Best Electric SUVs For Driving in Snow
Buying an electric SUV is excellent for many reasons. However, some buyers fear it will drive poorly in snow or other inclement weather because it’s all-electric. One expert put together a list of the best models of every type of vehicle for driving in snow. The surprising answer is that a few electric SUVs are just as capable of winter weather driving as some ICE alternatives. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Audi e-tron are the best electric SUVs for driving in snow.
Best electric SUV for driving in snow
iSeeCars says the best vehicles for driving in snow are ones that overcome the challenges of freezing weather. Icy roads, reduced visibility, and low tire pressure are just a few obstacles snow drivers face. The publication also says the best models for driving in snow have all the same attributes. For example, all- or four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, driver assist technology, ground clearance, heated mirrors, remote start, traction/stability control, and winter/snow tires are just a few of the best features a small SUV or car can have.
The one to best fit the bill in the electric SUV segment is the Ford Mustang Mach-E. iSC hasn’t given the electric crossover a proper review since it went on sale in 2021. However, some of its best features make it a perfect option for driving in snow. For example, it has standard rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optionally available for any trim for just $2,700. The highest GT trim has standard AWD. Additionally, a heated steering wheel and heated seats are standard to keep you warm in the snow. Next, the Mustang Mach-E also has adaptive suspension dampers with its GT Performance Edition model.
Safety features also enhanced the electric SUV in many ways. Standard adaptive cruise control, frontal collision mitigation, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking improve safety by assisting the driver. Lastly, the cheapest Select model with AWD averages 224 miles of driving range, while the California Route 1 model with AWD and an extended-range battery can take you 312 miles per charge.
What about a luxury electric SUV?
In addition to the Ford Mustang Mach-E non-luxury model, iSeeCars offers the best luxury electric SUV for driving in snow. The publication says the Audi e-tron is the best option available. It starts at $65,900, much more costly than the base Mach-E at $42,800, but that’s the price of luxury. Moreover, the 2019 debut of the e-tron came just a few years before Ford’s offering. Since then, it’s improved in quite a few different ways. It has standard Quattro all-wheel drive and a suite of standard safety features for snow driving.
Features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other cold-weather features, like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, are also standard. A four-zone climate control system enables all passengers to be as warm as they need in the winter weather. Plus, the e-tron isn’t called a luxury SUV without reason. It has a standard hands-free liftgate, DC fast-charging capability, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation.
Audi’s SUV uses two electric motors with a maximum output of 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque for performance. If the transmission is in Sport mode, that number boosts to 402 hp and 490 lb-ft. Lastly, choosing the range-topping Chronos model gains owners upgraded headlights for late-night driving in snow. The additional massaging seats aren’t too bad, either.
What are the best electric SUVs for driving in snow?
In conclusion, the best electric SUVs for driving in snow are the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Audi e-tron. Either option has excellent performance year-round. Although they aren’t off-road-oriented models that can tackle many feet of the white powder, they’ll do just fine with ice patches and a lightly-covered road. With heated seats, steering wheels, and all-wheel drive, these all-electric SUVs are premium choices for driving in snow.