What are the best SUVs under $35,000 for driving in the snow? Here are the seven best new model offerings with the best value and safety features you can buy today. See why Kelley Blue Book says the 2022 Subaru Outback is the top overall choice for new SUV shoppers.
Winter is just around the corner, and drivers will soon face snow and ice in northern and mountain states. It’s already snowing in the high country of Colorado, where this writer lives. What are the best small SUVs for driving in the snow? Kelley Blue Book (KBB) ranks the 2022 Subaru Outback midsize SUV as its top overall pick among all new models you can buy today. The 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV is also ranked high by KBB.
Value and safety
New car shoppers looking for SUVs offering the best value and safety features will want to check out the new vehicle rankings below from Kelley Blue Book. The vehicles on the list not only offer all-wheel-drive for improved traction, but they also include the best safety features for driving in the snow.
Kelly Blue Book’s seven best SUVs under $35,000 for snow with the best safety technology.
Hyundai Kona SEL $24,600
Subaru Forester Premium $28,395
Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL $28,840
Subaru Outback Premium $29,345
Honda CR-V EX $30,400
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE $30,545
Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks $33,230
Why did KBB pick the Subaru Outback as the top pick for new SUV shoppers?
KBB says, “Every Subaru Outback comes right out of the box with all-wheel-drive as standard. That’s what makes this a great, and the best, car for snow. Standard features include 8.7 inches of ground clearance. A snow/mud X-Mode transmission setting, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive LED headlights, and automatic high beams are also included.”
The KBB report says the Premium grade gets you heated front seats, LED fog lights, and automatic climate control. Move up to the Limited trim for heated rear seats. A blind-spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, and other goodies are in a Premium trim package ($1,400). A 182-horsepower flat 4-cylinder engine uses a CVT to usher power to the wheels.
With 2022 Subaru Outback models nearly sold out, new car shoppers will want to order the newly-upgraded 2023 Outback midsize SUV.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback?
The 2023 Outback Base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5 liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070), Outback Wilderness ($39,670), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).
Outback safety scores
All Outback trim levels come standard with EyeSight safety technology that gets the highest TopSafety Pick+ crash scores from the IIHS.
Why did KBB pick the Subaru Forester as one of its top picks?
KBB says, “Every Subaru Forester has standard AWD. It has impressive ground clearance (8.7 inches). Included are adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, a rearview camera washer, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.”
The KBB report says the Premium trim comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Also included in Premium are fog lights, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, and heated outboard mirrors. A 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sends its output to the wheels via an automatic transmission (CVT).
With 2022 Subaru Forester models nearly sold out, new car shoppers will want to order the 2023 Forester compact SUV.
What is the price of the 2023 Forester?
All 2023 Forester trim levels increased by $550 in price, including destination and delivery. 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).
Forester safety scores
All Forester trim levels come standard with EyeSight safety technology that gets the highest TopSafety Pick+ crash scores from the IIHS.
New car shoppers looking for an SUV with the best value and safety features under $35,000 will want to check out the 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV, ranked the number one pick overall by KBB, and the 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV.
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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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