Need a compact SUV that can handle the winter weather? Here are three of the best small SUVs for snow under $30,000 that have all of the features drivers in cold climates are looking for. Sport utility vehicles with all-wheel or four-wheel drive are better off in the snow, and modern driver-assistance technology is helpful in inclement weather.

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the best small SUVs for snow under $30,000

When iSeeCars researched the best SUVs for snow 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 the snow just a different type of off-road. It has high ground clearance and optional four-wheel drive, which helps it keep traction in the snow.

In the small and compact SUV segment, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most reliable options. Around 1% of Wranglers on the road have reached 200,000 miles or more, higher than the average for the segment. The Wrangler is customizable from the factory or through aftermarket parts, but there are many ways to keep your Jeep running its best. It has a starting MSRP of $29,725, coming in just under budget.

Subaru’s Outback is a small SUV under $30,000

People love the Subaru Outback for a variety of reasons. It has a starting MRSP of only $25,195, leaving room in the budget for an oil change. Subaru equipped the Outback with plenty of safety features as standard fare that the competition charges extra for. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and even radar cruise control are all standard.

On top of that, all Outbacks come with all-wheel drive, which is an important safety feature. All-wheel drive helps divide the power between the front and rear wheels, which helps keep traction in snowy and icy conditions. It also has higher ground clearance, making driving easier over 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 for the Honda CR-V 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 more manageable in the snow.

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 comes recommended as a long-last and fuel-efficient SUV, with around 1.4% of the CR-Vs on the road reaching 200,000 miles.

Some other systems to look for include heated mirrors and seats, remote start, and headlight washers. These simply make driving in cold weather a bit 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 traverse the winter weather and, in conjunction with all- or four-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.