The Best Cars for Snow and Ice: A Guide for Canadian Drivers

January 30, 2025

Alright, let’s be real—driving in a Canadian winter is basically a survival sport. One minute, you’re vibing to your playlist, and the next, you’re white-knuckling the wheel because the road turned into an ice rink. If you don’t want your car sliding around like Bambi on ice, you need the right ride.

Whether you’re commuting to work, heading up to the mountains, or just trying to survive the next deep freeze, you need a car that’s reliable, safe, and ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it.

What Makes a Car Winter-Ready?

Not all cars are built to handle the snow and ice like a pro. If you’re looking for a winter warrior, here’s what matters:

  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): Helps with traction and control on icy roads. AWD is great for most drivers, while 4WD is a must for off-road adventures.
  • Ground Clearance: The higher the car sits, the better it handles deep snow. Low-clearance cars can turn into snowplows (not in a good way).  
  • Winter Tires: Game changer. Even the best AWD system won’t save you if your tires can’t grip the road.  
  • Heated Seats & Steering Wheel: Because driving with frozen hands is NOT it. 
  • Remote Start: Who wants to scrape ice off the windshield at 7 AM? Exactly.

Top 5 Cars for Snow & Ice

If you’re looking for a car that won’t leave you stranded in a snowbank, here are the top contenders:

1. Subaru Outback

If Canadian winters had a best friend, it would be the Subaru Outback. This thing is built for snow, with symmetrical AWD, X-Mode for extra traction, and a solid ground clearance that helps you power through icy conditions. Plus, it’s roomy enough to stash your winter gear and still have space for your Tim Hortons coffee.

2. Toyota RAV4 AWD

Reliable, fuel-efficient, and designed for winter driving. The RAV4’s AWD system adapts to changing road conditions, giving you better grip on icy roads. It also comes with Toyota’s safety features, so you can feel confident when visibility drops to zero in a snowstorm.

3. Honda CR-V AWD

The CR-V is perfect if you want a smooth ride without sacrificing winter performance. Its AWD system automatically kicks in when roads get slick, and it has heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote starter—because who wants to sit in a freezing car?

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you’re dealing with serious winter conditions, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a beast. It comes with 4WD, multiple terrain modes (including snow mode), and one of the best traction systems in the game. Whether you’re driving through city slush or up a snowy mountain, this SUV won’t let you down.

5. Tesla Model Y (With Winter Tires!)

EVs in winter? Yep, they’re getting better. The Model Y has dual-motor AWD, a low center of gravity for better handling, and a “Preheat Battery” feature to keep you moving in the cold. Just make sure you’re using winter tires—because range loss in freezing weather is real.

Final Thoughts

A good winter car won’t turn you into a pro driver overnight, but it will make surviving those icy commutes way easier. No matter what you drive, winter tires > everything—so don’t skip out on them!

Thinking about upgrading your ride? Don’t wait until you’re stuck in a snowbank. Get pre-approved today and find the perfect car for winter!

Apply for a car loan. Get approved tomorrow!

Faster than you can shovel snow in front of your garage door.