Best mid-sized SUV for snow

[Anonymous]

What is the best mid-sized SUV in snowy, hilly weather? Bonus if it has a third row (this would be used infrequently, so does not have to be super functional).

[Anonymous]

i don't know if any mid sized SUV has usuable third row. in terms of best in snowy/hilly weather, look at subaru

[Anonymous]

Anything with awd.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't really matter. All wheel drive is what it is is. It helps get you un-stuck in snow and ice. It doesn't do much for you in terms of offroad driving until you get into SUVs designed with features like locking differentials, but I digress.

AWD helps with snow, but not by as much as you think. If you're really concerned about it, you'd get snow tires.

Snow tires on 2WD beats "All season" on AWD or 4WD every time.

Here's a 2WD BMW with snow tires vs. an AWD Subaru.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STaximkaQxo

[Anonymous]

the only thing awd and 4 wheel drive does, as the pp mentioned is to help you get started. People think it is some magic system that gets you through anything and you can drive like you normally do but you can't. that is why you see so many of these vehicles in ditches on the road in the winter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:the only thing awd and 4 wheel drive does, as the pp mentioned is to help you get started. People think it is some magic system that gets you through anything and you can drive like you normally do but you can't. that is why you see so many of these vehicles in ditches on the road in the winter.

That is not 100% accurate. It helps you driving and control but what it doesn't do is braking. With better control, bad drives drive faster in bad weather not realizing it doesn't stop any better (i.e., ends up in ditches).

[Anonymous]

Snow tires sound like a PITA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Snow tires sound like a PITA.

Around here (DC) they are not necessary. But, in parts of the world with harsher winters, it is the cost of doing business.

Put them on in mid oct., take them off in mid April. Buy an extra set of wheels (cheap steel wheels), and your summer tires last longer.
Just need a place to store them

[Anonymous]

My BIL in Denver has a set of snow tires he has put on his Tahoe every Winter largely because he has a 1 hour commute to work each way. He says most of their local gas stations will swap them out and put his other tires in his trunk for about $60 ($15 per tire). So it only cost him about $120/year (or one less dinner out for his family of 5) for the added peace of mind. If I were in Denver I'd likely do the same. But here in the tri-state area that would be silly given how little snow we get.

[Anonymous]

Any SUV with 4WD/AWD will do in this area - snow tires will improve the handling if you really are driving in packed snow enough to warrant the cost/effort. If you truly intend to go off road, having the ability to lock the differential (electronically) would be best, along with decent ground clearance.

[Anonymous]

Love our new KIA Telleride

[Anonymous]

Tires are more important than the drive system. As to the drive system, 4WD will generally do better in getting moving than AWD. Will also provide marginally better engine braking in the unlikely event you drive a manual. I've driven real jeeps for years -- they are great in the snow. Our two MDXs and our current QX60, not nearly as good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any SUV with 4WD/AWD will do in this area - snow tires will improve the handling if you really are driving in packed snow enough to warrant the cost/effort. If you truly intend to go off road, having the ability to lock the differential (electronically) would be best, along with decent ground clearance.

In many ways, winter driving here presents a challenge not present in colder and snowier areas in that we are more likely to get icing which is much worse to drive on than regular snow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My BIL in Denver has a set of snow tires he has put on his Tahoe every Winter largely because he has a 1 hour commute to work each way. He says most of their local gas stations will swap them out and put his other tires in his trunk for about $60 ($15 per tire). So it only cost him about $120/year (or one less dinner out for his family of 5) for the added peace of mind. If I were in Denver I'd likely do the same. But here in the tri-state area that would be silly given how little snow we get.

Tri state ? Are you posting from New York. Connecticut or New Jersey? We have a camp in the Adirondacks and use snow tires there. But in the DMV area – no don’t need them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My BIL in Denver has a set of snow tires he has put on his Tahoe every Winter largely because he has a 1 hour commute to work each way. He says most of their local gas stations will swap them out and put his other tires in his trunk for about $60 ($15 per tire). So it only cost him about $120/year (or one less dinner out for his family of 5) for the added peace of mind. If I were in Denver I'd likely do the same. But here in the tri-state area that would be silly given how little snow we get.

Tri state ? Are you posting from New York. Connecticut or New Jersey? We have a camp in the Adirondacks and use snow tires there. But in the DMV area – no don’t need them.

Maybe DC, MD and VA.