These are some of the best small SUVs for snow and winter conditions as the season approaches. What makes one sport utility vehicle better suited for snowy conditions over another? All-wheel drive is an advantage, and driver-assistance technology helps you stay safe on the roads. The best small SUVs for snow and ice also have appropriate tires.

The Subaru Outback is one of the best small SUVs for snow

On the list of best sport utility vehicles for snow, the Subaru Outback was iSeeCars top pick. This Subaru SUV comes with all-wheel drive standard, which is usually an expensive option from other automakers. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist are standard. Excellent outward visibility helps make driving in bad conditions a bit easier.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the 2022 Outback a Top Safety Pick Plus award this year. On most of the crashworthiness tests for the driver, side, rear, and roof crash tests, the sport utility vehicle received top scores. While the price of a used option isn’t much below MSRP, check out some of the best used Subaru Outback years.

2022 Subaru Outback MSRP: $26,945

Average three-year-old Outback price: $25,939

Honda’s CR-V is another one of the best small SUVs for snow

Of all the options out there, the Honda CR-V is probably one of the most reliable SUVs one can buy. It is also one of the best small SUVs for snow and winter weather. Honda included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams as standard fare.

The IIHS gave the 2022 CR-V the Top Safety Pick award, but all-wheel drive only comes standard on the top Touring trim. For $1,500, buyers can add it to the build, which will help in the snow. If the MSRP is above your budget, check out some of the best used Honda CR-V years.

2022 Honda CR-V MSRP: $25,750

Average three-year-old CR-V price: $25,090

Another option from Subaru is the AWD Forester

The Subaru Forester SUV has plenty of room, high safety scores, and decent fuel economy. Important diver assistant features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking are standard. All-wheel drive is standard, which is a valuable addition. On the higher trim levels, X-Mode traction enhancement is great for slippery snow-covered roads. This helps make it one of the best small SUVs for snow.

The IIHS gave the 2022 Forester a Top Safety Pick Plus award. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the SUV a five-star safety rating. If new isn’t your thing, buying a used Subaru Forester is always a good option.

2022 Subaru Forester MSRP: $25,195

Average three-year-old Forester price: $23,752

Upgrade to all-wheel drive with the Toyota RAV4 for winter weather

If you are interested in the Toyota RAV4 SUV, you might want to upgrade to all-wheel drive for an extra $1,400. It also comes with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Radar cruise control and automatic high beams also assist in inclement weather.

Buyers can add additional weather packages for creature comforts, such as a heated steering wheel and front seats. The IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick award, and the RAV4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Here are some of the best used Toyota RAV4 years to look for if you decide to go that route.

2022 Toyota RAV4 MSRP: $26,350

Average three-year-old RAV4 price: $23,511

Don’t forget to pick up some winter tires while you are out shopping. Appropriate tires can be a big help, especially on SUVs with all-wheel drive. Many automakers allow you to upgrade to AWD if it isn’t included, but it is a good idea to have.