Best Cars for Canadian Winters (2025 Update)

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Article Contents
Picture of By <span>Aren Mirzaian</span>
By Aren Mirzaian

Updated on January 15, 2025

Visit author page
Picture of By <span>Aren Mirzaian</span>
By Aren Mirzaian

Updated January 15, 2025

Visit author page

4 minute read

Article Contents

Many Canadians feel uncomfortable and hesitant driving in winter because the roads can be slippery or more dangerous compared to warmer months. That’s why it is important to prepare your car for winter, or if your budget allows it, buy a new vehicle that performs better in the snow.

In this article, we will highlight some of the best cars for the Canadian winter and what you should consider before you buy one. We will also give you our thoughts and recommendations regarding the best trucks, SUVs, and sedans, and we will comment on their safety, reviews, and good performance during winter.

What Are The Best Cars For Canadian Winter Driving?

Below is the list of the best cars for winter driving in Canada.

best cars for canadian winter driving

Best Trucks For Winter

Trucks are a great choice for driving during winter. Thanks to their big size, you can travel with heavy loads like firewood or snow-removal equipment. Additionally, most trucks have impressive hauling capabilities, allowing you to tow travel trailers or even a snowmobile. Driving a truck can be considered one of the safer options in winter, and modern trucks’ generous size allows them to cross over enormous snowbanks or slush-covered potholes easily. Below are our top picks:

Ram 1500

FORD F150AWD

View our list of the cheapest trucks to insure in Ontario.

Best SUVs For Winter

SUVs are also a popular choice in the winter as they usually come with the best winter tire brands in Canada. They will most likely have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to get out of those annoying snowbanks, maintain control on icy roads or deal with pretty much anything thrown their way. Also, many drivers prefer SUVs because they have various modern safety features that are ideal for winter driving. Below are some of the best SUVs for Canadian winters:

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Nissan Pathfinder

Honda CR-V AWD

Subaru Forester

View our list of the cheapest SUVs to insure in Canada.

Best Sedans For Winter

If you prefer a traditional passenger car instead of a big one like an SUV or Truck, you can find several sedans on the market that fit your winter driving needs. Today’s best winter sedans perform well in classic winter conditions like snow-covered roads, icy bridges, and strong winds. All in all, it provides a comfortable and pleasant experience when driving in snow. Below are some excellent options:

Ford Fusion

Audi A4

Subaru WRX

View our list of the cheapest cars to insure in Ontario.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Winter Car

Before we start talking about specific models, let’s look at the most important factors when shopping for a winter car. There are three key features you need to be on the lookout for:

As we’ve mentioned before, all-season tires are suitable for navigating most weather and road conditions. However, they may not be enough for the harsh Canadian winters, especially in Ontario, because they harden and lose traction once it gets too cold. On the other hand, winter tires are specifically designed for driving in freezing conditions and they are made up of specialized rubber compounds that stay nice and supple even in sub-zero temperatures.

Additionally, most car insurance providers offer winter tire discounts for drivers, allowing you to save a good percentage on your car insurance. 

All-wheel drive (AWD) can send the engine’s power to all four tires. It will help keep your vehicle moving forward better than just a front or rear-wheel drive on snow-covered or rain-slicked roads.

Also known as ABS, this safety feature is designed to prevent your car’s wheels from seizing up. It means the brakes won’t lock up and will allow the wheels to rotate, meaning you can still maintain control of your car. ABS makes it easier to control your car when driving through winter roads and stopping on ice.

factors to consider when choosing a winter car

Tips For Driving in The Snow

Driving in snow can be challenging, but you can get to an expert level with your snow-driving by following some simple tips and advice outlined below.

Stopping

Make sure you drive at the recommended speed limit on the road, stopping in bad weather conditions can be difficult but if you maintain the speed limit, you should be able to stop safely.

If you know you’ll need to come to a stop, start by lightly pressing the brake well before you reach a stop sign or intersection. This helps give your car ample time to gain traction and decelerate. If you slam on your breaks, you are likelier to spin out or skid out of control.

Driving on an Incline

Driving up a slope covered in snow and ice requires pressing on the gas to maintain the speed necessary to reach the top. Accelerating before you start driving uphill can help your car gain the momentum it needs to navigate the slope. You should keep accelerating consistently until you get to the top of the hill.

Another good way to drive up an incline in adverse weather conditions is to use both of your feet. Place one foot on the gas and one on the brake. Slowly press on the brake. This will help you gain traction. Once you feel your tires gain their traction back, then you can take your foot off the brake and allow your other foot to press down gently on the gas. You should continue this technique until you get to the top.

Turning

This might seem obvious, but especially when driving on snow or ice, you should lower your speed to make 90-degree turns or a set of winding bends successfully. If you start skidding, take your foot off both pedals and steer your car in the direction of the skid. This action will help you regain control rather than turning the wheel in the opposite direction.

Getting Unstuck

Perhaps one of the most delicate events when driving in the snow is when your car gets stuck due to lack of traction. 

One way to potentially get your car out of a tricky spot is to move your steering wheel so that your winter tires face a different direction. Then, make sure that the direction your car is pointing in is safe, after that you should press the gas pedal and regain traction. Backing up is another way to regain traction after getting stuck in the snow.

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