The Best Used SUVs for Winter Under $30,000
Getting the traction you need to get your family around safely in the snow is paramount. We’ve put together a list of the best SUVs for winter driving.
The Best Used SUVs for Winter Driving
When the snow starts flying, you need to be confident that your car can safely get you and your family to your destination. The best thing you can do is equip your vehicle with a set of dedicated winter tires. Winter tires will improve traction for whatever you drive. And any vehicle should also have some basic winter accessories.
If you’re in the market for a used SUV and want to know what are the best SUVs for winter driving, we’ve compiled this helpful list and capped it to options under $30,000. You can find a more general list of great used SUVs under $30k here.
2020 Subaru Outback
It should come as little surprise that a Subaru kicks off our list. Subarus have built a great reputation for their ability to get through snowy conditions thanks to standard symmetrical all-wheel drive on all of their SUV models. Boosting the Outback’s winter driving credentials is an elevated ride height, compared to a regular wagon, that helps it get over deep snow with ease. An Outback as new as the 2020 model year can be had under our $30k limit.
For this model year, you’ve got a choice of either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 182 horsepower or a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower. Both engines are connected to a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. The interior is spacious, with seating for five, and the technology is good, if not the best. Safety equipment, including stability control and blind spot monitor, was offered.
2021 Subaru Forester
Yup, another Subaru. The Forester is a slightly more affordable model than the Outback which means you could find a 2022 model under our price cap. The interior is roomy, with a tall roof for excellent practicality.
While it’s not super luxurious, the interior appointments are durable, functional, and attractive. The standard all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance mean it can tackle snow and ice with ease. Power is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder connected to a continuously variable transmission.
2019 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is an SUV that has been popular for decades now, and for good reason. The 2019 CR-V was offered with two engine options, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 184 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.5-liter with 190 horsepower. The standard continuously variable transmission means smooth driving and excellent fuel efficiency.
Honda also offered a CR-V Hybrid, which offered even better fuel efficiency, but it might take more hunting to find it under the $30k limit. The CR-V’s all-wheel drive system means it’s confident driving in the snow. The interior is nicely designed and has all the technology you need. Seating for five and safety tech like blind-spot monitor make it a great family vehicle.
2020 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has been the main competitor to the Honda CR-V and offers a slightly different flavor. The Toyota is equipped with a single engine option, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces a healthy 203 horsepower. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The RAV4 was offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, so make sure you find an AWD-equipped model for the best snow and ice performance. Toyota also offered the RAV4 with hybrid powertrains, but those tend to cost more. The interior is similar to the Honda, with seating for five and solid, if not exemplary, technology.
2021 Mazda CX-5
While it competes with the RAV4 and CR-V, the Mazda CX-5 delivers a more premium look and feel. The exterior design is beautiful and the interior has a simple, modern appearance with delightful materials throughout.
Power is provided from either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower or a turbocharged engine with 250 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and the all-wheel drive system gets you through challenging road conditions. On the road, you will also notice the CX-5 has a sportier demeanor than its competitors.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan also offers a slightly more premium feel, with German world-renowned engineering. Power is provided by a turbocharged four-cylinder with 184 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission and fuel efficiency is competitive with the others. The available all-wheel drive is essential in the snow.
The Tiguan has a nicely appointed interior, but it’s the available third-row seat that offers the big advantage over some of the other SUVs we’ve discussed so far. The third-row means the Tiguan can seat up to seven people making it the ideal choice for a growing family.
2021 Tesla Model Y
If you’re interested in driving an EV, the Tesla Model Y is compelling. While it might be challenging to find one close to $30k, it can be done. For that, you get one of the most popular EVs on the road today.
The styling is sleek and attractive: The interior seats five people comfortably, but its sleek design means cargo capacity is lower than others. Tesla’s interior tech is impressive. All-wheel drive means confidence in the snow and ice and excellent safety tech like blind spot monitor and stability control give you peace of mind. Best of all, the Model Y can take advantage of Tesla’s Supercharge charging network.
2020 Ford Explorer
On the larger end of the mid-sized SUV category, the Ford Explorer offers a more traditional SUV experience. The interior is a bit more spacious, with seating for seven offered, and more powertrain options provide more capability.
A 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder develops 300 horsepower while a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 makes 365 horsepower. Ford even offers a hybrid model for better fuel economy. If towing is important to you, the Explorer, when properly equipped, can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
2019 Audi Q5
If you want to get a luxury SUV, the Audi Q5 is a great choice. The Quattro all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction in snow and ice. Power is provided by a turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower.
The interior is a noticeable step up in terms of material quality, but is not the most spacious. The trade-off of going with the luxurious Audi, is you need to choose a higher mileage one to get under our $30k limit. Not necessarily a big deal if you do your due diligence before buying, but something to consider.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
We’ll end our list with one more Subaru, the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is essentially the Subaru Impreza hatchback with a lifted suspension and a more rugged exterior. Like the Outback and Forester, all-wheel drive comes standard.
A 2021 Crosstrek was offered with a choice of a 2.0 engine with 152 horsepower or a 2.5-liter with 182 horsepower. Subaru also offered a more fuel-efficient Crosstrek Hybrid, but finding one is a challenge. Its compact size makes the Crosstrek a great choice for winter driving in the city.
Lots of Great Choices
There are a lot of really great used SUV options to choose from. So many of them offer competent all-wheel drive systems that make them solid performers in the snow. Of course, there are things you should do to prep any car for winter, and we have a handy list of winterization tips here.
Choosing the right SUV for you will depend on figuring out your priorities and needs. This list covers a wide range of options and each one, we feel is a great choice for winter road trips. To make the buying process less stressful, we have some advice for negotiating here.
