Hybrid SUVs are very practical and versatile daily drivers, but not all are great for winter driving.
Some crossovers don’t have much ground clearance and not all have an all-wheel drive option.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best hybrid SUVs for snow and winter driving and check out some of the features that make them stand out.
Table of Contents
1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The bestselling RAV4 has had a hybrid model since 2016 and it’s still one of the most popular hybrid SUVs in the market today.
Aside from Toyota’s excellent reliability, it’s hard to beat their well-proven hybrid technology.
The RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive which makes it an ideal all-season commuter vehicle.
It has 8.1 inches of ground clearance which is more than adequate for taking on snow-covered winter roads.
There’s also the more off-road capable Woodland Edition trim level which sports an upgraded suspension, mudguards and special bronze-colored wheels.
The XSE and Limited models come with heated front seats as standard. The Limited also has optional heated rear seats to keep your passengers warm and fuzzy.
Dual zone climate control is also standard on all models so you and your passenger can choose how comfortable they want to be.
2. Honda CR-V Hybrid
The new sixth generation CR-V was introduced for the 2023 model year and uses pretty much the same hybrid powertrain as the old model.
Aside from being really well-built and reliable, the CR-V is known for having better handling than many of its rivals.
The sixth generation CR-V not only has a more aggressive, truck-like exterior, but it’s also gotten a bit bigger compared to the previous generation.
Compared to the fifth gen CR-V Hybrid which had standard all-wheel drive, the sixth gen CR-V Hybrid can be configured with either front or all-wheel drive.
Front-wheel drive gives the CR-V better fuel economy, while the all-wheel drive provides much better traction on snow and icy roads.
It also has 8.2 inches of ground clearance which helps you avoid getting stuck in deep snow.
The top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid does come standard with all-wheel drive, as well as a heated steering wheel for extra comfort.
All trim levels of the sixth gen CR-V Hybrid also come with winter-friendly features like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats.
3. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The fourth generation Hyundai Tucson debuted for the 2022 model year with a bold new look and two hybrid powertrain options.
Aside from getting its first ever hybrid model, there’s also an additional plug-in hybrid model with up to 33 miles of EV range.
All hybrid models of the Tucson come standard with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system which makes it a more capable winter vehicle.
It also has very good ground clearance at 8.3 inches so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the snow.
All trim levels come with heated front seats, heated side mirrors and dual-zone climate control.
The top of the line Limited trim level adds heated rear seats and a heating steering wheel.
Aside from providing good value for money, the Tucson also comes with Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
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4. Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is mechanically the same underneath as the Hyundai Tucson but with a sportier exterior and a different interior.
The Sportage Hybrid does have a much lower priced front-wheel drive base model that also gets slightly better gas mileage.
For snow and winter driving, the more expensive EX and and SX Prestige models that come with all-wheel drive as standard are better choices.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid’s all-wheel drive system also comes with a center differential lock that makes sure power is sent to the front and rear wheels at all times, and improves traction in mud, dirt and snow.
The Sportage Hybrid also has 8.3 inches of ground clearance which is more than adequate for light off-roading and deeper snow.
The EX and SX Prestige models also come standard with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and heated side mirrors.
5. Toyota Sequoia Hybrid
The third generation Toyota Sequoia is based on the Toyota Tundra and the latest Land Cruiser platform.
The new model also replaced the gas guzzling V8 engines for a more fuel efficient turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain.
Its hybrid powertrain is still very powerful and can produce a combined output of 437 hp, so it doesn’t lag behind other full-sized trucks.
As a full-size body-on-frame SUV, the Sequoia has always had loads of off-road capability and is extremely rugged.
It has good ground clearance at 8.6 inches while the TRD Pro model has up to 9.1 inches of clearance.
It’s also one of the few hybrid SUVs with a real 4WD system that has low-range and a locking differential, so it can easily take on harsh winter conditions in mountainous areas with unpaved roads.
All models except for the TRD Pro come with rear-wheel drive as standard but have 4WD as an option.
Heated front seats are standard on all trim levels, but the Platinum and Capstone models also come with heated and ventilated front and rear seats.
6. Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-in Hybrid
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic 4WD vehicle that’s loved by hardcore off-road enthusiasts, as well as people who simply enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Although its looks haven’t changed much since the 1980s, it received a modern plug-in hybrid powertrain in 2021.
The Wrangler 4xe can go up to 21 miles in electric-only mode which is good enough for daily errands and short commutes.
Despite the move to electrification, it hasn’t lost any of its off-road prowess, making it an excellent vehicle for really bad winters.
Depending on the model, it can have 10 to almost 11 inches of ground clearance which allows it to take on really deep snow and extreme terrain.
Power from the engine and two electric motors is routed to a 4WD system with a low-speed transfer case that allows it to efficiently crawl over rocks and other off-road obstacles.
Its interior is a bit utilitarian, but it still offers modern amenities like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote engine start when you equip it with the Cold Weather package.
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7. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers luxury SUV levels of comfort and refinement, coupled with loads of off-road capability.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe uses the same plug-in hybrid powertrain found in the Wrangler 4xe but puts it in a more road-friendly package.
Depending on the model, ground clearance ranges from 8.4 inches to almost 11 inches so it can easily take on deep snow and different types of off-road obstacles.
Some trim levels also come with adjustable air suspension so you can lower and raise the ride height with the push of a button.
It also comes with a real 4WD system that has a low-range mode that will let you more efficiently take on extreme terrain.
All trim levels of the Grand Cherokee 4xe also come standard with heated front and rear seats to keep you and your passengers cozy in the winter.
Other standard features include dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors and remote engine start.
8. BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid
The BMW X5 ticks a lot of boxes for those looking for a well-rounded luxury SUV.
It’s very comfortable, spacious and offers great handling for a large truck.
In addition to being packed with cutting edge tech and luxury amenities, the xDrive50e PHEV model has as much as 40 miles of EV range and produces a combined output of 483 hp.
It also comes standard with height adjustable air suspension that allows you to lower or raise the ride height so you can avoid getting stuck in deep snow and easily drive over rough roads.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system is also very sophisticated and makes going over slippery roads a relative breeze.
Heated seats and side mirrors are standard, but with the optional Climate Comfort Package, you also get heated rear seats, armrests and steering wheel.
9. Range Rover Plug-in Hybrid
Few luxury SUVs can top the Range Rover when it comes to comfort and refinement.
Despite its ostentatious levels of opulence, it still packs a lot of off-road capability that puts many of its rivals to shame.
All-wheel drive and adjustable air suspension is standard on all trim levels.
Whether you’re using it as a daily driver in the middle of winter or going on holiday up a snow-capped mountain, it will easily handle icy roads and deep snow with its advanced four-wheel drive system.
To keep you warm in freezing temperatures, the Range Rover has heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
A heated windshield is also available as an option which helps melt away frost and ice as you’re driving.
According to Land Rover the Range Rover P440e and the new P550e PHEV should have around 50 miles of electric-only range.
10. Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid
Volvo’s flagship XC90 was one of the first luxury SUVs with a plug-in hybrid when its second generation model was introduced in 2016.
It has had a few upgrades over the years and it’s still very stylish and modern looking despite its age.
Not only has its power increased, but its EV range has more than doubled to 32 miles since it was first released.
All wheel drive is also standard on the XC90 and it has very good ground clearance at 8.5 inches.
With the top of the line Ultimate trim level, you can also get the optional air suspension that allows you to raise and lower the ride height, making it an even better winter vehicle.
Standard on all models is a four-zone climate control system, remote cabin preconditioning, and heated front seats.
The more expensive trim levels also come with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel
11. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Hyundai’s popular Santa Fe SUV sits between the compact-sized Tucson and the mid-sized Palisade.
In 2021, it got two new powertrain options in the form of a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid — the same ones found in the Tucson and Kia Sportage.
Like the Tucson Hybrid, the Santa Fe Hybrid offers a lot of value for money and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
Aside from Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system providing more grip in slippery conditions, the Santa Fe Hybrid also comes with 8.2 inches of ground clearance which allows it to handle deep snow and light trails.
It also comes standard with dual-zone climate controls and heated front seats for extra comfort in colder temperatures.
Remote start is also standard so you can warm up the cabin even before you climb inside.
The top-of-the-line Limited model adds even more creature comforts like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a better winter vehicle overall.
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