When it comes to tackling snowy terrains, not all SUVs are created equal. As the winter season approaches, it is crucial to ensure that your vehicle can handle the icy, slippery roads. Unfortunately, some of the 2025 models have proven to be less than stellar performers in snowy conditions. Let’s dive into the seven SUVs that struggle the most in the snow.
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse: An Unfortunate Disappointment in Snow
Despite its large size and robust build, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse falls short when it comes to handling snowy conditions. Its standard all-season tires struggle to maintain traction, leading to less than optimal control. Adding to the disappointment, its four-wheel drive system often fails to deliver the required power to each wheel, which can be catastrophic in slick conditions. You may want to consider upgrading your tires if you frequently drive in snowy conditions.
Ford Explorer 2025: Not Quite the Winter Warrior
The Ford Explorer 2025 is another model that disappoints in snowy conditions. Despite its reputation for being a reliable all-terrain vehicle, the Explorer’s performance drops significantly in winter conditions. Its stability control has been reported to react sluggishly, and the anti-lock braking system is less effective on icy surfaces. In a recent study, the Explorer performed poorly compared to other SUVs in its class.
The 2025 Jeep Cherokee: Fails to Stand Up to Winter Conditions
Jeep is typically synonymous with off-road prowess, but the 2025 Cherokee model struggles with winter weather. The vehicle’s traction control is not as responsive as it should be, leading to delayed reactions when the wheels start to slip. The Cherokee also has a high ground clearance which, while normally an advantage, makes it unstable on icy roads. A detailed report highlights these issues.
Subaru’s 2025 Ascent: Surprisingly Unfit for Snowy Terrain
Subaru’s Ascent 2025, despite being equipped with a dedicated snow mode, disappoints when the temperature drops. The car’s system tends to understeer in the snow, making maneuvering difficult. It also struggles with hill starts on icy surfaces, which could be a significant problem in hilly regions.
Nissan Pathfinder 2025: Losing Its Way in the Snow
One of the biggest letdowns of the Nissan Pathfinder 2025 is its performance in the snow. There have been numerous reports about the Pathfinder’s decreased steering responsiveness and traction in snowy conditions. This becomes particularly problematic when making sharp turns or when trying to accelerate on an icy road. A study has indicated that these issues are prevalent in this model.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander: High Expectations, Low Performance in Snow
The Toyota Highlander 2025, despite its impressive specifications, struggles in snowy conditions. The vehicle’s features such as its all-wheel-drive system and traction control system do not perform as well as expected, leading to decreased control and stability. Its performance is further hindered by the vehicle’s weight, which affects its maneuverability on icy roads.
Dodge Durango 2025: A Struggle in Winter Weather
The Dodge Durango 2025 has proven to be a struggle in winter weather. Its heavy weight combined with poor traction make it a challenging vehicle to control in the snow. The Durango’s braking system also leaves much to be desired, often failing to bring the vehicle to a complete stop in a timely manner. As highlighted in a recent article, these problems make the Durango a less than ideal choice for winter driving.