Do I Really Need An AWD In Winters?
Yes and no depends on a lot of variables. The engine layout matters a lot when it comes to traction if the car is front-engined/FWD like a Honda Civic, the wheels might provide better traction due to weighton front axles compared to something like a Ford Mustang with a front-engined/RWD layout.
AWD and 4WD systems are designed for slippery and traction-challenged conditions like snow/mud/rut/ice. Cars or SUVs in the pricier end of the spectrum like Range Rovers and Land Cruisers have driving modes dedicated to terrain conditions mentioned above.
Similarly, cars like Bronco and Land Cruisers have on-demand 4WD with high-low transfer cases that can enable an expert driver to select the best gear combination for even the slipperiest of situations.
White the more affordable alternatives like Subaru and Honda have intelligent AWD systems that adapt to surface conditions in real-time allowing the vast majority of drivers to focus on steering providing an additional safety net.
Ground Clearance Matters, A LOT!
Snow and Ice can pile up really fast especially if they have been falling all night long. You might hit a curb or a pothole covered in snow resulting in some pretty expensive underbody repairs! Other features like an engine block heater, and optional snow chains/tires can also come in pretty handy when the mercury hits sub-zero.
Buying a Crossovers or SUVs tbh is the right way to go forward as they tend to provide the best of both worlds with their high-strung stance, AWD systems, and big knobby tires.
What About Snow Chains & Tires?
Most cars on our list come with all-season tires that give decent grip in all four seasons, but if you live in an area where roads can get particularly slippery, investing in a decent set of snow chains from the manufacturer's accessory list can set you back around $800-$1500.
Additionally, there are various third-party winter tires built especially for covering miles on snow-infested pavements. Popular brands are Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, Michelin X-Ice Xi3, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT, Continental VikingContact 7, Pirelli Scorpion Winter, and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV.
There have been reports of people choosing a smaller winter tire as it increases the load on the side wall providing additional grip and preventing your car from acting like it participated in a slip-and-slide tournament.
Table Of Contents
Cars for Winter under $30,000
Honda HR-V
The HR-V comes with an optional intelligent AWD system that adds just $1,500 to its already affordable base MSRP. The AWD system detects steering angle, yaw rate, accelerator pedal position, wheel speed, and transmission gear to connect or disconnect rear wheels. It helps save on fuel and provides maximum traction if wheel slippage is detected.
It comes standard with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine production 154 hp mated to a smooth CVT. Goodyear sells dedicated winter tires for HR-V and the engine block heater is also available for just $92.
Ford Maverick
It is the only ute on our list and comes with a 2.0 L Ecoboost engine with AWD available for just $2,220 extra. You also unlock the option to get the 4k tow package with the AWD setup and the ground clearance increases to 8.6 inches.
The standard 8-speed transmission is both snappy and efficient. It comes with 17-inch wheels as standard and an engine block heater is yours for $192.
Subaru Crosstrek
The best-selling Subbie in the USA is also the one to get for snow-clad rods. The Crosstrek comes standard with a Symmetrical AWD system that always distributes torque 50:50 in all conditions.
It also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a raspy Boxer engine as standard. Active collision prevention and steering assist are also good to have as let’s admit it no matter how quick your reflexes are computers are always a step ahead when it comes to saving your keister in slippery situations. The Subaru Crosstrek is also a Consumer Reports Top Pick.
Cars for Winter under $40,000
Kia Telluride
Under 40k plenty of awesome three-row options are available and what better way to start than a Kia Telluride? The AWD option with Telluride costs $2,000 extra and comes with a fancy PTC heater which heats up the cabin a lot faster than the traditional system. With Telluride, you also get a 3.8L V6 Engine w/ 291hp & 5,000 lb towing capacity.
Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is one of the most driver-oriented three-row-er on our list as it comes with a phenomenal 280 hp inline 6 and a standard i-Active AWD. The trick AWD system works by monitoring 27 different sensors over 200 times per second to predict the slippery conditions in advance and distribute the torque accordingly.
You also get rain-sensing windshield wipers, 8-passenger seating, and active braking features as standard.
Volvo XC60
This particular SUV is the only answer to the question “ What is the safest SUV I can buy under 40K?” Volvo claims it is like a giant smartphone on wheels with Google built-in, not sure if that is the right sales pitch.
Standard features include an AWD system and a 247 hp engine that can return a claimed 26 MPG. Volvo will also sell you a set of snow chains for about $600.
Cars for Winter under $50,000
Ford Bronco
The Bronco is overkill for most folks but when you are spending this much money, might as well go full beans. The Bronco as standard comes with a 4X4 capability and an electronic transfer case with 3 different modes. Massive 34-inch wheels and 8.3 inches of ground clearance will sure come in handy for those nast snow mounds you might have to clear.
A Sasquatch package is also available that has 35-inch wheels, an Automatic 4x4, and raises ground clearance to 11.1 inches but costs around 9K, ouch.
Ford Explorer
It's one of the oldest and most trusted nameplates in the business. As is the case with most Ford SUVs, AWD is $2,000 extra. Standard features include a 10-speed automatic transmission, split seats, 18-inch wheels, and 300 hp inline 4.
You can also choose the Active comfort group as it adds LED lights and skid plates.
Toyota Grand Highlander
This one comes in at 48k including 2k for the AWD system. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has a 2.5 L Hybrid engine with 245 horsepower and electronically controlled CVT and comes with a massive 8 inches of ground clearance.
Despite is full-fledged SUV chops the Grand Highlandercan returns an impressive37 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
