8 Cars Ready for Winter

2019 Mercedes Benz C300 ice drive hero ・ Photo by Corey Davis

It’s a challenge driving in winter weather, but the right vehicle can make it easier and safer. You might think your only choice is a big SUV, but that’s not the case. There are many different types of great winter-worthy vehicles out there, from SUVs to sedans and even muscle cars. We had the chance to test several cars in the snow-filled Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

All-wheel drive is at the top of the list for winter driving, and each of these vehicles offers this key feature. They also have additional features like heated seats and steering wheels to make the ride more comfortable. Here are 8 cars that are ready for winter.

2019 Acura RDX

The 2019 Acura RDX is all-new with a more powerful engine, the latest version of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), and a new look. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The RDX is the first A-Spec SUV, with upgrades including a unique front and rear fascia, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, and large-diameter dual exhaust finishers.

For winter driving, the all-wheel-drive system in the RDX can send up to 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels, and then send 100 percent of that torque to either the left or right rear wheel for optimum handling. Pricing starts at $37,400.

Photo by Corey Davis

2019 Buick Envision

The 2019 Buick Envision is available in five trims, with all-wheel drive as an option on all but the base model. Once you reach the top Premium trim, it becomes a standard feature. This year’s Envision gets a new front and rear fascia and a new grille. It also has a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo with 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque that makes it faster than the outgoing model.

In addition to all-wheel drive, there are standard heated front seats across the lineup, with heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel for the Essence and Premium trims. Also making cold winter days more bearable is a heating system that warms up more quickly. Pricing starts at $32,900.

Photo by Corey Davis

2019 Dodge Challenger GT

It might not seem the place for a muscle car, but the 2019 Dodge Challenger GT earns a spot on our list of 8 cars ready for winter. Although the Challenger GT comes standard with rear-wheel drive, it’s also available with all-wheel drive at a starting price of $33,295. It comes with a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine with 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

There’s a standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. With the 2019 Dodge Challenger GT AWD, you can enjoy the power of a muscle car with the handling of all-wheel drive for winter weather.

Photo by Corey Davis

2019 Honda Passport

The 2019 Honda Passport is an all-new model for Honda, slotting in just below the Pilot and just above the CR-V. This is a more rugged SUV with off-road capability that also makes it ideal for tackling winter weather. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Intelligent Traction Management, which includes driver-selectable drive modes for different weather and terrain conditions, is standard across the lineup.

All-wheel drive is optional, featuring torque vectoring that can send up to 70 percent of torque to rear wheels with up to 100 percent of that torque going to either the left or right rear wheel as needed. Pricing starts at $33,035.

Photo by Corey Davis

2019 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is practically synonymous with off-road adventuring. What makes it work so well crawling over rocks and through the dirt also serves it well when the weather turns cold and snowy. A wide range of trims includes both two-door and four-door models with a choice of two engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp.

What makes it a winter standout is its capability. It has an approach angle of 44 degrees, which helps conquer deep snow banks, along with ground clearance of 10.9 inches, and three available 4x4 systems. Selec-Trac engages four-wheel drive as needed, Command-Trac lets you shift into four-wheel drive on the fly, and Rock-Trac features locking front and rear differentials. Pricing starts at $28,045.

Photo by Corey Davis

2019 Mercedes-Benz C300

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 in sedan form is the brand’s top-selling model, and it’s ready to handle winter weather. This year, the C300 has a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The luxurious interior includes wood trims and power front seats with memory, with the option for heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

All-wheel drive is available as an option, and there’s standard torque vectoring braking. This works in conjunction with the Electronic Stability Program to adjust torque and braking to compensate for understeer during cornering, keeping you in control even in the worst weather conditions. Pricing starts at $41,400.

Photo by Corey Davis

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV is all-new with a luxurious interior, powerful engines, and the latest technologies to keep you connected and safe on the road. Power comes from either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylidner with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The base GLE 350 comes with the option for all-wheel drive, while the GLE 450 features fully variable all-wheel drive as standard.

The GLE 450 also features available E-Active Body Control, which monitors the road and adjusts the suspension for a smooth ride with damping adjusted at each wheel. Pricing starts at $53,700.

Photo by Corey Davis

2019 Toyota RAV4

The all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 boasts a wide range of trims, with several available all-wheel-drive systems. Optional on the LE and XLE is all-wheel drive that can send up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels when needed. The Adventure and Limited trims come standard with all-wheel drive along with dynamic torque vectoring. This distributes torque not just front and back, but also left to right for even better control.

There’s also standard multi-terrain select on all-wheel drive models. This features selectable drive modes that optimize traction for various road conditions. And for those looking for better fuel economy, there’s also a hybrid RAV4, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $25,500.

Photo by Corey Davis