Best Chevrolet SUVs for Snow: (AWD/4×4 Guide)

The Trailblazer packs a ton of utility into a small package. Small SUVs like this are usually built to deliver a maximum of interior space in a vehicle that’s still easy to drive in the city. The Trailblazer certainly does that, but the Trailblazer exists to push the boundaries of what you thought was possible for a subcompact SUV. This is especially true of the ACTIV trim, which comes with things like a functional skid plate, off-road-tuned suspension, and sport terrain tires. Not that you need all of that to negotiate snow, but equipment made to help with low-traction off-road conditions is frequently helpful when on-road conditions are less than ideal. Whichever trim you go with, the Trailblazer is the way to go for a subcompact that can actually take on winter conditions.

You would have a hard time finding an EV that offers more range per dollar than the Equinox EV. This is good news, because just like how gasoline-powered vehicles don’t achieve the same fuel economy in cold conditions, electric vehicles see a roughly equal dip in range in those same conditions. But when an EV offers so much more range than the competition, as the Equinox EV does, then this is significantly less of a problem. Available all-wheel drive gives you the traction you need, and since EVs weigh more than their gasoline-powered counterparts, you stay better planted to the ground as well. Cabin preconditioning makes sure you’re comfortable as soon as you get in, no matter what the weather, and unlike a remote start on a gasoline-powered vehicle, you can run it in an enclosed garage.

The Traverse is a big hit for several reasons. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine packs a potent punch, while interior space for both passengers or cargo is phenomenal, and all of this with an attractive starting price as well. But there’s one more thing to mention, and that is that it’s excellent in snow. All-wheel drive is available on any trim, apart from the Z71, where it’s standard. The Z71 trim is off-road-focused and comes with things like all-terrain tires and an extra inch of ground clearance. It also features driver aids like Hill Descent Control, which helps to keep you in control in a variety of low-traction conditions, including snow. You don’t need to get the Z71 in order for the Traverse to be great in the snow, but it does offer some advantages that you won’t find on competitors, a real advantage for those who live in places where snow plows don’t make such frequent appearances.

For a truly rugged SUV, you want one that’s built on a truck platform, a body-on-frame construction that prioritizes functionality first. The Tahoe is one of the few SUVs on the market that fits this bill, sharing a platform with the Silverado pickup truck, it’s even offered with an available diesel engine. The Tahoe is well suited to conquer snow no matter what, but available 4WD and an off-road-focused Z71 trim raise the bar quite a bit. Tri-zone climate control is standard, to help you stay warm in the winter, and heated seats (1st and 2nd row) and a heated steering wheel are also available. Heated side mirrors are also standard, which is a major plus in the safety department.