The 15 Best Cars For Winter Driving And Subaru’s 5 Snow-Eating Picks

Not everyone likes to drive in the snow.

If you are a Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback fan, you may be the exception if you like to drive in the snow. Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is designed for the most severe weather climates. You won't find Subaru owners sitting at home when the snow flies.

According to a report from U.S. News Autos, other good vehicles for winter driving exist. Here are the top picks and things to look for, and then I'll explain why Subaru is the top choice among them. 

Ground clearance

U.S. News says, "Ground clearance is the distance between the ground and a vehicle's undercarriage. High ground clearance provides the room needed to travel over snowbanks. SUVs, trucks, and specialty off-road vehicles often have the best ground clearance. Many Subaru vehicles have 8.7 inches (or more), making them ideally suited for driving through snow."

Subaru Wilderness vehicles have more. 

All Subaru SUVs have 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and Subaru Wilderness trims have more. Outback has 9.4 inches, Crosstrek 9.3 inches, and Forester Wilderness has 9.2 inches of snow clearing clearance. Check out my Wilderness report here. 

What car is best for snow and ice?

U.S. News gives the nod to the Subaru Outback. "The Subaru Outback boasts standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and several advanced safety features."

What SUV is best for snow and ice?

U.S. News says it's the Subaru Forester. "The Subaru Forester provides many of the Outback's winter-friendly features but in a more upright design that allows for a commanding driving position."

Do SUVs handle better in the snow?

U.S. News again singles out the Outback. "SUVs have high ground clearance and wide tires, which are ideal for snow. Also, some wagons, like the Subaru Outback, have high ground clearance tailor-made for winter driving."

U.S. News top picks for winter driving this year. 

• 2024 Subaru WRX - Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2025 Volvo XC40 - Overall Score: 9.0/10
• 2025 Subaru Outback - Overall Score: 9.0/10
• 2024 Volvo S90 - Overall Score: 8.8/10
• 2024 Subaru Ascent - Overall Score: 8.8/10
• 2024 Audi A4 Allroad - Overall Score: 9.4/10
• 204 Ford Bronco Sport - Overall Score: 8.8/10
• 2025 Subaru Forester - Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2025 Honda Ridgeline - Overall Score: 9.0/10
• 2024 Subaru Crosstrek - Overall Score: 8.9/10
• 2024 Hyundai Tucson - Overall Score: 9.1/10
• 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Overall Score: 9.2/10
• 2025 Kia Seltos - Overall Score: 9.1/10
• 2024 Kia Telluride - Overall Score: 9.4/10

2025 Subaru Outback

Overall Score: 9.0/10 | $28,895

U.S. News says, "The Subaru Outback simply kicks butt as a winter vehicle. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, provides SUV-like ground clearance, and has a spacious, functional cabin designed for four-season use. All trims are highly capable in the snow, but the Wilderness goes even further with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires."

"The Outback offers multiple four-cylinder engines. The base engine is fine for most driving situations but feels sluggish under hard acceleration. The upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder has more punch, but there's a bit of turbo lag. The continuously variable transmission that routes power can feel unrefined, and the steering can be a bit numb, but it's a fair tradeoff for impressive handling in snow and ice."

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Overall Score: 8.9/10 | $25,195

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."

"The base engine is underwhelming on the highway, so we recommend the optional upgrade. It comes standard in the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. All models have many standard driver-assistance features and an (albeit clunky) infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto."

2025 Subaru Forester

Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $29,695

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." 

"The Forester has been redesigned for the 2025 model year. It has fresh, new styling but largely carries over the attributes that have made it a popular winter driving option."

"The Forester comes standard with dual center touch screens in the base trim. All other trims have a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen. Both setups come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto."

2024 Subaru Ascent

Overall Score: 8.8/10 | $34,395

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. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine has solid pickup for most driving situations."

"The Ascent has plenty of interior space across all three rows, and the upholstery is easy to clean. The standard 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features also include tri-zone automatic climate control and a host of driver aids."

For sports car lovers, it's the Subaru WRX. 

2024 Subaru WRX

Overall Score: 8.2/10 | $32,735

U.S. News says, "The WRX is not the most practical vehicle in our slideshow. Still, it's the way to go if you want a fun commuter car with standard all-wheel drive that can handle almost anything, and you're fine paying a premium over comparable compact cars. It has a decent amount of cabin space, though adults will be more comfortable in the front seats."

"The WRX's turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a good match for the six-speed manual transmission, though a continuously variable automatic transmission is available, too. For the 2024 model year, the WRX gains a number of updates, including a larger touch screen and additional driver-assistance features."

Why does Subaru have five of the top fifteen best vehicles for winter driving?

Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, Ascent, and WRX are made for severe weather. Subaru developed the Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology over 50 years ago. They have been improving and perfecting it ever since. Check out my report here for more information. 

If you want to avoid sitting in a ditch waiting for a tow truck this winter, all Subaru vehicles, except for the BRZ, have the Japanese automaker's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech.  

I am Denis Flierl, Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. Before test-driving new vehicles in 2001 as a freelance journalist, I invested 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am also an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru USA