Winter driving in Canada demands a tough, reliable SUV that can conquer snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. From fuel efficiency to handling and comfort, these top six SUVs tick all the boxes—and then some!

1. Toyota RAV4 AWD

With a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower, the RAV4 handles snowy conditions like a pro. Its AWD and

8-speed automatic transmission offer smooth and reliable performance.

• Fuel Efficiency: 25 MPG city / 34 MPG highway.
• Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection.
• Comfort and Technology: Heated seats, spacious interior, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay.
• Price Range: Starting at $28,000.
• Pros: Reliable, excellent resale value, and off-road-ready trims.
• Cons: The ride could feel firm over rough roads.

2. Subaru Outback

Equipped with Subaru’s Boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD, the Outback is a Canadian winter warrior. It delivers 182 horsepower and offers smooth handling on icy roads.

• Fuel Efficiency: 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway.
• Safety Features: EyeSight Driver Assist with lane-keeping assist and pre-collision braking.
• Comfort and Technology: Heated seats, dual-zone climate control, 11.6-inch touchscreen.
• Price Range: Starting at $27,000.
• Pros: Unbeatable AWD system and high ground clearance.
• Cons: Acceleration could feel sluggish compared to rivals.

3. Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport’s 1.5L turbocharged engine produces 181 horsepower, perfect for tackling icy terrains. Its terrain management system is ideal for unpredictable conditions.

• Fuel Efficiency: 25 MPG city / 28 MPG highway.
• Safety Features: Ford Co-Pilot360 with blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision assist.
• Comfort and Technology: Durable interior, 8-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay.
• Price Range: Starting at $29,000.
• Pros: Rugged design, terrain versatility.
• Cons: Cargo space is slightly smaller than competitors.

4. Honda CR-V AWD

The CR-V pairs its 1.5L turbocharged engine with AWD for a winning combination of power and comfort.

• Fuel Efficiency: 28 MPG city / 34 MPG highway.
• Safety Features: Honda Sensing Suite with adaptive cruise control and road departure mitigation.
• Comfort and Technology: Spacious interior, quiet cabin, 7-inch touchscreen.
• Price Range: Starting at $30,000.
• Pros: Family-friendly and fuel-efficient.
• Cons: Lacks sporty handling.

5. Mazda CX-5 AWD

Mazda’s CX-5 turns heads with its sleek design and impressive performance, thanks to a turbocharged 2.5L engine delivering up to 250 horsepower.

• Fuel Efficiency: 24 MPG city / 30 MPG highway.
• Safety Features: Blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking.
• Comfort and Technology: Heated steering, leather seating, 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
• Price Range: Starting at $28,500.
• Pros: Luxurious feel, sporty handling.
• Cons: Slightly less cargo space than rivals.

6. Chevrolet Traverse AWD

Big families rejoice! The Chevrolet Traverse combines a 3.6L V6 engine with AWD, offering 310 horsepower to haul the kids and groceries—even in a snowstorm.

• Fuel Efficiency: 18 MPG city / 27 MPG highway.
• Safety Features: Rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, surround-view camera.
• Comfort and Technology: Seats up to eight, spacious cabin, intuitive infotainment system.
• Price Range: Starting at $35,000.
• Pros: Roomy interior, powerful engine.
• Cons: Lower fuel efficiency than rivals.

Choosing the Right Winter SUV

Whether you’re looking for fuel efficiency, rugged performance, or family-friendly comfort, these SUVs excel in Canadian winters. From the affordable Hyundai Tucson to the luxurious Mazda CX-5, there’s something here for everyone. So, which one will you trust to beat the snow?