Best Cars in the Snow


All-Wheel Drive & Four-Wheel Drive
When it comes to staying safe in slippery winter weather conditions, driving a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive can make a tremendous difference. While there are some differences in how these two systems work, the general concept is the same. Having power engaged on all four wheels helps the vehicle maintain traction better than just two. Even in dry conditions, AWD and 4WD can be especially useful when driving on gravel or dirt roads. Modern AWD and 4WD systems also feature automatic activation to help them save on fuel when the extra traction isn’t needed.
Chevrolet Vehicles Available with AWD or 4WD
- Trax
- Trailblazer
- Equinox
- Blazer
- Traverse
- Tahoe
- Suburban
- Colorado
- Silverado
- Silverado HD

Remote Start System
One of the most coveted convenience options for drivers who regularly deal with winter weather conditions is a remote start system. Available on both the vehicle’s keyfob and via a compatible smartphone, a simple press of a button can start your Chevrolet vehicle to help it warm up prior to you getting behind the wheel. This can be particularly useful by defrosting the windows and windshield, pre-heating the interior, and even remotely activating heated seats (if equipped). All of this means that you can spend less time exposed to the freezing cold weather and more time getting comfortable for the drive. Remote start is available on a wide range of Chevrolet vehicles and can also be installed as an accessory for many more.

Snow / Ice Drive Mode Settings
Although all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive certainly can boost your confidence when driving in the snow, there is another feature found on many Chevrolet vehicles that can be beneficial in the winter months. Depending on the model, you’ll find a dedicated Snow or Ice drive mode setting accessible on either the center console or via the center display within the gauge cluster. When engaged, these drive modes will adjust throttle response, transmission performance, and the traction control system to provide some extra help in deep snow or on icy road surfaces. Even the most experienced drivers can use a helping hand in the colder months due to the unpredictability of snow-covered roads. Snow and Ice drive mode settings found on several Chevrolet vehicles offer another line of defense against the unexpected.

Heated Seats & Steering Wheels
Especially when temperatures drop below freezing, starting your day inside an ice-cold car is an unpleasant experience for many. However, there are a number of Chevrolet vehicles available with heated seats and steering wheels to help you warm up and get comfortable regardless of how cold it is outside. As we’ve covered previously, models equipped with remote start can also activate the heated seats and steering wheel so you’ll always enter a vehicle that’s warm and toasty even on a chilly winter morning. Certain Chevrolet models including the Tahoe, Suburban, and Silverado are even available with heated outboard rear seats so your passengers can enjoy some warmth on your next ski trip as well.

OnStar Emergency Services & Assistance
The reality is you simply cannot predict the unexpected you might encounter on the roads, especially in harsh winter weather conditions. Available on virtually all Chevrolet and General Motors vehicles, OnStar Emergency Services can provide help at the touch of a button. Specially trained OnStar Advisors are available 24/7 to provide help when you need it the most. No matter if it’s as simple as directions to an ice skating rink or if you’re in an emergency situation, an active OnStar plan means that you can get help at a moment’s notice. Available features include Emergency Services, Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Roadside Assistance, and Turn-By-Turn Navigation. With several different plans available, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping for a vehicle that can handle New Jersey winter weather? Schumacher Used helps drivers compare snow-ready features like AWD, 4WD, Snow/Ice drive modes, remote start, heated seating, and emergency assistance.
What makes a car good in the snow?
A good car for snow should offer strong traction, confident stability, helpful winter features, and good visibility. Features like all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, Snow/Ice drive modes, heated seats, heated steering wheels, and remote start can make winter driving safer and more comfortable.
Is all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive better for snow?
Both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive can help in snow because they send power to all four wheels for better traction than two-wheel drive. AWD is often helpful for changing road conditions, while 4WD can be useful for tougher winter roads, deeper snow, or rougher terrain.
Which Chevrolet vehicles are available with AWD or 4WD?
Schumacher Used lists several Chevrolet vehicles available with AWD or 4WD, including the Trax, Trailblazer, Equinox, Blazer, Traverse, Tahoe, Suburban, Colorado, Silverado, and Silverado HD.
How does remote start help in winter weather?
Remote start can help warm the vehicle before you get inside. It can also help defrost the windows and windshield, pre-heat the cabin, and remotely activate heated seats or a heated steering wheel when equipped.
What do Snow and Ice drive modes do?
Snow and Ice drive modes can adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control settings to help the vehicle respond more confidently on slippery roads, deep snow, or icy surfaces.
Are heated seats and heated steering wheels useful in winter?
Yes. Heated seats and heated steering wheels can make cold winter mornings more comfortable. On some equipped models, remote start may also activate these comfort features before you enter the vehicle.
How can OnStar help during winter driving?
OnStar Emergency Services can provide access to trained Advisors 24/7 through an active plan. Available features can include Emergency Services, Automatic Crash Response, Roadside Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, and Turn-By-Turn Navigation.
Where can I shop used cars for snow in New Jersey?
You can shop used cars, SUVs, and trucks for winter driving at Schumacher Used, which serves New Jersey drivers through dealership locations in Denville, Clifton, Livingston, Boonton, and Little Falls.

