Snow and ice reward vehicles that sit high, grip well, and keep power flowing to the right wheels. This lineup draws on iSeeCars clearance rankings and CarGurus editor picks to cover everything from compact crossovers to full-size haulers. Here are twelve SUVs that make sense for winter roads.
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1. Ford Bronco: Clearance King
The Bronco sits first among midsize SUVs on iSeeCars’ list of best snow-ready SUVs, with 13.1 inches of ground clearance. That figure is the headline number because the list is ranked primarily by clearance, which decides whether a vehicle rides over deep drifts or plows into them.
Clearance is only part of winter capability, since tires and traction control still do the gripping. Buyers who expect unplowed roads or snow-packed trails will find the tall stance a real advantage, though the boxy body and removable-roof options suit people who value off-road character as much as commuting comfort.
2. Jeep Wrangler: Trail Rated Runner
The Wrangler lands second among midsize SUVs for snow in the iSeeCars ground clearance ranking, at 11.1 inches. That puts it behind the Bronco but well above most family crossovers, and the gap helps explain why this boxy Jeep is a common sight on snowy back roads.
The tall, narrow body and short wheelbase make it nimble on tight, rutted lanes. Owners should expect a firmer, noisier ride than a typical crossover on cleared highways, a trade-off many accept in exchange for a vehicle that treats deep snow as routine.
3. Ford Expedition: Big Family Hauler
Among large SUVs, the Expedition takes first place for snow in the iSeeCars large SUV listing, offering 10.6 inches of ground clearance. For a full-size, three-row vehicle, that is a notable number, since bulk and weight usually come with a low, road-focused stance.
Families who need seating for many passengers and cargo space for ski gear get a high-riding option here. The size that helps in snow also makes parking-lot maneuvers and narrow city streets more demanding, so the Expedition rewards drivers who truly need the room.
4. Toyota Sequoia: Quiet Third Place
The Sequoia ranks third among large SUVs for snow on iSeeCars, with 10.0 inches of clearance. It trails the Ford Expedition at the top of that class but still clears most of the full-size field, giving its occupants a commanding view over snowbanks.
As a full-size three-row Toyota, it appeals to shoppers who want a large vehicle with a reputation for durability. The size means higher fuel costs and tight parking, so the clearance advantage matters most to households that regularly face deep, unplowed winter streets.
5. Subaru Outback: Wagon With Lift
The Outback is the top small or crossover SUV for snow on the iSeeCars SUV ranking, listed at 9.5 inches of ground clearance. It is the only wagon-like body style among the leaders, a lower and more car-like shape that still outclears many taller-looking rivals.
Its appeal is everyday comfort paired with winter readiness, which suits commuters who drive long highway stretches before reaching a snowy neighborhood. Shoppers wanting a rugged trail rig will find more clearance in the bigger trucks above, but the Outback balances ride quality and capability.
6. Subaru Forester: Forester Frontrunner
The Forester takes second place among small SUVs for snow with 9.3 inches of clearance on iSeeCars. The upright, boxy roofline gives it a spacious cabin and large windows, which improve visibility when snow is piling up on the road ahead.
It sits just behind its Subaru stablemate in the same class, so shoppers comparing the two are choosing between a taller, roomier body and a lower wagon shape. Either way, the Forester suits households that want compact dimensions without giving up winter capability.
7. Subaru Crosstrek: Small But Tall
Subcompact SUVs rarely clear many obstacles, yet the Crosstrek leads that class for snow on iSeeCars with 9.3 inches of ground clearance. That matches the larger Forester and shows how much lift Subaru builds into a vehicle with a small footprint.
The compact size makes it easy to park and thread through narrow streets, which helps in crowded cities where snow arrives. Cargo and rear-seat room are tighter than in the bigger models, so it fits singles, couples, and small families rather than anyone hauling big loads.
8. Kia Telluride: Three Row Contender
Ranked fourth among midsize and three-row SUVs for snow on iSeeCars, the Telluride offers 9.1 inches of clearance. It does not top that group, but it brings a roomy cabin and a squared-off shape to a class that is mostly about carrying people.
That makes it a sensible choice for families who want seating for several passengers and need a vehicle that handles winter commutes. Those chasing maximum clearance will look to the trucks higher on the list, while the Telluride favors comfort, space, and everyday usability.
9. Chevrolet Tahoe: Diesel Muscle
CarGurus highlights the Tahoe in its best SUVs for snow guide, noting that four-wheel drive is available and that the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel makes 495 lb-ft of torque. That torque helps the big SUV pull away from snowy stops without much wheelspin.
The Tahoe suits drivers who need a large, body-on-frame family vehicle with towing ability and strong low-speed grip. The diesel is a specific engine choice, so shoppers should confirm drivetrain and engine on any specific vehicle, since four-wheel drive is available rather than standard.
10. Toyota 4Runner: Unplowed Road Pick
CarGurus recommends the 4Runner for unplowed roads and steep driveways in its winter SUV roundup, and cites used listings from $16,999 to $29,646. The truck-based Toyota has long been a favorite for owners who need a tough, high-riding SUV.
That used price range gives buyers a wide choice of model years and trims, though condition and mileage will vary widely across it. The rugged build comes with a stiffer ride and thirstier fuel use than a crossover, so it fits households with real hills or rough access roads.
11. Toyota RAV4: Electric Rear Assist
In its CarGurus snow-driving picks, the RAV4 earns a spot because its AWD models use a rear-mounted electric motor to send power to the back wheels. Used listings run from $15,567 to $33,678, according to the same guide.
That hybrid-style setup suits drivers who want all-wheel drive in a compact, efficient package rather than a traditional mechanical system. Buyers should check that a particular listing is an AWD model, since front-wheel drive versions share the body but lack the rear motor.
12. Subaru Ascent: AWD Standard
CarGurus lists the Ascent among its best SUVs for snow, pointing out that all-wheel drive is standard on every trim. Used listings range from $20,986 to $30,249, which gives shoppers a defined budget window for a three-row family vehicle.
Standard all-wheel drive removes the guesswork when shopping, since no trim comes without it. Families needing three rows of seating and a dependable winter setup can focus on condition, mileage, and features instead of hunting for the right drivetrain option.
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