Best Cars That Are Perfect For Winter Driving

Winter roads in the UK can be a total mixed bag: slippery leaves, sneaky black ice, chilly starts and the odd snow flurry that turns into a full-on blizzard. The right car can turn all that hassle into something you can handle with confidence.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up our top picks for cars that go the extra mile when the temperature drops. Whether it's four-wheel drive, heated everything, or smart snow-savvy tech, these models bring comfort, grip and reassurance to wintry roads.

Our top cars for winter driving include:

• Land Rover Defender
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Dacia Duster
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Suzuki Swift
• Volkswagen Golf R
• Volvo XC90 PHEV
• Suzuki Jimny

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is a winter warrior through and through. As well as standard four-wheel drive (of course) it has Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which automatically adjusts the way the car responds according to the surface you’re driving on. That, along with one of the most commanding driving positions of any car, is guaranteed to inspire confidence in tricky or changeable conditions. 

In truth every Land Rover model is built to be more or less unstoppable but we’ve picked the Defender because it’s the most rugged of the lot. Many versions even have an interior decked out in waterproof materials, making it easy to clean if it gets muddy after a winter walk in the countryside. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Stylish and winter-ready, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers an optional four-wheel drive system and a snow mode that tweaks acceleration and braking to reduce wheelspin. It also comes with a heat pump (to preserve battery range in the cold), plus toasty touches like heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard.

Go for the long-range version and you could see up to 354 miles in ideal conditions – though expect less in the depths of winter. Still, the tech-packed interior, quiet EV drive and comfy cabin make it an easy choice for year-round driving. It’s proof that electric cars can handle the cold.

Dacia Duster

Unlike some small SUVs, the Dacia Duster backs up its tough looks with genuine 4X4 ability. It's available with four-wheel drive, for a start, whereas some similar cars only have front-wheel drive. It also has good ground clearance (how high it sits off the ground) and a hill-descent system that makes it easier to drive down steep, slippery slopes. All of this makes the Duster a great companion if you're negotiating a cold, damp country road.  

As well as being more winter-ready than many rival cars, the Duster is cheaper than most of them so it represents excellent value. It's unusually spacious, too, with lots of space for passengers and a boot large enough for oodles of winter gear.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser shrugs off British winters with its off-road DNA. Every version has four-wheel drive, robust suspension and masses of ground clearance so you can point it just about anywhere and it'll keep going. There are also winter-friendly features such as heated door mirrors, a heated steering wheel and headlight washers that help to stop snow or road dirt blocking your vision.

Although it's as formidable as ever in tricky conditions, the latest Land Cruiser adds a touch of luxury on board, with reclining second-row seats, a panoramic roof and a very generous amount of headroom and legroom. Talking of generosity, Toyota's warranty cover is a remarkable 10 years or 100,000 miles, as long as you get your car serviced every year at a Toyota dealership. 

Suzuki Swift

Few small hatchbacks offer four-wheel drive, but the Suzuki Swift Allgrip does – and at a seriously tempting price. It's one of the cheapest new four-wheel drive cars you can buy, which is reason enough to recommend it. On top of that it's fun to drive, gives great fuel economy and has a comparatively low insurance group rating. It’s also remarkably well-equipped considering how little it costs, with standard features including heated front seats, keyless entry, a rear-view camera and a wealth of advanced safety features. 

On the downside, the boot is small and interior space is 'okay' rather than good. But if you're after a four-wheel drive car that's as cost-effective and easy to park as some city cars, the Swift is well worth a look. 

Volkswagen Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf R is one of the fastest and most enjoyable hot hatches around, but it also makes a great winter car. Part of that is down to its standard four-wheel drive system, which can redistribute which wheel, or wheels, are receiving power to give maximum grip. The exceptional feeling of control you get driving the Golf R is also part of the equation, because it inspires real confidence however demanding the conditions might be. 

Inside, the Golf R is just as practical as any Golf but it’s a bit more luxe thanks to touches such as sports seats, upgraded trim and three-zone climate control. Heated front seats are standard and there’s an optional winter pack that includes a heated steering wheel and heated outer rear seats. 

Volvo XC90 

The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV from Sweden so, as you might expect, it's equipped to make light work of cold temperatures. In fact this is one of the most comfortable, relaxing options for a road trip, regardless of the weather. As well as having space for seven adults to stretch out, the XC90 has some of the most supportive seats in the business. All new models have a heated windscreen as standard, as well as a four-zone climate control system that means everyone on board can feel suitably toasty in winter. Or chilled in summer.

Standard equipment includes an electrically powered boot lid that you can open or close simply by waving your foot under the rear bumper. Perfect for those times when the car is covered in road grime after a long winter drive. Every version gives effortless performance and there's a plug-in hybrid model that has a pure-electric range of about 40 miles. 

Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki is well-known for its small, affordable four-wheel drive models so it's perhaps no surprise that the Jimmy is the second Suzuki to make this list. The Jimny has, for a long time, been a favourite for those who live in rural areas and want a no-nonsense off-roader that's small, cheap and dependable. 

The latest model, sold new between 2018 and 2020, has become something of a cult classic thanks to its 'mini Mercedes G-Wagen' looks so used prices are higher than you might expect. Although it feels a bit rough and ready on the road, driving a Jimny is a hoot to drive and it's built to tackle any conditions thanks to its four-wheel drive and hill-descent systems. Practicality isn’t a strong point because the Jimny is tiny, with limited back-seat space and boot capacity. The upside, though, is that this is one proper 4x4 that you won't struggle to fit in a supermarket car park space. 

What makes a car good for winter driving?

The best cars for winter driving share a few key features:

• Four-wheel drive for traction
• Heated seats, mirrors and steering wheel for comfort
• Winter or snow driving modes for better control
• Hill-descent systems for steep or icy roads
• Headlight washers to keep visibility high
• Heat pumps (in EVs) to improve cold-weather range

Some cars also offer remote start, de-icing tech, or extra underbody protection – all things that make winter journeys safer and more comfortable.

Thinking of upgrading your ride for winter? Carmoola’s car finance calculator can help you work out your budget and explore options that suit your needs – and the season.