It’s that time of year again. The gift-giving holiday season is upon us already and for many parts of the country, so are the snowstorms, freezing rain, and ice accumulations. Consumers tend to flock to the SUV market for vehicles that can surge through snowdrifts, maintain grip in icy conditions, and offer unique technologies specific to wintry driving environments. Winter lovers may find a few surprise benefits from the 2021 Honda CR-V, including a few that meet these must-have vehicle wish list features.

Northerners need to see this U.S. News list

U.S. News often compiles lists with vehicles that their critics consider the best in specific categories. Anyone living up north or where wintry driving conditions are expected needs to see this latest best-of roster of SUVs. They’ve compiled a list of crossovers that best perform in snow and on icy roads.

This menu of SUV options, including the Honda CR-V, considers all sizes and looks at ratings, technology, and performance capability for inclement weather driving. Each vehicle presents four-wheel or all-wheel drive options along with a few other much-needed winter weather features. And while many of these contenders you’d come to expect on a list like this, there are a couple of SUVs that might be a total surprise as snow-ready drivers.

A few top contenders that effortlessly muscle through the snow

Among the best, you probably won’t be surprised to find the 2021 Subaru Forester with its useful ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and Subaru-X Mode feature for improved traction ability. Another snow driving favorite on this list is the 2021 Ford Explorer, with its four or all-wheel-drive options and seven modes within its Terrain Management System for better control.

And you can’t have a snow-loving SUV list without the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Built for off-road exploring, this SUV has serious engine options and a four-wheel drive. But there are a few vehicle entries in this contest that might be new to you.

Why the Honda CR-V is a great snow companion

It might surprise you to find the 2021 Honda CR-V on this “best-in-snow” list of SUVs. But it proves to be a decently reliable crossover in inclement weather with its available all-wheel drive. Winter lovers enjoy the added interior cargo space for snow gear and bulky coats. And driving with heated front seats makes winter driving warm and toasty. Add in the healthy selection of driver assistance features and safety equipment, and you have yourself a great little snow companion.

The Honda CR-V is a great crossover in general

The 2020 Honda CR-V won the U.S. News 2020 Best Compact SUV for the Money award for its genius mix of value and quality. It also earned Kelley Blue Book’s 2020 Best Buy award. This little crossover is a big achiever for many consumers. And the CR-V is back in 2021 with very few changes. In general, it’s a great choice with its roomy interior, comfortable ride, impressive fuel economy, and peppy acceleration. With a starting MSRP of $25,350, it’s an affordable addition to the family too.

When it’s time to buy, especially if you live where snow and ice are common, you definitely want to take another look or a test drive with some of these snow-loving SUVs. There are a few you’d expect to see on this list. But you could very well be surprised to see the Honda CR-V make the cut. It’s a capable little crossover that deserves a look, whether you’re a snow enthusiast or not.