Best cars for snow

The weather in the UK is certainly unpredictable and snow can hit anywhere between November and March! So, with this in mind, you may be looking for the best cars for snow driving and how to find out what you’ll need from your next vehicle that’s fit for winter. Typically cars for snow are 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as they tend to offer more grip on icy or winter roads. Raised seating which can usually be found in larger cars such as estates and SUVs can increase your visibility and in general, it’s best to have a car that handles well on the road to help reduce the risk of road accidents.  Let’s take a look at the best cars for snow 2023. 

1. Volkswagen T-Cross

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a compact SUV that makes a great car for driving in the snow. It has a light and small design which enables it to control and a good amount of ground clearance which can reduce the likelihood that you get stuck in the snow. The front fog lights have a cornering function which is ideal for low visibility and the collision avoidance system puts the brakes on automatically when a potential collision is detected. 

2. Skoda Kodiaq

If you’re a busy family looking for a car that’s great for driving in snow and ice, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Skoda Kodiaq is also one of our best cars for child seats too! There’s plenty of space in the Kodiaq which makes it perfect for your winter trip and whilst it’s not particularly known for being an offroader, the Kodiaq can certainly hold its own. This stylish SUV also comes with its own dedicated snow driving mode which helps to grip the road and distribute power where it’s needed.

3. Land Rover Defender

Let’s face it, no list of the best cars for driving in the snow would be complete without a Land Rover. The Land Rover Defender is suited to all roads and all weather conditions but it does really excel when it’s snowing and icy. The latest version of the Land Rover Defender is much more composed and handles the road very well. Thanks to the Defender’s smart technology, you can choose which terrain you’re driving on, whether it be snow sand or mud and let your new companion do the rest!

Related – Winter driving tips

4. Volvo V90

The Volvo V90 is one of the top 10 safest cars you can buy and it’s designed to make life easier on the road. When it comes to driving in the snow, it’s very practical. The all-wheel drive has been introduced in the latest model to help grip and stability. The body of the Volvo V90 is laced in protective body cladding which helps to protect drivers and passengers if an incident were to occur. We particularly like the Volvo V90 Cross Country as it’s a sleek estate but with raised suspension. 

5. MINI Countryman

We know not all drivers have the budget or need for a big SUV or estate car. So, one of the best small cars for snow is the MINI Countryman. Don’t be fooled though, the MINI Countryman can certainly pack a punch. No matter the weather, the MINI Countryman is fun to drive but nippy. When the cold weather hits though, the MINi is more than capable of tackling a range of different conditions. The All4 versions are a great addition to the range and means you get an all-wheel-drive without compromise. 

6. Dacia Duster

At UK Car Finance, we must admit, we love the Dacia Duster! Whilst it’s not the most exciting car to look at, its value for money and technology included as standard is one of the best around. We’ve recently featured it on our list of the best cars for dog owners and you can even buy a used Dacia Duster for under £10k too! It’s one of the most affordable best cars for snow and whilst it may lack some of the high-end technology used in the models on our list, it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked.

7. SEAT Tarraco

The SEAT Tarraco is a seven-seater that was designed for space and comfort. It’s a really versatile large SUV and it can perform well in adverse weather. The 4Drive all-wheel drive system provides added traction, grip and stability, especially when the cold weather hits. The 4Drive system also comes with added snow and an off-road version to help make your journey that little bit easier. 

8. Skoda Yeti

Yeti by name, Yeti by nature? That would be a yes! The Skoda Yeti is a great car for snow and ice driving UK and does what it says on the tin. You can choose from both petrol and diesel options but the diesel version is the only fuel choice that offers four-wheel drive which can be best for driving in the snow. Whilst the Yeti isn’t the most exciting car, the distinct body can be easy to spot on the roads when visibility is reduced. 

9. Nissan Qashqai 

The Nissan Qashqai is one of the most versatile cars you can own and it’s everything from the best family car to one of the best cars for long commutes! Most Qashqai’s tend to b 2 wheel drive but if you can get one of the four-wheel drive versions it can be a great car for the snow. The latest version of the Nissan Qashqai comes with some handy features to help make life easier in the winter months too. The integrated heated windscreen makes clearing your view a doddle and the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning goes beyond the car in front to predict collisions and apply the brakes automatically! 

10. Tesla Model 3

We do feel like we talk about the Tesla Model 3 on our blog BUT it’s hard to deny that it’s one of the best electric cars on the market. And, what’s better is it also performs as one of the best cars for snow too! All-wheel drive comes as standard which helps with traction and it performs very well on slippery roads. The electric battery placement also helps to improve stability by lowering the centre of gravity and it also has an impressive advanced traction control system for added peace of mind.