Minnesota winters are infamous among any who have ever had to drive in them. Even on calm days, the combination of subzero temperatures, the buildup of snow that settles on the road and the strips of deadly black ice can transform an easy commute into a scary experience. Fortunately, you can curb the dangers of winter driving by buying the right car for the job.
With winter driving conditions in Minnesota tending to persist from November to April, it’s important to drive a vehicle that can handle the challenge. If your old automobile isn’t cutting it anymore and you want to buy one that handles well in winter, here are a few great choices for you.
Top 4 Winter Vehicles for Minnesota Drivers
- Ford Bronco – Ford’s revival of their classic SUV, the Bronco, made waves when it was announced. The Ford Bronco also happens to be one of the best vehicles in which to tackle Minnesota’s winters. Four-wheel drive gives the Bronco great traction on slippery roads and a 300 horsepower base engine gives this sturdy SUV the power it needs to get back on the road in the event that it slides off. Another benefit of the Ford Bronco is that it is a highly customizable rig, which can easily be upgraded into the ultimate winter vehicle.
- Subaru Crosstrek Sport – Subaru is considered one of the most reliable vehicle manufacturers in the world, and their cars have a big benefit for Minnesota drivers: they’re all-wheel drive by default, meaning they handle snow well. The Subaru Crosstrek, a crossover SUV, gives a particularly impressive winter performance. With a 2.5 liter, 185 horsepower engine and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Sport trim of this sturdy little SUV is well-suited to off road driving. Best of all, the Crosstrek Sport’s X-MODE setting allows it to be modified for even better traction in the snow.
- Audi A4 Allroad – If you’re looking for something a little sportier that handles well in the snow, we recommend the Audi A4 Allroad. This luxury station wagon has all-wheel drive and is proficient at conquering snowy roads. Plus, its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine puts out an impressive 261 horsepower, making the A4 Allroad quite zippy when the roads are clear. For the Minnesota driver who wants a comfy and well-built vehicle that fits the whole family but doesn’t suffer the clunkiness or poor fuel economy of a SUV, the Audi A4 Allroad is a fantastic choice.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk – “Jeep” is practically synonymous with “off road vehicle.” The manufacturer famously builds highly customizable SUVs that perform well on rugged road conditions, such as those created by a Minnesota winter. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a particularly sturdy SUV, and the Trailhawk model comes outfitted with the Quadra-Drive II, a high-performance four-wheel drive system. Plus, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk has an impressive 11.2 inches of ground clearance and underbody skid plates to protect the vehicle and its occupants in the event that it finds itself off road in a snow-swept area.
Keep Your Vehicle Snow-Safe With Winter Maintenance
Buying a vehicle that handles well in snow is a good first step, but you’ll want to follow up with winter vehicle maintenance to keep your new ride up to snuff. Contact Arvu Auto today if you want maintenance or repairs for your vehicle in the West Minneapolis metro!
