10 Best Cars For Winter Driving (No SUVs Included)

As the icy tendrils of winter tighten their grip on our cities, the quest for the ideal winter-ready vehicle becomes paramount. Choosing the right car can make all the difference for driving in winter, where unpredictable weather and treacherous road conditions define the days. 

Grab your jacket and join us on a warm trip through the top contenders in the automobile market as we unveil the best cars with the best engineering to conquer snow-covered landscapes and icy terrains. 

From advanced all-wheel-drive systems to cutting-edge safety features, these cars (excluding SUVs) promise not just transportation but a reliable companion in the frosty embrace of winter. 

See also: The 2024 Citroen Holidays Is Absolutely The Best Car To Live In 

1. 2024 BMW 3 Series xDrive – Best Compact Luxury Car For Winter Driving

• Starting MSRP: $46,500

^{Photo credit: BMW of Reading}

The 2024 BMW 3 Series xDrive has several features that make it well-suited for winter driving. The car’s xDrive system provides the excellent traction and stability needed for navigating snowy and icy road conditions. 

The vehicle's stability control system automatically senses when the handling limits are exceeded and can reduce engine power and apply specific brakes to help prevent the driver from losing control. 

Notably, the 2024 BMW 3 Series comes with a range of safety features, including front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, overhead airbags, knee airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners to help protect occupants in the event of an accident. 

These features combined announce the 2024 BMW 3 Series xDrive as a reliable and safe option for driving in winter conditions. 

2. 2024 Mazda Mazda3 – Best Compact Car For Winter Driving

•  Starting MSRP: $24,170

The 2024 Mazda Mazda3 offers AWD as an available option, providing improved traction and stability in challenging winter road conditions. 

The vehicle comes equipped with the company’s advanced i-ACTIVESENSE suite of safety features, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. 

Furthermore, the Mazda3’s optional turbocharged engine option delivers enhanced power and performance, which comes in handy when driving in snowy or icy conditions. 

These features combined make the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 more than just a Japanese compact car with a sporty design and responsive handling. It’s a viable option for winter driving, providing a balance of performance, safety, and traction in challenging winter weather. 

3. 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country – Best Luxury Wagon For Winter Driving

•  Starting MSRP: $60,995

AWD comes standard on the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country, providing enhanced traction and stability on slippery winter roads. It offers a reassuringly higher ground clearance compared to traditional sedans, a necessary feature for navigating through snow and rough road conditions. 

The vehicle’s advanced safety features, such as the marque’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, blind-spot monitoring, road sign information, and more, enhance driver confidence and safety in winter conditions. 

Volvo's V90 is a perfect ride for various driving conditions as it is a luxury midsize wagon with C-SUV features, combining practicality with off-road capabilities. 

4. 2024 Suzuki Ignis – Best Subcompact SUV For Winter Driving

•  Starting MSRP: $14,180

The 2024 Suzuki Ignis is a subcompact SUV known for its exceptional maneuverability and agility. It is equipped with Suzuki’s AllGrip all-wheel drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability on slippery roads and in adverse weather conditions. 

With a ground clearance of almost 8 inches and higher-profile tires, the car can easily navigate snow-covered or icy roads without scraping the bottom. The Ignis's ultra-compact size and 4.7-meter turning radius make it agile and easy to handle in urban environments – through snow-covered city streets and tight parking spaces. 

Additionally, safety features such as responsive handling and braking systems further enhance its suitability for winter driving. The 2024 Suzuki Ignis sweetens the deal with smart technology, including a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen for audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. 

See also: 14 Badass Civilian Military Vehicles For Confident And Safe Movements In The Most Dangerous Places

5. 2024 Audi A4 – Best Compact Executive Car For Winter Driving

•    Starting MSRP: $42,295

^{Photo credit: ArabGT}

While the Audi A4's ground clearance may be a limiting factor in deep snow, its advanced winter driving features, all-wheel drive capability, and safety technologies make it a strong contender for winter driving. 

The Audi A4 comes equipped with the company’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, essential for maintaining control on winter roads. Additionally, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) automatically detects when handling limits are exceeded and reduces engine power or applies brakes to prevent the driver from losing control on slippery surfaces. 

The 2024 Audi A4’s heated front seats enhance comfort and warmth for occupants during cold winter drives. The three-zone automatic climate control system with a digital rear display ensures that the cabin remains comfortable for all passengers, even in extreme winter weather. 

Notably, the Audi Drive Select feature allows customized adjustments for varied driving conditions, including winter mode, enabling the driver to optimize vehicle performance in winter weather. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control further enhance the vehicle's stability and braking performance in slippery conditions. 

The A4’s full LED headlights and highbeam assist improve visibility in low-light conditions like snowy weather. The car boasts a suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, knee airbags, pretensioners, anti-whiplash head restraints, and a security system, ensuring occupants are protected in the event of a winter driving-related incident. 

6. 2024 Audi A4 Allroad – Best Compact Wagon For Winter Driving

•  Starting MSRP: $47,995

The Allroad variant of the Audi A4 is an excellent car for winter driving conditions, equipped with specialized features to ensure safety and performance in challenging weather. 

It comes with Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and the adaptive air suspension system not only provides a smooth ride but also allows the vehicle to adjust its ride height. 

The car’s Hill Descent Control feature assists the driver when descending steep and slippery slopes, allowing for a controlled and safe descent on wintry roads. With higher ground clearance compared to the standard A4, the A4 Allroad is better equipped to tackle deep snow and rough winter terrain. 

The 2024 A4 Allroad is equipped with heated front and rear seats, and the three-zone climate control system ensures that all occupants are comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. 

The advanced lighting system provides enhanced visibility in low-light and snowy conditions, complementing Allroad's suite of advanced safety features, including multiple airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and advanced driver assistance systems. 

7. 2024 Subaru WRX – Best Hatchback For Winter Driving

•  Starting Price: $33,855

The Subaru WRX’s proprietary symmetrical all-wheel-drive system might as well have been specifically engineered for winter driving. The full-time AWD system provides exceptional traction and stability on snow and ice-covered roads. With increased ground clearance, the WRX is better equipped to handle deep snow and rough winter terrain. 

Subaru is known for providing cold-weather features that many drivers can appreciate, such as heated seats, heated side mirrors, windshield wiper deicers, and a road surface freeze warning indicator, all of which contribute to a more comfortable and safe driving experience in winter. 

The WRX's performance-oriented aerodynamic design and lightweight aluminum alloy wheels are optimized for performance in winter conditions. 

Additionally, the 2024 Subaru WRX is equipped with modern technology features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and steering wheel-integrated controls. 

8. 2023 Dodge Challenger GT – Best Muscle Car For Winter Driving

•  Starting MSRP: $31,965

This list would be incomplete without the Charger and Challenger. The 2023 Dodge Challenger GT provides a degree of winter-friendly performance thanks to the available all-wheel drive (AWD) system. 

The AWD Challenger GT offers superior traction and stability to better handle snow-covered and icy roads. Additionally, the Challenger GT comes with winter-friendly comfort features such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. 

With proper snow tires, the AWD Challenger GT provides the sweet spot for muscle car fans looking for a capable car that can handle snow-covered roads with ease. 

9. 2024 Kia K5 – Best Midsize Sedan For Winter Driving

•  Starting MSRP: $26,745

The GT-Line model of the 2024 Kia K5 would be the better variant for winter conditions as it offers an optional all-wheel drive, providing heightened traction and grip on slippery roads. 

Even so, the GT-Line FWD trim offers heated front seats as standard equipment, providing extra comfort and warmth during cold winter days. 

The Kia K5 has active safety features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic avoidance, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and lane following assist. 

These safety features instill confidence and security when driving in challenging winter conditions. The K5 GT-Line offers 18-inch rims, a sportier front and rear bumper, LED foglights, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, standard navigation, and a power driver’s seat. 

10. 2024 Tesla Model 3 – Best Electric Car For Winter

•  Starting MSRP: $40,630

If you must drive electric in winter, make it the Tesla Model 3, not only for its impressive range but also for supportive features like the All-Weather Floor Mats. Tesla recommends using all-weather floor mats for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 to protect the interior in all weather conditions, including winter. 

The interior has been redesigned with new components, improved door paneling, noise reduction, a new sound system with 17 speakers, an extended central touchscreen, and front seats with seat ventilation. 

If these features sound inconsequential, consider that the 2024 Tesla Model 3 comes with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance, and enhanced stability control. 

Furthermore, the new Model 3 features improved suspension and chassis changes for a more comfortable and quieter ride.