It's time to start talking snow, ice, and mud now that summer is nearly over. What are the best new vehicles for driving in the snow? Is Subaru among the best? Check the report here if you live in a cold climate.
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It's hard to believe, but the first fall day is September 23, 2023. Summer is officially over, and it's time to start talking about driving in the snow, ice, and mud. Which new vehicles are the best for severe weather, and is Subaru still among the best? Check out the best Subaru vehicles for icy roads and the one surprise model that made the list from U.S. News.
U.S. News compiled a new list of the vehicles best suited for winter driving this year. U.S. News says the vehicles picked are great for winter driving and year-round use because you never know when the weather will change. It's already snowing in the high country of Colorado.
All the models picked must have specific attributes, including four-wheel or all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance. In addition, the best vehicles for the task have creature comforts such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote start.
The picks are in ascending order based on each model's U.S. News overall score.
The surprise model for Subaru is the 2023 Subaru WRX performance car. Sports cars aren't known for their snow-driving capability, but that sets the WRX apart from other performance cars. The WRX comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for superior traction on all road surfaces. The 2023 Subaru WRX gets an overall score of 7.3/10 and MSRP is $30,605.
U.S. News says, "The WRX is not the most practical vehicle in our rankings. Still, it's the way to go if you want a fun commuter car that can handle almost anything, and you're fine paying a premium over comparable compact cars."
Next on the list is the 2023 Subaru Ascent. The 2023 Ascent gets an overall score of 7.9/10, and MSRP is $33,895.
U.S. News says, "The Subaru Ascent is a great family-oriented midsize crossover with features that make it a good all-weather vehicle. All-wheel drive comes standard, which is rare in this segment. Furthermore, 8.7 inches of ground clearance provides enough room to get over bumps and debris."
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is also included in the top snow car picks. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek gets an overall score of 7.9/10, and MSRP is $24,995.
U.S. News says, "The Subaru Crosstrek has been completely redesigned for the 2024 model year. It packs the capability of its larger siblings—including at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance—but in a nimble, subcompact platform. The Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive and has plastic body cladding designed to take abuse."
U.S. News has yet to discuss the new Crosstrek Wilderness that arrives this fall. The Wilderness trim has 9.3 inches of ground clearance and more severe winter driving capability.
The Outback is another Subaru SUV that U.S. News says is among the best for winter driving. The 2024 Subaru Outback gets an overall score of 8.1/10, and MSRP is $28,895.
U.S. News says, "The Subaru Outback simply kicks butt for a winter vehicle. It's as purpose-built as they come, equipped with standard all-wheel drive, loaded with safety features, and finished with easy-to-clean materials. If you want a family-oriented vehicle perfect for winter travel, this is your car, and for the 2024 model year, it has fresh exterior styling on the rugged Wilderness trim."
The 2024 Subaru Forester is ranked the best Subaru vehicle for driving in the snow. The 2024 Subaru Forester gets an overall score of 8.2/10, and MSRP is $26,395.
U.S. News says, "The Forester exhibits all of the traits shoppers should look for in a quality winter vehicle. It has standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and an upright seating position that allows the driver to see hazards on the road ahead. Following a 2022 styling update, the Forester carries into 2023 largely unchanged."
U.S. News needs to mention the Forester Wilderness trim level that has 9.2 inches of ground clearance and additional severe weather capability.
What vehicles score better than the Subaru WRX, Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester for driving in the snow?
U.S. News top picks this winter:
- 2023 Audi A4 Allroad - Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $45,900
- 2023 Ford Bronco Sport - Overall Score: 8.3 | MSRP: $29,215
- 2023 Honda Ridgeline - Overall Score: 8.4/10 | MSRP: $38,800
- 2024 Kia Seltos - Overall Score: 8.4/10 | $24,390
- 2023 Hyundai Tucson - Overall Score: 8.5/10 | MSRP: $28,400
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Overall Score: 8.8/10 | MSRP: $59,250
- 2024 Kia Telluride - Overall Score: 8.8/10 | $37,990
Any U.S. News picks are good choices if you are shopping for a new vehicle this fall and want good all-weather capability. If you drive in the snow, ice, and mud and want superior severe weather performance, the 2023 Subaru WRX, 2024 Crosstrek, 2024 Outback, and 2024 Forester will safely deliver you to your destination.
Don't Miss This Related Story: The Top-11 Cars For Winter 2023 and Why Subaru’s 3 Snow-Loving Models Aren’t The Best
Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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