From Central London to John O’Groats, snow dusts the UK almost every winter. Whether it’s a light flurry or a heavy dump, snow can make driving challenging to say the least. One of the best ways to navigate the winter months is to invest in a capable vehicle. So, what should you look for when shopping for the best car for snow?
From driver-assist features to 4WD functionality, read on to find out more about the best cars for snow and what to look for in a winter-ready car.
Suzuki S-Cross
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a Range Rover but still want all the benefits of a family SUV, you’ll love the Suzuki S-Cross. It’s packed with safety features to keep you confident in the snow, including automated emergency braking, lane departure warning and smart traffic sign recognition.
For even more peace of mind, the Suzuki S-Cross features eCall. The EU initiative allows you to make emergency calls from your vehicle in case of a collision. Accidents spike in the winter months, which makes this one of the best car for snow features.
As for handling and performance. ALLGRIP SELECT 4WD technology makes it easy to switch between driving modes depending on the terrain. This is a huge bonus in snowy conditions and automatically distributes torque to the rear wheels for extra traction and control.
Upgrade to the high-end Ultra trim and you’ll enjoy features like heated front seats. Perfect for warming you up on chilly mornings. Even better, the cost of ownership is low thanks to modest Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and low insurance costs.
Volkswagen T-Cross
Increase your budget and you can get behind the wheel of a Volkswagen T-Cross, another one of our best car for snow picks. Like the Suzuki S-Cross, this compact SUV boasts best-in-class safety features, including a fantastic collision-avoidance system. It’s also relatively light, making it easy to control when driving in snowy and icy conditions.
Powerful front fog lights light up snow-dusted roads with ease while features like high beam assist and blind spot sensor add an extra layer of safety. Adaptive rear seats make it easy to pile in friends and family for a winter road trip or transport bulky items like skis and snowboards. Whatever you need, the Volkswagen T-Cross adapts to you.
Skoda Kodiaq
The best-selling Skoda Kodiaq combines top-notch safety features with loads of functionality. One of our favourite perks is snow mode, which customises handling when driving on challenging surfaces. Electronic assistance systems kick in to increase traction and prevent wheelspin. Snow mode also activates the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) when slowing down. This encourages snow to accumulate in front of the tyres and improve braking response times. It’s clever features like these that make the Skoda Kodiaq one of the best cars for snow.
Choose from the five or seven-seat version, depending on your needs. Like the Suzuki S-Cross, the Skoda Kodiaq is a great alternative if you’re looking for a snow-ready family car, without the luxury price tag.
Volvo V90 Cross Country
When it comes to safety, it’s hard to beat Swedish auto manufacturer Volvo. The V90 Cross Country raises the stakes with all-wheel-drive functionality and high clearance. Switch into offroad mode to enhance control in snowy conditions. Clever driver-assist features like hill descent control and rear air suspension help you navigate slippery road conditions. The result? You’ll feel confident and comfortable driving in all conditions, including snow.
Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play are built into the DNA of this luxury estate model. Whether you want to plot your route to your Airbnb or blast your favourite Christmas tunes, the V90 Cross Country is a pleasure to drive.
Mini Countryman
It may be small but in terms of performance, the Mini Countryman punches well above its weight. Invest in an All4 version and you’ll have the option to engage all four wheels. This makes it one of the best cars for snow. All4 is invaluable when driving in snowy conditions and you’ll notice an instant improvement in handling and agility. There’s also loads of room for passengers, as well as all your winter sports gear. Need extra space? Throw on a roof rack and transport everything from Christmas trees to IKEA flatpacks with ease.
Fiat Panda Cross
Compact, lightweight and amazingly responsive, the Fiat Panda Cross is one of the best cars for snow. This rugged version of the best-selling Fiat Panda hatchback beefs things up with a four-wheel-drive system and impressive off-road capabilities. No more getting stuck when heading up to your local sledging hill or exploring your nearest AONB! There’s nothing luxurious about the Fiat Panda Cross but if you’re not fussed about leather upholstery and high-tech features, this is one of the best cars for snow.
Land Rover Defender
If you have the cash, it’s hard to look past the Land Rover Defender. Built for adventure, this luxury SUV is right at home on snow-covered roads. The cabin is suitably luxe and features butter-soft upholstery that feels amazing and is easy to clean. Ideal for if you have a bunch of snow-dusted passengers pile into the car!
Permanent All Wheel Drive functionality gives you superlative control in snowy conditions, whether you’re cruising along the motorway or navigating country roads. The latest plug-in hybrid model promises all the off-road capabilities of the original Land Rover Defender, with an eco-friendly edge.
While heated seats and leather upholstery are a treat, the best cars for snow aren’t just comfortable. They’re safe, capable and ready to get you from A to B, no matter what the weather. Want to upgrade to something more competent this winter? Use out car loan APR estimator to calculate how much you can borrow. We’ll match your application with trusted lenders across the UK and help you get behind the wheel of a winter-ready car faster.
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