When winter hits hard—snowstorms, black ice, slush, and sub-zero starts—the right SUV doesn’t just get you from A to B. It keeps your family safe, keeps your wheels planted, and keeps you confident on the road.
In 2025, all-wheel drive is more advanced than ever, but not all AWD SUVs are built equal. Some prioritize traction, others comfort, some fuel economy—and a rare few manage all three. Whether you’re commuting through snow-covered suburbs or navigating icy rural roads, this guide cuts through the noise to highlight the best AWD SUVs for winter driving in 2025.
We break it down by:
- Real-world cold-weather performance
- AWD system capability (not all systems are the same)
- Ground clearance
- Winter-driving features (like heated everything and remote start)
- Fuel efficiency and price
Let’s get into it.
What Makes a Great Winter SUV?
Before we get into the rankings, here’s what actually matters for winter driving:
- AWD or 4WD that reacts quickly and evenly in slippery conditions
- Good ground clearance (at least 7.5 inches recommended for snow buildup)
- Cold-weather tech, like heated seats, steering wheel, and remote start
- Winter-rated tires or tire clearance if you’re upgrading
- A stable chassis and predictable handling in low-traction conditions
Fuel efficiency is still important, especially in daily winter commutes where long warm-up times burn gas.
Best Compact AWD SUVs for Winter (2025)
These offer smaller footprints, better fuel economy, and still hold their own when the snow piles up.
1. 2025 Subaru Forester
AWD System: Full-time symmetrical AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
MPG: 26 city / 33 highway
Winter Perks: Heated front and rear seats, windshield wiper de-icer, standard AWD on all trims
Starting Price: Around $29,000
Subaru’s legendary AWD system is the reason why you still see so many Foresters deep in snow country. The ground clearance is class-leading, the visibility is excellent, and the whole car is built with snow driving in mind. It’s not flashy—but in winter, it’s unstoppable.
2. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
AWD System: Electronic on-demand AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.1 inches
MPG: 41 city / 38 highway
Winter Perks: Available heated steering wheel and seats, remote start, dual-zone climate
Starting Price: Around $33,700
With excellent gas mileage and reliable cold-weather performance, the RAV4 Hybrid balances efficiency and traction. It doesn’t have the same off-road credentials as a Forester, but for highway winter driving and commutes, it’s a top choice.
3. 2025 Mazda CX-50
AWD System: Standard i-Activ AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.6 inches
MPG: 24 city / 30 highway
Winter Perks: Heated seats and steering, turbocharged option, off-road drive modes
Starting Price: Around $31,300
Mazda’s most rugged SUV is more than just a pretty face. The CX-50’s AWD system is tuned for real-time road conditions, and it has a confidence-inspiring feel on slick surfaces. Heated interior features come early in the trim ladder, too.
Best Midsize AWD SUVs for Winter (2025)
For more cargo, more comfort, and more serious snow capabilities.
1. 2025 Honda Passport TrailSport
AWD System: Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.1 inches
MPG: 19 city / 24 highway
Winter Perks: Trail mode for snow and mud, heated seats standard, remote start
Starting Price: Around $43,000
The Passport’s bolder TrailSport trim is winter-ready out of the box. With big tires, a strong AWD system, and roomy interior, it’s a great family SUV for snowbelt states. You sacrifice some MPG, but it returns confidence in tough conditions.
2. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD
AWD System: HTRAC AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches
MPG: 36 city / 34 highway
Winter Perks: Heated front/rear seats, heated wheel, panoramic camera, hybrid efficiency
Starting Price: Around $37,500
The redesigned Santa Fe feels more premium now, and the hybrid version doesn’t sacrifice winter performance. You get great traction, quiet electric torque off the line (great for ice), and excellent economy.
3. 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line AWD
AWD System: Standard torque-on-demand AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches
MPG: 23 city / 25 highway (gas); 34/36 (hybrid)
Winter Perks: Heated everything, multiple terrain modes, dual-zone climate
Starting Price: Around $36,000
The Sorento X-Line brings rugged styling and real capability. With the hybrid version, you also get fuel savings without giving up traction. AWD is tuned for light off-roading and deep snow.
Best Plug-In Hybrid AWD SUVs for Winter (2025)
These give you electric driving for short trips and gas backup for everything else—perfect for cold-weather towns that don’t have chargers on every corner.
1. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime
AWD System: Standard electronic AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches
EV Range: 42 miles
Gas MPG: 38 combined
Winter Features: Standard heated front seats, optional heated steering wheel, remote start
Starting Price: Around $43,000 (eligible for federal tax credit)
One of the best all-around winter vehicles you can buy. Quick, efficient, and extremely capable in snow thanks to fast-reacting AWD and low-end electric torque. Hard to find on lots, but worth the search.
2. 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (FWD only)
Note: Only included because of high efficiency—not AWD.
If you want AWD and plug-in power, skip the Escape and go for the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid or Kia Sportage PHEV, both of which offer better winter performance.
Best AWD SUVs for Deep Snow or Rural Winter Roads
When you live somewhere that doesn’t plow roads often—or you’re driving through snowdrifts at 6 a.m.—you need more than just light-duty AWD.
1. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
AWD System: Quadra-Trac II with low range
Ground Clearance: Up to 10.9 inches (adjustable air suspension)
Winter Perks: Heated everything, EV + gas combo, real 4WD
Starting Price: Around $59,000
The Jeep 4xe is pricey, but if you want serious off-road capability in a plug-in package, this is it. It’ll crawl through unplowed driveways, frozen gravel roads, and backwoods trails like it’s nothing.
2. 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness
AWD System: Full-time AWD
Ground Clearance: 9.5 inches
MPG: 21 city / 26 highway
Winter Features: Heated seats/wheel standard, durable interior, Snow/Deep Snow drive mode
Starting Price: Around $40,000
This is the best snow-focused trim Subaru makes. Built for people who spend winter driving where snowplows go to die.
Quick Comparison: Best AWD SUVs for Winter 2025
| SUV | AWD Type | MPG (Gas/Hybrid) | Ground Clearance | Key Winter Feature |
| Subaru Forester | Full-time AWD | 26/33 | 8.7″ | Standard AWD, great visibility |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | AWD | 41/38 | 8.1″ | Heated options, great MPG |
| Honda Passport TrailSport | AWD | 19/24 | 8.1″ | Big tires, Snow Mode |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | AWD | 36/34 | 8.2″ | Hybrid power, heated everything |
| RAV4 Prime (PHEV) | AWD | 94 MPGe / 38 MPG | 8.2″ | Electric + AWD for icy roads |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | Real 4WD | 56 MPGe / 23 MPG | 10.9″ | Snow monster |
Final Thoughts
Winter driving isn’t just about AWD. It’s about the whole package—traction, clearance, control, and comfort when it’s freezing outside.
The best winter SUV for you depends on where you live and how far you drive. Need max MPG with light snow performance? RAV4 Hybrid or Santa Fe Hybrid. Live in snow country with rough roads? Subaru Forester or Outback. Want luxury power with plug-in range? Jeep 4xe or RAV4 Prime.
Whatever you’re after, the SUVs on this list are ready for real winter—not just the occasional dusting.
Stick with BidForAutos.com for more honest, useful, and professional car content. Next up? You tell me—ready for a compact SUV showdown or EVs with AWD?
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