Best cars for driving in winter weather

Winter brings ice and snow, which can make it very tricky for your tyres to maintain a proper grip on the road. While some off-road cars come with high running costs, many modern cars allow you to switch on four-wheel drive when you need it.  

So, what are the best cars for driving in winter weather?

1. Dacia Duster

Price: From £19,695 

The Dacia Duster is a very dependable car for driving in winter. It has a spacious interior in both the body of the car and the boot, perfect for family days out in winter.  

It’s also efficient and dependable. With decent ground clearance and four-wheel drive, you’ll be able to make it through even the deepest of snowbanks with this vehicle.

2. Porsche 911

Price: From £99,800 

At first glance, a sports car may not seem the best for driving around in winter. But the Porsche 911 can be surprisingly sturdy. 

The two-door vehicle has its engine in the back of the car, not the front like other models on the list. The weight at the rear gives drivers extra traction on the back wheels, making it easier for tyres to grip the road in slippery conditions. 

3. Audi A4 Allroad

Price: From £40,960 

The Audi A4 Allroad is great for winter driving, especially if you’re also driving on bumpy country roads.  

It comes with all-wheel drive, perfect for icy and snowy roads, and it’s also higher off the ground than the average model. This will give you clearance for any bumps in the road, and any deep snow you may drive over.

4. Volvo EX30

Price: From £38,500 

Twin motors give this car four-wheel drive which, combined with the natural heaviness of an electric car, gives you great traction on icy and snowy roads. 

Volvos are one of the safest car models in the world, so you can feel secure in the knowledge that it has the best tech to help you drive on slippery surfaces.

5. Skoda Kodiaq

Price: From £36,645 

Ranked one of the safest cars of 2024 by Euro NCAP, the Skoda Kodiaq is a great car for winter. A 7-seater SUV, with a spacious and comfortable interior, the Kodiaq is perfect for getting around in treacherous weather. 

It’s well-equipped inside too. With heated seats in both the front and back, plus the option for a heated windscreen, you’ll be on your way in no time on those icy mornings.

6. Nissan Qashqai

Price: From £27,120 

The Qashqai is equipped with a detailed Head-Up Display which provides the speed limit, road directions and lane assist all without you having to take your eyes off the road, something that’s ideal when you need to be on the lookout for black ice. 

You’ll never want to get out the car thanks to the heated massaging driver and passenger seats. You can forget feeling stiff when you reach your destination, as you’ll be warm and ready to brace the cold.

7. Toyota GR Yaris

Price: From £29,115 

The GR Sport version of the Toyota Yaris is essentially a road-legal rally car, which makes it perfectly suitable for driving in ice and snow. A turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive give you excellent handling control as well. 

The driver’s seat sits slightly higher than in other models, giving you a clear view of the road while still maintaining a superb level of comfort. 

Check out our list of everything you should keep in your car in cold weather so you can be confident while driving in the winter months.