What are the best small SUVs for winter commutes? Here's why the 2022 Subaru Outback and 2022 Subaru Forester are among the 3-best new models.
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Where do the 2022 Subaru Outback and 2022 Subaru Forester rank with other small SUVs for winter driving in the snow? An iSeeCars report says the Outback is the best of eight new models, and the Forester is the third best on its list.
iSeeCars came up with the best small SUVs for snow driving by analyzing SUVs of all sizes. These vehicles achieved a score of 8.0 or above (out of 10) on iSeeCars quality analysis that considers long-term reliability, value retention, and highest average safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
photo credit: Irvine Subaru
The small SUVs also have all-wheel or four-wheel drive and the correct safety features that aid drivers in snowy conditions. Based on the criteria, iSeeCars calculated its Quality Score. You can read the complete list of iSeeCars Best SUVs of all sizes for snow here.
The 2022 Subaru Outback is ranked number one with a top score of 8.7. The Honda CR-V is number two, followed by the 2022 Subaru Forester, also scoring 8.7 points.
photo credit: iSeeCars best small SUVs for snow
4 reasons why Subaru Outback and Forester score highest
Both SUVs come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather capability. The Outback and Forester have 8.7-inches of ground clearance. Both models get the highest safety scores from the IIHS, and they come with Subaru’s EyeSight safety technology.
Subaru gets more top scores from Consumer Reports
The Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey (by subscription) revealed Subaru scored four vehicles in the top-ten models rated best all-wheel-drive SUVs in the snow. The Top-10 models starting from number one are the Subaru Ascent, Audi Q5, Subaru Outback, BMW X5, Volvo XC60, Audi Q7, Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Crosstrek, and Cadillac XT5.
Why are Subaru models ranked high in winter and snow capability?
The Subaru brand is known for its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, but the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent come with another all-weather feature called X-Mode. The X-Mode feature can be used in everyday commuting, especially in wet, icy, and snowy conditions this winter.
The 5th reason why Outback and Forester score highest in snow capability
In ice, snow, and wet conditions, Snow/Dirt Mode simultaneously controls engine output and throttle response to minimize wheel spin and alters the vehicle’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive torque split to direct power to the wheels that need the most grip.
When faced with deep snow conditions, the setting allows some wheel spin, when needed, to prevent the vehicle from becoming stuck. If you travel over a high mountain pass for snowboarding at a local ski resort, you can encounter blizzard conditions and heavy, wet, deep snow. This setting will get you to your destination safely.
The recent iSeeCars report says the 2022 Subaru Outback and 2022 Subaru Forester are the best small SUVs for driving in the snow this winter. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and 2022 Ascent are also rated the best by Consumer Reports.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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