Canadian winters can be quite extreme in some parts of the country. In southern Ontario, for instance, temperatures can dip as low as -35˚C during a cold snap. For those who drive, the winter months can be a real test of endurance for your vehicle. If you’re browsing the market for a new vehicle, check out this list of models that are built to handle winter driving.
The Best Cars for Winter Driving?
What to Look for in a Winter Vehicle
The importance of trusting your vehicle’s ability to handle winter driving can’t be overstated. Winter-specific features you should look for in your new car include high ground clearance (175 mm or more), advanced safety systems, and added comforts like automatic temperature control and heated seats. If you plan to pull a trailer, you should also pay attention to towing capacity.
For city driving with moderate to heavy snow and ice, you can use forward-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). For deep snow and rural settings, stick to four-wheel drive (4WD) or AWD. Most Canadians prefer AWD for winter, regardless of their location. Whichever drivetrain you have, make sure you also install winter tires for maximum safety.
Best Cars for Winter Driving
The perfect ride will depend on your typical routine, driving habits, and personal preferences, but here are some models worth considering solely based on their winter driving capabilities.
Ford Bronco
- 4WD
- 223mm ground clearance
- Terrain management system and Ford Co-Pilot360
- 907kg towing capacity
Jeep Compass
- FWD or 4WD
- 208mm ground clearance
- Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection
- 907kg towing capacity
Subaru Forester
- AWD
- 229mm ground clearance
- Reverse automatic braking and driver assist technology
- 1,360kg towing capacity
Toyota Tacoma
- RWD
- 239mm ground clearance
- Lane departure alert, pre-collision system, and dynamic cruise control
- 2,948kg towing capacity
Volvo V90
- AWD
- 210mm ground clearance
- Adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-collision mitigation support
- 2,500kg towing capacity
Electric Vehicles in Winter
Some drivers shy away from electric vehicles (EVs) because they worry their performance will drop when the temperature does. Although cold weather can affect an EV’s range, the loss of range tends to be less than people think. Many EVs are still suitable for winter, even in Canada. They also typically handle cold starts much better than gas-powered cars.
If you’re interested in trying out an EV, these are some of the best models for winter driving.
Audi Q5 TFSI e
- AWD
- 197mm ground clearance
- Automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control
- 2,000kg towing capacity
Kia EV6
- RWD or AWD
- 178mm ground clearance
- Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist
- 1,600kg towing capacity
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- FWD or AWD
- 190mm ground clearance
- adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, front-collision mitigation, and blind-spot warning
- 680kg towing capacity
More Research
To do further research into reliable vehicles for winter driving, visit the You can compare historical pricing in Canada and find nearby dealers that might have what you’re looking for in stock.
Winter Car Maintenance
Whatever car you drive, it needs to be properly equipped to get you through winter. That means putting on winter tires, installing winter wiper blades , stocking up on anti-freeze, and more. Run through this inspection checklist to confirm your vehicle is ready to take on winter driving in Canada.
You can find more information and tips on caring for your car in winter on our blog. For questions about automotive maintenance, visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store to speak with an expert.
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