Need a compact that can handle winter weather? Here are three of the best small snow SUVs under $30,000 that have all the features cold-weather drivers are looking for. with all-wheel drive or all-wheel drive they are better in the snow and modern driver assistance technology is useful in bad weather.
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the best small SUVs for snow under $30,000
When I researched the best snow SUVs under $30,000, the Jeep Wrangler was at the top of the list. While you might think the Wrangler is better suited for off-roading, consider snow just a different kind of off-roading. It has high ground clearance and optional all-wheel drive, which helps maintain traction in the snow.
it is one of the more reliable options. About 1 percent of road-going Wranglers have achieved 200,000 miles or more, which is higher than the segment average. The Wrangler is customizable from the factory or through aftermarket parts, but there are many ways to make your Jeep perform at its best. It has an MSRP of $29,725, just under budget.
Subaru’s Outback is a small SUV under $30,000
People love for a variety of reasons. It has a starting MRSP of just $25,195, leaving room in the budget for an oil change. Subaru has equipped the Outback with numerous safety features as standard fare for which the competition charges extra. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and even radar cruise control are all standard.
Additionally, all Outbacks feature all-wheel drive, which is an important safety feature. All-wheel drive helps split power between the front and rear wheels, which helps maintain traction in snowy and icy conditions. It also has more ground clearance, making it easier to ride on snow and ice. Subaru’s X-Mode traction enhancement system helps the Outback traverse snowy roads a little better.
Honda’s CR-V has a long history of reliability
The starting price is around $25,750. It has a Honda Sensing safety system that adds forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning standard. Honda also included lane keeping assist, radar cruise control and automatic high beams, making driving in the snow more manageable.
The Honda CR-V comes with front-wheel drive, but buyers can add all-wheel drive for $1,500. Buyers can also opt for the Top Touring trim, which comes with all-wheel drive. It is recommended as a long-lasting and fuel-efficient SUV, with approximately 1.4% of CR-Vs on the road achieving 200,000 miles.
Some other systems to look for include heated mirrors and seats, remote start, and headlight washers. These simply make cold-weather driving a little more bearable. A good set of winter or snow tires is one of the most important things you can add to any SUV. These will help get through the winter weather, and in conjunction with all-wheel or all-wheel drive, are your best bet. These options are a good place to start if you need the best small SUVs for snow under $30,000.
