10 Best Cars for Winter Driving in 2018

These Cars and SUVs Will Guide You Safely and Comfortably Through Winter

What makes a good winter vehicle? If you’re shopping for a new car or SUV, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind, like extra safety features or a cozy cabin. In general, most new vehicles on the market right now will see you through the coldest, darkest months just fine, but if winter makes you crave a little more TLC, take a look at these models.

In particular, we looked for vehicles with good handling in snow, high safety scores, and comfort features that help take the bite out of the cold. All of these choices will be great all year round, too. Here are 10 of the best new vehicles you can buy for winter driving.

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2018 Subaru Outback

$25,895 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10

The Subaru Outback is one of the best wagons in the class, holding its own against expensive luxury competitors from the European brands. The Outback isn’t especially sporty, but it’s certainly capable, with standard all-wheel drive for added traction and a choice of four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines. This Subaru has good ground clearance, which will help you navigate snowy streets, and predictable handling. Get the Premium trim, one step up from the base model, for standard heated front seats.

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2018 Audi A4

$36,000 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10

There are some great small luxury sedans on the market, but if you live in a northern climate, the Audi A4 is one of the best in its class. It features peppy turbocharged four-cylinder engines and excellent safety scores. Audi is known for its Quattro all-wheel drive system, but keep in mind that the base A4 comes with front-wheel drive, which should be just fine in all but the snowiest conditions.

Chances are, you’re going to want to step up a trim level or two. You’ll get heated front seats in every A4, but moving up gets you lots of extra active safety features that can be your guardian angel when the going gets tough (or just covered with snow).

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2018 Honda CR-V

$24,150 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10

It doesn’t cost much to get a well-equipped Honda CR-V with all-wheel drive, which makes this compact SUV one of the best ways to spend your money this winter. This class-leading crossover hits all the high notes in terms of practicality, with good safety scores, plenty of cargo space, and responsive handling. Two four-cylinder engines are available; it’s worth upgrading to the turbocharged powertrain for better power and fuel economy.

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2017 Tesla Model S

$69,500 | U.S. News Score: 9.4/10

As long as you keep your eyes on the road (rather than yielding control to the Autopilot system), the Tesla Model S is one of the safest cars you can buy, which makes it a great choice for commuting in inclement weather. This luxury performance car also features excellent acceleration from its range of electric powertrains, and optional all-wheel drive to keep all four corners planted. Heated front seats are standard in all Model S trim levels.

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2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

$49,950 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

The V90 is an all-new addition to Volvo’s lineup for 2018, and it quickly claimed the top spot in our wagon rankings. For the best all-weather capability, go for the Cross Country model. It’s expensive, but it comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine boosted by both a turbocharger and a supercharger, as well as all-wheel drive. Its higher ride height helps clear obstacles, and the upscale interior features heated seats in both rows.

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2018 Ford Fusion

$22,120 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10

The Ford Fusion is one of the few affordable midsize cars on the market with available all-wheel drive, which will help boost your confidence on those days with really miserable weather. This affordable sedan features balanced and predictable handling and a choice of four powertrains. For extra comfort, take a look at the SE trim level; Ford offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

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2018 Chevrolet Equinox

$23,580 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10

Chevrolet’s compact Equinox is completely redesigned for 2018 and includes more features and capability than before. The Equinox is offered with three engines, including two turbocharged four-cylinders and a turbodiesel. The ride is stable and comfortable, and buyers can add optional all-wheel drive. Remote start is available on the base Equinox, so your car will already be warm on cold mornings.

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2017 Jeep Renegade

$17,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10

The Renegade might be small and affordable, but this subcompact SUV is a surprisingly capable off-roader, despite its deceptive packaging. If you want an inexpensive vehicle that can handle the worst of a rough winter but can also help you make the most of the summer, the Renegade is a good choice. Two four-cylinder engines are available, along with a choice of four-wheel drive systems.The mid-range Limited trim includes heated front seats.

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2018 Volkswagen Atlas

$30,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

The stakes are high for the all-new Volkswagen Atlas, since it filled the all-important 3-row SUV gap in VW’s lineup. So far, it delivers. Fitted with up to seven seats and a bunch of standard features, this VW opened the year with the top spot in our midsize SUV rankings. Engine choices are a four-cylinder and a V6, and buyers can swap out the standard front-wheel drive for VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which features several driving modes, including a Snowy setting. Add heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel for a comfy commuter that fits the whole family.

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2018 Mazda CX-3

$20,110 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10

The Mazda CX-3 is a class-leading subcompact crossover. It’s a great choice for winter because it has agile handling that can be paired with all-wheel drive. The CX-3 comes powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is quick off the line yet provides some of the best fuel economy ratings in the class. For 2018, Mazda added standard low-speed automatic emergency braking to the CX-3, and a heated steering wheel is new on the list of options.

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Whether or not you need to worry about winter, any of these vehicles will make your commute easier. If you have something else in mind, make sure to check out our new vehicle rankings so you can see all of your options.

When you’re ready to buy, use our U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealership with the best prices near you. Shoppers who use the program save an average of $3,279 off their new car purchase.

10 Best Cars for Winter Driving in 2018

2018 Subaru Outback

2018 Audi A4

2018 Honda CR-V

2017 Tesla Model S

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2018 Ford Fusion

2018 Chevrolet Equinox

2017 Jeep Renegade

2018 Volkswagen Atlas

2018 Mazda CX-3