morning commutes. For families, this means more than inconvenience — it’s about keeping everyone safe. That’s where the right vehicle becomes essential. A well-equipped winter driving SUV is more than just a vehicle. It’s a trusty companion for cold weather, ready to face the elements.

The best SUV for snow is perfect for school drop-offs in snowy suburbs or mountain holidays. It offers all-weather capability and family-friendly comfort. This guide looks at the best models for icy roads. They help keep your family safe all season.

A silver car drives on a snowy road surrounded by tall, snow-covered trees in a serene winter landscape.

What Makes an SUV Winter-Ready?

Before diving into specific models, let’s look at what defines a truly capable family SUV for icy roads:

Must-Have Winter Features:

  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): Essential for traction in snow and slush
  • Heated Seats & Steering Wheel: Keeps passengers comfortable and reduces the need for gloves
  • Remote Start: Pre-warms your car on frosty mornings
  • Heated Side Mirrors: Prevents ice build-up and improves visibility
  • High Ground Clearance: Helps avoid getting stuck in deep snow
  • Winter Driving Assist: Snow modes, hill descent control, and adaptive traction systems

The right SUV doesn’t just survive winter — it makes driving through it feel safe and controlled.

A red pickup truck covered in snow, parked in front of a festive house adorned with holiday decorations and greenery.

Best SUVs for Snow and Winter Driving in 2025

These models stand out for their winter-ready features, safety tech, and family-focused design.

1. Subaru Outback

Why it leads: Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and low centre of gravity make this SUV a winter champion.

Winter Features:

  • Standard AWD across all trims
  • X-Mode with hill descent control
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Windshield de-icer and heated mirrors
  • 8.7 inches of ground clearance

Best For: Families in snowy rural or mountainous areas needing reliability and traction.

“We’ve never missed school pickup — even in heavy snow. It just grips and goes.” — Megan, mum of two in Vermont

2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD

Why it’s practical: A fuel-efficient hybrid with impressive snow-handling capabilities and everyday usability.

Winter Features:

  • Electronic on-demand AWD
  • Snow driving mode
  • Available heated steering wheel and seats
  • Excellent fuel economy (up to 40 MPG)
  • Toyota Safety Sense standard

Best For: Eco-conscious families who still need solid winter performance.

“It’s quiet, comfortable, and handles icy roads like a pro.” — Oliver, dad in Minnesota

3. Honda CR-V AWD

Why it’s consistent: With proven AWD capability and a smooth ride, the CR-V remains a dependable winter-ready option.

Winter Features:

  • Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control
  • Heated front seats and dual-zone climate
  • Remote engine start on mid-to-upper trims
  • Snow driving mode on newer models
  • Strong safety ratings

Best For: Families who want a balanced daily driver with reliable cold-weather performance.

“We’ve taken it through snowstorms — never slipped, never skidded.” — Priya, parent in Toronto

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4

Why it’s rugged: With proper off-road chops and cold-weather tech, this SUV handles winter without hesitation.

Winter Features:

  • Multiple 4×4 systems including Quadra-Trac II
  • Selec-Terrain® with Snow mode
  • Heated front and rear seats standard on most trims
  • Optional air suspension for higher clearance
  • Great towing for ski trips or snowmobiles

Best For: Adventurous families tackling snow, trails, and winter holidays.

“We live off a dirt track — it gets us out, no matter the weather.” — Josh, dad of three in Colorado

5. Volvo XC90

Why it’s refined: Scandinavian design built for Scandinavian winters — all wrapped in family luxury.

Winter Features:

  • All-wheel drive standard or optional
  • Heated everything: seats, mirrors, windscreen, steering wheel
  • Pilot Assist and Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Optional plug-in hybrid with AWD
  • Minimalist yet warm interior design

Best For: Families who want luxury, space, and winter confidence in one stylish package.

“It feels safe — solid, grounded, and unshakeable in snow.” — Anne, mum in Oslo

Honourable Mentions

These SUVs also perform well in cold climates and offer excellent safety and comfort for families:

  • Mazda CX-50 – All-terrain AWD system and rugged styling
  • Ford Explorer AWD – Intelligent AWD and Terrain Management System
  • Hyundai Santa Fe AWD – Affordable, spacious, and packed with features
  • Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD – Massive size and power for serious snow routes
  • BMW X5 xDrive – For luxury families needing snow confidence and power

Bonus Tips: Preparing Your SUV for Winter

Even the best winter driving SUV needs preparation to perform its best in harsh conditions. Here’s how to get ready:

Close-up of a car's winter tire on a snowy road, showcasing its tread designed for enhanced grip in cold conditions.

Tyre Check

Swap to winter tyres if you live in an area with frequent snow or ice. All-season tyres won’t cut it in severe conditions.

Fluid Top-Ups

Ensure your windscreen washer fluid is rated for sub-zero temperatures, and check antifreeze levels.

Battery Health

Cold can zap your battery power. Test it before the season starts.

Emergency Gear

Stock your SUV with:

  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Thermal blankets
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Jumper cables or a jump starter
  • Emergency snacks and water
  • Shovel and traction mats

Tip: Keep a small bag of cat litter or sand in your boot — it adds traction on icy driveways.

Drive Confidently Through Winter

When the snow starts falling, you need a vehicle you can count on. The best SUVs for snow are more than just AWD machines — they’re protective, practical, and purpose-built for families facing icy commutes and slippery roads.

From the rugged Subaru Outback to the sophisticated Volvo XC90, each SUV on this list gives you the peace of mind that no blizzard, slush patch, or icy hill will stand in your way.

Preparing for the winter season?

Test drive a few winter-capable SUVs, check tyre options, and build your cold-weather emergency kit. Already own a favourite? Share your winter SUV experiences in the comments — your insights could help another family make the safest choice.