4 Best SUVs For Winter Driving in Canada

Thousands of Canadians rely on their SUVs to get them around the country; SUVs are sleek (yet rugged) vehicles that offer a wide variety of innovative features and a generous amount of cargo space.

However, did you know that SUVs are a great choice for driving in winter? It’s true — many modern SUVs come with useful display systems and unique safety features that put them a step above the competition when it comes to winter driving.

But what’s the best winter SUV Canada has to offer?

Let’s find out.

Afterwards, feel free to contact your Surex insurance advisor if you’d like to compare auto insurance quotes for your SUV.

What’s the best winter SUV Canada has to offer?

Picking out the ideal SUV for your needs is always tricky, but it becomes even more difficult when you take additional factors, like winter drivability, into consideration.

We want to help you make an informed decision, so we’ve put together a list of contenders for the best winter SUV in Canada.

Our list of top SUVs for Canadian winters includes the following models:

• Toyota RAV4
• Nissan Armada
• Ford Ecosport SES
• Jeep Compass Sport 4x4

SUV #1 — Toyota RAV4

If you’ve been shopping for a new SUV, you’ve most likely come across the Toyota RAV4. 

The Toyota RAV4 is a durable SUV that’s built to withstand the elements. This vehicle comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 technology, which features blind spot monitors and Red Cross Traffic Alert systems. Having access to these features is highly beneficial, as it provides drivers additional peace of mind while driving in the winter.

One of the main reasons the Toyota RAV4 is considered (by many) to be the best SUV for winter driving in Canada is its generous ground clearance. 

Having a sizeable amount of ground clearance makes the Toyota RAV4 a great choice for driving through thick snow, which makes it a great vehicle for off-roading.

SUV #2 — Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is another fantastic option if you’re looking for the best SUV for winter driving. 

The Nissan Armada is one of the more spacious models on the list and can easily fit eight fully-grown adults. This makes the Nissan Armada a great choice if you like to take road trips or long, scenic drives with your family in the winter.

Not to mention, this stylish SUV features ABS, AWD and a blindside detection system which make it significantly easier to traverse the snowiest of Canadian roadways in the winter months (this is especially true if you have a solid set of winter tires).

You can rely on the Nissan Armada to get you where you need to go, regardless of the season.

Bonus tip — Click here if you’d like to learn how long winter tires last on average.

SUV #3 — Ford Ecosport SES

Ford is one of the most recognizable names in the automotive industry thanks to their ability to manufacture quality vehicles, like the Ford Ecosport SES.

The Ford Ecosport SES is a sturdy SUV that comes with a wide range of innovative features, including Intelligent 4WD and Intelligent Access.

This SUV even comes equipped with luxurious heated seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a great choice for those brisk drives on early winter mornings.

Aside from being an excellent option for drivers that want the best SUV in the snow in winter, the Ford Ecosport SES is also a relatively affordable option. The modest price point makes the Ford Ecosport SES a top pick for drivers that are looking for their first vehicle or a secondary vehicle.

SUV #4 — Jeep Compass Sport 4x4

When most people think of SUVs, the first vehicle that comes to mind is a Jeep. Jeep has been manufacturing high-quality SUVs, like the Jeep Compass Sport 4x4, for years. 

The Jeep Compass Sport 4x4 is practically made for driving in Canadian winters; like other Jeep models, the Compass Sport 4x4 is able to handle the wildest of terrains. Whether you’re driving through the ice, slush or snow, you’ll be able to handle it with style and ease in the Jeep Compass Sport 4x4.

Not to mention, the Jeep Compass Sport 4x4 comes equipped with a powerful 2.4 litre four-cycle engine with six-speed manual transmission. These powerful features make the Jeep Compass Sport 4x4 a contender for the best SUV in snow, ice and slush.

Not interested in SUVs?

If you’re not interested in SUVs, that’s ok. There are plenty of other vehicles that can give you the upper hand while driving in the winter. 

For instance, most trucks are solid options for winter driving due to the fact that they are larger than other vehicles on the road, which gives drivers additional security.

You can also use a truck to haul items like snowmobiles, snowboards and other equipment used for winter activities. 

3 tips for safe winter driving

Even if you own a vehicle that’s ideal for winter weather, you should always try to learn new tricks that you can use to stay safe while driving in winter.

Here are some useful tips that you can use the next time you hit the road this winter:

• Check the weather conditions beforehand
• Clear ice and snow from your windows to improve your visibility
• Keep important fluids (like gasoline and windshield washer fluid) topped-up

And as mentioned earlier, installing winter tires on your vehicle can help you maintain control on cold, snowy days. Also, don’t forget that using winter tires during the set date in your province can help you save as much as 5% on your car insurance.

Save up to 25% when you team up with a Surex insurance advisor

Shopping for insurance doesn’t have to be time-consuming; when you team up with Surex, we can help you find and compare the most competitive auto insurance quotes in ten minutes or less.

Our brokers are always happy to help you compare insurance quotes and answer any questions that you may have along the way.

Contact your personal Surex insurance advisor to get started today!