Carolyn Kruse

Carolyn Kruse

Carolyn Kruse

The past couple of years in New England haven’t produced a lot of weather of concern. Here’s some proof. I had to search for my ice scraper/brush the other day to prepare for our first snow real snow in 2 years. I can’t remember the last time I used it. But here we are. barely in the door of January and snow is coming. That lead me to wonder.., what are the best cars on the road today to handle winter weather conditions. The answers are here in a report from a trusted source. U.S. News & World Report says these are the best cars for winter driving.

As the publication’s ranking report states, “you’ll find the following vehicles are not just great for the winter but also year-round.” They listed their top picks and I whittled it down to 10 from their list of 15.  U.S. News scored each vehicle and gave the best price possible, with all-wheel drive. The vehicle range from sedans, to all sizes of SUV’s and even a truck.

There are a few things you should definitely look for when shopping for a car that can handle the winters in New England. The article says attributes should include: 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 remote start.”

Scoring

The scores are based on a scale of 10, and although no vehicle scored that high, all of the cars on this list landed in the 8s. You’ll see some with a more affordable price tag, while others may have you wincing at the cost. What’s the best car you’ve ever driven in the snow? For me it was my old Subaru Outback. The weight of it and the traction were on point. Subaru has a couple of showings on this list.

I now have a Toyota RAV4, which I haven’t had the chance to drive in any significant snow yet. But, I’ll keep you posted. We have this weekend to get through. Be safe out there, and by all means don’t forget to put you ice scraper/brush in the car. Oh, and remember to fill up your windshield wiper fluid and gas up for cold weather.

 

  • 10. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

    SCORE: 8.1/10
    PRICE: $41,535

    The Grand Cherokee comes with a price, but a great vehicle nonetheless. My mother had one for years and it was always reliable. U.S. News & World Report says this car is comfortable “and reassuring in nasty weather.” It’s a smooth ride that feels like it was meant for snow. But they do recommend the Trailhawk Trim level, for more advanced off road capabilities and technology.

     

     

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  • 9. 2024 Subaru Outback

    SCORE: 8.1/10
    PRICE: $28,895

    Rugged and dependable, those are words that come to mind for the Outback, in my experience. But don’t take my word for it. US News reports: “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.” It’s a great family vehicle and perfect for those ski trips to New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. Swish…

    The 2024 Subaru Outback.

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  • 8. 2023 Volvo S90

    SCORE: 8.2/10
    PRICE: $57,000

    She’s a beauty, but she’s also a beast. Of course the price reflects the luxurious ride that is the Volvo S290. This spacious sedan :inspires extra confidence during winter driving with standard all-wheel drive. The S90 ‘s base setup is a mild-hybrid powertrain with 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, ” according to the article.

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  • 7. 2023 Subaru Forester

    SCORE: 8.2/10
    PRICE: $26,395

    Everyone I know who owns a Forester absolutely loves it! It ranks high for the characteristics that you should look for in a high quality winter car. There’s standar all-wheel drive, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Plus, how the driver is seated gives you the best view of the road ahead. Upright seating helps you view potential hazards.

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  • 6. 2023 Audi A4 Allroad

    SCORE: 8.3/10
    PRICE: $45,900

    The Audi Allroad wagon’s “all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension come standard, so the car basically knows what’s going on, and reacts to it before you do.” Those are strong words to live up to, and apparently, this car does. It’s said to be a competent car on snow and ice. Ride on in luxury.

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  • 5. 2023 Ford Bronco Sport

    SCORE: 8.3/10
    PRICE: $29, 215

    This sweet and skillful ride flexes is a strong choice. US News says, it’s a “sport utility vehicle with muscular styling and the off-road chops to match.”  There’s plenty of ground clearance at 8.8 inches. And the Bronco comes with standard 4 wheel drive. There are also multiple drive modes to help you in all conditions. Put it in into “Slippery” mode when there’s a nasty mix of rain, ice and snow.

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  • 4. 2023 Honda Ridgeline

    SCORE: 8.3/10
    PRICE: $38,800

    I’ve always loved the look of this truck. It’s basically a Honda Pilot with a bed. So, business in the front, party in the back. You can bring this baby to the next ski resort party. US News reports the Ridgeline “is a top-ranked compact truck that’s a great choice for winter driving, thanks to its combination of a powerful V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system features selectable mud, sand and snow driving modes.”

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  • 3. 2024 Kia Seltos

    SCORE: 8.4/10
    PRICE: $24,390

    Small and mighty, that’s the subcompact SUV Kia Seltos, according to this report. There’s plenty to love about this little ride and reportedly a surprising amount of passenger head and leg room. The adept Seltos has standard all-wheel drive in the base LX trim and a “146-horsepower four-cylinder, routing power through a continuously variable transmission.” You should opt for the upgrades of heated front seats and a remote starter.

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  • 2. 2023 Hyundai Tucson

    SCORE: 8.5/10

    PRICE: $28,400

    According to the publication rankings, this little SUV is “a winner in winter and every other time of the year.” There’s space for 5 passengers and their stuff. The report went on to say, “This Hyundai is a lot nicer than its modest price suggests, and it comes standard with enough safety tech to help you feel confident regardless of road conditions.” Bang for your buck, here.

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  • 1. 2024 Kia Telluride

    SCORE: 8.8/10

    PRICE: $37,990

    Congratulations to the Kia Telluride for scoring the highest in U.S. News & World Report’s listing of the best cars for winter. In their words the Telluride “has established itself as one of the top midsize SUVs, offering a high-quality cabin and a smooth ride. You also get spacious seating for up to eight passengers and 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.” They raved that this car offers great visibility as well as capability in winter weather, with the optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and X-Line Pro models have the added feature of all- terrain tires and clearance of 8.4 inches.

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