Best Cars for Winter Driving
U.S. News Best Cars
October 23, 2015
No SUV? No Problem!
Weather forecasters are predicting a crazy winter, which means it’s time to get out your snow tires and ice scrapers. The good news is, people who plan to buy a new car between now and the first storm have plenty of options for a safe winter ride. Though many new car shoppers think of
SUVs as the be-all, end-all of reliable winter commuting, there are lots of alternatives for those who don’t want or need a sport ute’s size or thirst for gas all year long. With a little research, it’s easy to get SUV-like benefits from smaller vehicles.
By Cherise LaPine
2015 Cadillac CTS
The 2015 Cadillac CTS is a midsize luxury sedan that seats five, and car reviewers say the CTS is well-rounded, plus it gets good safety ratings. The base version of the Cadillac CTS comes powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 272 horsepower, which critics say is plenty for everyday driving, although 3.6-liter V-6 and twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 models offer additional power. Stick to the four-cylinder or naturally-aspirated V-6 to take advantage of the optional all-wheel drive system. The 2015 CTS is praised by automotive reviewers for its responsive handling, which will help drivers navigate snowy roads with confidence, while available heated front seats will make cold mornings a little more tolerable.
2016 Subaru Outback
An all-wheel drive wagon is one of the best alternatives to the mighty SUV on a snowy street, and the 2016 Subaru Outback is one of the most competent examples available. Reviewers say the Outback offers practicality and prowess on light terrain as well as pavement. The 2016 Subaru Outback offers two engines. The base is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 175 horsepower, which reviewers say is adequate, but recommend the 256-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine instead. The Outback has good safety ratings and a comfortable interior. Its standout feature, though, is Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, which comes standard.
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a safe, reliable series of upscale small sedans and coupes. For versatility, opt for the four-door version of the C-Class, which provides comfortable seating for five passengers. Reviewers say that the base C-Class, the C300, offers good handling, and its 241-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is potent enough. Upgrading to the C400 model provides 329 horsepower, courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The C300 is available with Mercedes-Benz’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system (it comes standard on the C400), which will provide the best support for winter driving. The C-Class offers heated front seats as an option, and the features menu also provides plenty of safety equipment for a comfortable and composed all-weather commute.
2015 Hyundai Genesis
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is a luxury midsize sedan that offers better comfort and power than what’s implied by its relatively low starting price. Only the base Genesis, the 3.8 trim level, comes with optional all-wheel drive, so for the purposes of replicating an SUV’s abilities, potential buyers should focus on the 3.8 rather than the available 5.0-liter V-8. Reviewers say, however, that the 3.8-liter V-6, which provides 311 horsepower, is plenty for everyday driving. They also say the Genesis handles well in turns and travels smoothly over rough road surfaces, both characteristics that come in handy in the winter, and a well-designed cockpit and intuitive infotainment system make it easy to stay on top of changing weather reports. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis has excellent safety scores, and it’s loaded with standard and optional safety features.
2015 Buick LaCrosse
The 2015 Buick LaCrosse is an affordable large sedan that makes a great winter car thanks to its size, safety ratings, and available all-wheel drive. Automotive experts say that the V-6 LaCrosse has plenty of power and the acceleration is good. The 2015 LaCrosse has a comfortable cabin that provides seating for five, according to most car reviewers who also note that it’s trimmed with premium materials and offering plenty of standard features for the price.
2016 Audi Allroad
The 2016 Audi Allroad is another premium station wagon that offers SUV-like versatility thanks to its increased ride height and extra cargo capacity compared to a midsize sedan, and it even looks the part, thanks to its contrasting body trim. The Allroad gets good safety ratings, which should help increase the confidence of nervous winter drivers. According to critics, Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, which comes standard on the Allroad, makes it a notable performer in bad weather. Reviewers say that the Audi Allroad has solid handling overall, with especially good cornering and parking ability. The Allroad seats five, and optional heated front seats add extra comfort.