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As winter weather starts to impact driver commutes across the country, many car buyers consider trading in their vehicle for a winter-weather-ready car or SUV. There are a lot of factors that make a vehicle a good choice for driving in the snow. From all-wheel drive modes to good ground clearance, even interior comforts like heated seats and steering wheels, it needs to have as many features as possible for a vehicle to be good at driving in the snow.

The good news is that U.S. News & World Report recently released its list of the top vehicles you can buy for driving in the snow, and some of the options they chose may surprise you! Here is everything you need to know about the top vehicles you can buy for driving in the snow.

5. 2023 Subaru Forester

A 2023 Subaru Forester driving in the snow
2023 Subaru Forester | Subaru

Right off the bat, the 2023 Subaru Forester is already a great choice for driving in the snow as it comes standard with all-wheel drive. This all-wheel drive system, which Subaru refers to as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, carries a distinctive X-Mode traction enhancement system that can be turned on with the push of a button. 

This X-Mode keeps the engine at higher revs at lower speeds so drivers can use as much torque from their engine as possible in an on-demand fashion, perfect for traversing snowy areas. Higher Forester trims also have an optional heated steering wheel and heated front and rear seats.

4. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out from the crowd due to its optional 10.9-inch ride height. Combine that ride height with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, which has a terrain system setting for snow driving, and you have a well-equipped vehicle for rough weather. On higher-end Grand Cherokee trims, drivers can get heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

3. 2023 Land Rover Range Rover

While this is one of the most expensive options on this list, the Range Rover is well worth the price. This luxury SUV is no slouch, coming equipped with an optional 523 horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which has a terrain setting that optimizes traction over snow. 

With an optional long and short wheelbase and a ride height of 11.6 inches with the standard air suspension system, the Range Rover is one of the best SUVs on the market and one of the best SUVs for driving in the snow.

2. 2022 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition name has been a favorite among adventurous families for years, and the 2022 model is no exception. With a 10.6-inch ride height and a four-wheel drive system with a drive mode for snow, the Expedition has everything you need for safe driving in winter weather. For comfort in the interior, the Expedition has a huge amount of space for passengers and cargo alike, with a tri-zone climate control system, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel.

1. 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Since the Jeep Grand Wagoneer name was reintroduced, it has quickly become a favorite among luxury SUV buyers. While the Jeep brand doesn’t typically stock luxury vehicles, the Wagoneer is one huge exception, bringing comfort, luxury, and capability to the Jeep lineup. 

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer comes with a 5.7-liter V8 engine with a mild-hybrid system outputting 392 horsepower to an optional four-wheel drive drivetrain connected to Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction system. With heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is as good as it gets for winter driving.

The best of the best for winter driving

With all-wheel drive systems connected to advanced terrain management technology paired with luxury heated interiors, you are bound to find the perfect snow vehicle for you.