The Best Cars for Snow With High Safety Scores From the IIHS
Some cars are better equipped for winter weather than others. Kelley Blue Book says things like all-wheel drive, LED headlights, and safety features like blind-spot monitoring. Heated mirrors and seats also help keep the driver comfortable and improve visibility in inclement weather. Looking for the best cars for snow with high safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)? Check out the options from BMW, Mazda, and Toyota below.
BMW’s 3 Series is one of the best cars for snow, with high safety scores
Kelley Blue Book thought the 2022 BMW 3 Series xDrive checked all the boxes regarding the best cars for snow. The xDrive AWD adds $2,000 to the price but is worth it. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic wipers are standard on all 2022 3 Series. The IIHS gave the 2022 BMW 3 Series its Top Safety Pick award.
Kelley Blue Book says the Active Driving Assistant package adds blind-spot monitoring for $700. Some of the other available options include adaptive LED headlights and better high beams for visibility. If you can’t find the 2022 version, the 2021 model is similar and well-equipped for snow.
2022 BMW 330i xDrive: $43,450
IIHS safety score: Top Safety Pick
The Mazda3 with all-wheel drive is one of the best cars for snow
If you opt for the 2022 Mazda3 AWD, upgrading to the Preferred trim will better equip this car for snow. Mazda equips the 3 with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams as standard features. Kelley Blue Book says the i-Activsense features make this vehicle better suited for snowy conditions. Plus, the IIHS gave the Mazda3 a Top Safety Pick Plus award for 2022.
In addition, the Mazda3 Preferred gets LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated seats. The 186-hp engine is good enough for snow and winter weather. The 2021 Mazda3 is also well-equipped if you can’t find the 2022 version, but it won’t have heated seats.
2022 Mazda3 Preferred AWD: $26,150
IIHS safety score: Top Safety Pick Plus
Toyota’s Camry is reliable and capable in winter weather
The best cars for snow with high safety scores can’t skip over the 2022 Toyota Camry AWD. Along with its history of reliability, Safety Sense 2.5+ adds many safety features standard. The Camry gets forward collision warning, automatic front emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Its LED headlights and taillights also help illuminate the road better in winter conditions.
Kelley Blue Book says adding blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert adds $680 to the price. The Cold Weather Package is an additional $1,290, which adds a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. If you can’t find a 2022 version, the 2021 Toyota Camry LE AWD is just as capable. The IIHS agreed, giving the 2022 Camry its Top Safety Pick Plus award.
2022 Toyota Camry LE AWD: $26,795
IIHS safety score: Top Safety Pick Plus
Some additional suggestions include the 2022 Charger SXT with all-wheel drive and the 2022 Nissan Altima with AWD. All-wheel drive is one of the more critical features buyers can add as it helps maintain traction in the snow. However, a good set of winter or snow tires is also a good suggestion.