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What’s the best vehicle for winter driving? Some say an all-wheel-drive SUV is a no-brainer, while others argue a front-wheel-drive car with well-distributed weight will get you where you need to go. But as the automotive market offers an increasing number of electric cars, consumers have more options for the best vehicle for winter driving.

So if you’re looking for an EV to get you from point A to point B in snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures, check out five of the best electric cars for winter driving, according to U.S. News.

2022 Kia EV6

Best electric cars for winter driving
2022 Kia EV6 | Kia

The base-model Kia EV6 is impressive, but you’ll want to upgrade to the dual-motor AWD model for cold-weather cruising. At $51,400, the dual-motor compact crossover boasts 320 hp and 274 miles of range, taking you just about anywhere you need to go in any climate. 

Kia also provides one of the best factory warranties. And with one of the fastest charging systems on the market, the EV6 is an excellent electric car for winter driving.

2022 BMW i4 

Among the pricier models on this list, the 2022 BMW i4 is a fine winter-weather EV. Many automakers are focusing on crossover SUVs, but BMW is holding to its classic format and keeping a sedan in its lineup with the i4. Starting at $67,300, the high-performance i4 M50 harnesses 536 hp and zooms from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. 

Providing plenty of power, AWD, and a well-appointed interior, the i4 M50 also offers thrilling summertime drives.

2022 Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y has been a favorite since its unveiling in 2019. It successfully brought the tech-forward Tesla design language to the popular crossover SUV segment. Starting at $65,990, the dual-motor 2022 Model Y Long Range has a top speed of 137 mph and a range of 318 miles.

It also comes standard with AWD, making this well-balanced, tech-savvy crossover a must-have for winter driving.

2022 Rivian R1T

American EV maker Rivian has finally begun delivering its long-awaited R1T, and consumers are falling in love with this electric truck. The R1T comes standard with a range of 314 miles on the AWD drivetrain, and because it’s a pickup, it boasts a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.

With those benefits, the R1T is one of the most capable and versatile EVs you can buy, both for hauling toys and adventuring in various weather conditions. Rivian offers the R1T in only the Adventure trim, starting at $73,000. But as the EV maker continues developing this model, cheaper options should debut soon.

2023 BMW iX

The German luxury automaker has been pushing the envelope as it transitions from gasoline models to an all-electric lineup. And the iX is the second BMW on this list. Though the previously mentioned i4 has limitations because of its compact sedan body style, the iX is a spacious midsize SUV.

It comes standard with AWD, 564 hp, and a 324-mile range. And though a bit pricey at $84,100, the 2023 BMW iX leads the pack in luxury and drivability in various weather conditions.

What are the best EVs for winter driving?

All of the above options are good for driving in cold climates, but any EV can be a great winter vehicle if it has all-wheel drive and a solid traction control system. With all the torque that EVs produce, power sent to all four wheels rather than only two is better on slick surfaces.

Faced with numerous outstanding EVs, the best thing you can do is test-drive them all.

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