If you live somewhere remote or off the beaten track, where winters tend to be harsher, a four-wheel-drive car can help out hugely over the winter months.
From being able to get you out of a sticky situation on the roads to travelling further afield, they can be a really big help. But what are the best four-wheel-drive models available? We’ve rounded up the best…
What are the best four-wheel drive cars for Winter?
Land Rover Defender
If you want a car that helps in the toughest off-road conditions, things really don’t get much better than a Land Rover. This British brand’s models are renowned for their capability, and all of its models would be a big help in the winter months.
But the most impressive Land Rover is the respect is the new Defender. A modern reinvention of the classic model, it boasts a particularly sophisticated that can provide grip and traction in a multitude of conditions, and it certainly won’t disappoint.
Audi Q7
Audi is renowned for its quattro four-wheel-drive system, and this is available across the majority of the line-up, from its hatchbacks to its supercars. But if you want a winter car, it’s hard to look past the Q7.
It’s the German brand’s largest SUV, and the only one to be available with seven seats. The Q7 is a superb family car, and offers a sense of safety and security that is only aided by the four-wheel-drive system.
Volkswagen T-Roc 4 Motion
It’s not just large, premium SUVs that are available with four-wheel-drive, however, as more affordable choices are too. So if you want something capable in a smaller package, a great choice is the Volkswagen T-Roc, with the most powerful petrol and diesel versions available with a 4Motion system for extra capability in winter.
The T-Roc is also one of the most accomplished crossovers on the market, standing out with its impressive on-road manners and practical interior, while it looks the part too – particularly in R-Line trim.
CUPRA Ateca
If yo want a capable winter car, but don’t want to sacrifice on driving enjoyment, you should take a look at the CUPRA Ateca. Based on its Seat sibling, its powerful 306bho 2.0-litre petrol engine also comes as standard with four-wheel-drive.
Admittedly, if you intend to try driving it in challenging conditions or terrain, it will soon be compromised, but on icy or lightly snow-covered roads, it will be a big help. The Ateca is also practical and good to drive as well.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is one of the most accomplished family SUVs on the market, and stands out with its impressively practical interior and superb reputation for reliability, as is the case across the Honda line-up.
These days the CR-V is sold purely as an efficient hybrid model, with four-wheel-drive available on all but the entry-level ‘S’ trim level. The CR-V is also well-equipped and offers a smart and bold design too.
Jaguar I-Pace
An increasing number of electric cars are also available with four-wheel-drive these days, and if you want an EV that will be able to assist your winter driving, the Jaguar I-Pace is a great place to start.
Featuring various driving modes to assist in slippier conditions, the I-Pace is also one of the best-driving EVs on the market and still impresses next to rivals several years after it went on sale.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid
Peugeots might not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of four-wheel-drive models, but if you want extra winter traction from this French firm, you should take a look at the 3008 Hybrid 4 SUV.
The flagship version of this popular Peugeot model, it boasts a 296bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain that serves up impressive pace and efficiency thanks to its claimed 39-mile electric range. The 3008 is also generously equipped and offers a smart and upmarket interior.