► Top 10
► SUVs still the best
► Winter tyres also important
► Range of budgets
When it comes to driving in the snow, not all vehicles were created equal. Some are ideal and some are a 'snow go'.
And yes, even if your car comes with an all-weather mode, it might not make much of a difference if it's the wrong type of car to begin with.
Speaking of the right and the wrong kind of car, no, not all snow-tailored vehicles are SUVs, but most of them are . . .
Do SUVs Handle Better in Snow?
Yep, 4x4s too, and there's plenty of reasons for that:
4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system (4WD, AWD) - Providing movement to all wheels, offering great control
Good ground clearance - Helps vehicle avoid getting stuck in snow
Good visibility - As you're seated higher up due to the raised ride height, you'll have greater sight of hazards ahead, and often a larger windscreen to look out as well
Traction Control and Stability Systems - Maintains control by reducing wheel spin and ensuring stability on slippery surfaces
Winter Tyres (a.k.a. Snow Tyres)
While 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is obviously very useful, having the right tyres on your car can be just as important. Even the best SUV will struggle to shine on a snowy road if it's fitted with summer tyres.
Basically, winter tyres perform well in winter due to the rubber compound which ensures that the tread stays soft. Some countries (e.g. Germany) actually make it mandatory for you to fit winter tyres when conditions deem it necessary.
But whilst not a legal requirement in the UK, equipping winter tyres in temperatures below 7°C is going to give your car that extra kick when it comes to fighting the snow and cold. Just remember to take them off when summer hits!
Moral of the story: head on down to KwikFit or Halfords and get some winter tyres fitted.
1. Land Rover Defender
Seats: 3-7
Boot space: 786 litres
Hey, it’s Land Rover. They specialise in this kind of stuff, snow included. And this particular off-roader has been driven by everyone from the Royal Family to a certain 007 secret agent, so it’s not exactly un-stylish.
The 296bhp D300 diesel engine is a top choice on account of its low-down pulling power, even on snow-covered hills. And as an additional plus point, the Defender 110 also comes with the option of special tyres to help grip on mud and snow.
Of course, its just as good on the road as off it, capable of surviving any pothole the British roads can throw at it. It's also smoother during town driving than more hardcore off-roading vehicles.
Compare our Land Rover Defender lease deals
2. Volkswagen T-Roc
Seats: 5
Boot space: 445-litres
The Volkswagen T-Roc . . . rocks. A 1.0-litre petrol engine that suits most drivers, but what you really want is the 2.0-litre option if dealing with mud and snow is a common occurrence.
It not only comes with more pulling power, but is also available with Volkswagen's 4Motion four-wheel drive system, which will work to keep your wheels turning even in the most treacherous conditions. Accompanying that, you're best plumping for the Style trim. It may only be one step up in the ladder from the entry-level Life, but it does get you larger wheels, a larger digital driver's display and a built-in satnav.
Compare our Volkswagen T-Roc lease deals
3. Range Rover Sport
Seats: 5-7
Boot: 647 litres
Combine the go-anywhere ability of a Land Rover with luxury and comfort, and you get this. It more than holds its own when it comes to snow and the rough stuff, but with a more trendy edge. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine has plenty of pulling power, and like with most of the other cars on our list, there's the insurance of knowing you've got four-wheel drive to keep all those wheels moving.
No version of the Range Rover Sport comes is short on equipment, but you would be advised to go for the Dynamic SE trim because of its darker interior trim finishes and black roof, which all adds to the already impressive standard kit.
Compare our Range Rover Sport lease deals
4. BMW X3
Seats: 5
Boot space: 550-litres
From the infotainment system that shuns more modern setups by offering physical controls, to the fact that every version feels great to drive, there's a lot to like about the BMW X3.
There isn't an identifiable weakness in the X3's line-up of engines, but the entry-level xDrive20d 2.0-litre diesel has all the pulling power you're likely to need. With 187bhp, it feels more powerful than the comparable engine on the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and it also comes with mild hybrid technology to help lower your fuel bills. And as the trim name suggests, it also gives you four-wheel drive – a must when dealing with snow.
Compare our BMW X3 lease deals
5. Skoda Karoq
Seats: 5
Boot space: 521-litres
The spiritual successor to the Skoda Yeti, the Skoda Karoq does its best to emulate that by offering immense value and bags of space for you and all your passengers and their baggage, plus enough variety in its trim line-up to ensure that there's a version which will suit the majority of drivers.
Live somewhere where ice and deep snow are a regular occurrence? Then the strong pulling power of the Karoq's 2.0-litre diesel engine should suit you well – AND, it's one of the few engine options to be available with four-wheel drive. You also get an automatic gearbox with this version.
Compare our Skoda Karoq lease deals
6. Dacia Duster
Seats: 5
Boot space: 445 litres
Able to dust off the snow and, well, just about anything really, the Duster is living proof that a sturdy vehicle doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Terrific for all weathers, for snow and ice, this small SUV combines a punchy 113bhp diesel engine with four-wheel drive – useful if towing, or driving on muddy, snowy or sandy inclines is part of your travel itinerary.
Of course, choosing a version of the Duster with four-wheel drive will bag all the benefits, and whilst the range-topping Extreme trim might be considered overkill, it's still worth thinking about for its rubber floor mats.
Compare our Dacia Duster lease deals
7. INEOS Grenadier
Seats: 5
Boot space: 1-152-2,088-litres (depending on version)
Almost military, the Ineos Grenadier is a hardcore homage to the original Land Rover Defender, and that means, yes . . . it's really good at playing in the mud and snow.
Any Grenadier will do the job, but youve got the higher trims for the most dire of weather. The Trialmaster can get you through the most extreme off-road conditions, whilst the Fieldmaster gets the best out of comfort and modernity. The 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines are both turbocharged six-cylinder units sourced from BMW, so it's safe to say that there's plenty of power here. And of course, no SUV would be an SUV without lots of storage space, and you get 2,088-litres of it, along with a 3.5 tonnes towing capacity.
Compare our INEOS Grenadier lease deals
8. Skoda Kodiaq
Seats: 5-7
Boot space: 2,105-litres
A mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, practicality, and strong value for money, the Kodiaq offers seating for up to 7 passengers with a flexible cabin layout, making it a great option for families. The Kodiaq comes with a range of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants, and is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for enhanced versatility.
Its design features a modern, clean aesthetic, and it is equipped with a variety of tech and safety features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, advanced driver assistance systems, and ample storage space.
Compare our Skoda Kodiaq lease deals
9. Jeep Wrangler
Seats: 4-5
Boot space: 548-litres
Wrangle your way through the snow and pretty much anything else with this monster that harks back to the jeeps of World War 2. Slotted grille, circular lights, and you can even remove the roof and doors for some outlandish motoring (maybe not during a snowfall, mind you).
You'll find the Wrangler to be more or less unstoppable in winter, which is when it truly shines. Benefit from permanent four-wheel drive, locking diffs, a low range gearbox and huge ground clearance. As a bonus, its turbocharged petrol engine gives it a bit of a kick.
Compare our Jeep Wrangler lease deals
10. Suzuki Ignis
Seats: 4-5
Boot space: 260-litres
Ignite the winter air with this marvellous piece of engineering. More proof that you don't have to spend big to get behind the wheel of a big SUV. Safe from the blistering rain and snow, it's a car you'll be happy in.
And it's not just the chunky, upright styling that markets this. It's also the fact you can specify it with four-wheel drive. Otherwise, it's front-wheel drive all the way. In the cabin, the Ignis gives you a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, with space for 4 in the passenger compartment. That's alongside practical storage solutions and a modern infotainment system.
Compare our Suzuki Ignis lease deals
What About Heated Seats and Steering Wheel?
More of a bonus really.
Whilst more and more SUVs are coming heated seats and a heated steering wheel automatically, you still might have to plump for the higher trim levels to get heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Summary
A comprehensive listing of the best cars in the snow.
Technology and a winter car can of course only do so much though. Your judgment and decision-making do the rest.
Safe driving out there.
FAQs
Is 4WD or AWD better in snow?
Four-wheel drive cars are technically the better of the two, offering advantages in deep snow and off-road scenarios. However, all-wheel drive is arguably better for everyday road driving in moderate to tough conditions.
What cars are best for snowy weather?
SUVs are usually the best cars for snow weather, thanks to their high ground clearance, good visibility, traction control systems, and all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations.