Let’s talk about snow. Real snow. The kind that piles up on your driveway, turns roads to slush, and makes you think twice about driving in the first place. If you’re living somewhere that gets all four seasons—and especially a nasty winter—then you already know the car you drive can make or break your day.
And now that more people are switching to electric SUVs, the big question is: which ones actually handle snow and ice well?
Because let’s be honest—not all EVs are built for cold weather. Some lose range fast when it’s freezing. Some can’t get traction to save their life. Others handle snow like champs. That’s what this blog is about.
Here are the best all-wheel-drive electric SUVs you can buy in 2025 and 2026 if winter is a regular part of your life.
Rivian R1S
If you’re serious about snow—like, backroad blizzard serious—this is the one. The Rivian R1S is built for this stuff. Whether you go dual or quad motor, this SUV is basically an off-road tank that also happens to be electric.
- Winter Range: Around 275–320 miles
- Ground Clearance: You can raise it up to 15 inches. Yes, really.
- Why It Rocks: It grips like crazy, has snow modes that work, and the regen braking won’t send you spinning.
Rivian thought of everything—heated seats, steering wheel, battery, thermal systems. Even the app lets you preheat the cabin and get the battery ready before you drive. You won’t find anything better for a snowy mountain road.
Kia EV9 AWD
Kia’s new three-row SUV is shockingly good in the snow. It’s big, stable, and packed with cold-weather features like a heat pump, heated everything, and solid battery management.
- Winter Range: 230–260 miles
- Ground Clearance: 7.8 inches
- What Makes It Great: Snow Mode, strong traction control, and one of the few EVs that lets you dial in the regen with paddles on the wheel.
If you’ve got a family, live in the suburbs or the mountains, and want something that’s just as ready for Costco as it is for a ski trip—this is it.
Tesla Model Y Long Range
Say what you want about Tesla, but the Model Y handles cold weather better than most. The AWD is smart, the software preps the battery when you’re heading to a charger, and the heat comes on fast.
- Winter Range: About 250–310 miles
- Ground Clearance: 6.6 inches
- What to Like: Superchargers are everywhere, and everything’s automatic—from heating to battery prep.
It’s not a high-clearance vehicle, so don’t expect it to barrel through deep drifts. But for daily driving in cold places? It’s efficient and reliable, and the tech keeps things smooth.
Volvo EX90 (Coming Late 2025)
This one’s not out yet, but it’s made by Volvo—so you can bet winter performance was part of the plan. With its Swedish roots, it’ll likely handle snow and ice with ease.
- Estimated Winter Range: 270–300 miles
- Ground Clearance: 8.1 inches
- Why It’ll Be Worth It: Preconditioning, heat pump, all-wheel drive, and Volvo’s track record with safety and snow handling.
If you’re the plan-ahead type and want something practical, family-safe, and weather-ready, this one’s worth watching.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD
Here’s the cool, techy SUV that’s actually pretty good in the snow. It’s got dual motors, a heat pump on higher trims, and a Snow Mode that makes a difference.
- Winter Range: 220–250 miles
- Ground Clearance: 6.1 inches
- Why It Works: Smooth AWD system, heated everything, and quick preconditioning when you set a charger in the nav.
It won’t blast through a foot of snow, but it’ll handle icy roads and cold commutes with no problem. Plus, it looks like nothing else on the road.
Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD
The Mach-E has been around a few years now, and it’s proven to be a capable cold-weather commuter—just not a snowplow.
- Winter Range: 200–240 miles
- Ground Clearance: 5.7 inches
- Strengths: Strong AWD response, comfy heated seats, decent winter range with preconditioning.
If your winters are mostly slush, freezing rain, and the occasional 5-inch snowfall, it’ll do fine. But if you’re tackling unplowed rural roads, it might not be your best bet.
Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X AWD
Let’s clear this up: these two are nearly identical, and both are surprisingly good in the snow—especially the Solterra, which got some Subaru-tuned software magic.
- Winter Range: 170–210 miles
- Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches
- Best For: People who grew up trusting Subarus in the snow.
They’re not quick, and they’re not flashy, but they grip snow-packed roads like champs. Range takes a hit in the cold, though—just something to keep in mind.
BMW iX xDrive50
Big, heavy, powerful—and ready for a blizzard. The BMW iX has the size, clearance, and traction to get you through serious winter weather, and it does it all with German precision.
- Winter Range: 260–300 miles
- Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
- Cold-Weather Highlights: Heated seats, steering wheel, windshield, and even the doors. No joke.
This is a luxury winter beast. If your driveway is half a mile long and your snowblower can’t keep up, this one’s worth a look.
Audi Q4 e-tron Quattro
Solid, stable, and stylish. The Q4 doesn’t scream “snow truck,” but it handles icy roads without issue.
- Winter Range: 210–240 miles
- Ground Clearance: 6.7 inches
- Why It’s Good Enough: Soft regen, balanced AWD, and quiet comfort.
It won’t power through deep snow, but for city and suburban winter driving, it’s smooth and composed.
Quick Recap: Best AWD EVs for Winter Driving
| SUV | Best For | Winter Range |
| Rivian R1S | Deep snow, rural roads | 275–320 mi |
| Kia EV9 AWD | Family trips, snowbelt suburbs | 230–260 mi |
| Tesla Model Y | Long-range cold commuting | 250–310 mi |
| Volvo EX90 (coming) | Cold weather + Swedish reliability | 270–300 mi |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD | Fast charging + smart winter tech | 220–250 mi |
| Ford Mach-E AWD | Everyday winter driving | 200–240 mi |
| Subaru Solterra AWD | High clearance, slick roads | 170–210 mi |
| BMW iX xDrive50 | Power, space, and heated everything | 260–300 mi |
| Audi Q4 e-tron Quattro | Quiet city/suburban winter driving | 210–240 mi |
Final Word: What Should You Drive This Winter?
Winter driving in an EV isn’t just about range or power. It’s about confidence. It’s about knowing you can get out of your driveway, tackle that icy hill, and still have heat in the cabin when you get there.
If you’re in serious snow country, it’s hard to beat the Rivian R1S or Kia EV9 for capability. For daily winter driving with quick charging and solid range, the Tesla Model Y or IONIQ 5 are smart picks. And if you’re looking for quiet, luxurious cold-weather commuting, BMW and Volvo have you covered.
No matter where you live, there’s an AWD electric SUV that’ll get you through the winter with ease—and you don’t have to give up performance, comfort, or style to get it.
For more EV guides, cold-weather tips, and real-world rankings, stick with BidForAutos.com. We don’t just test cars—we live in them.
