These are the best affordable cars for winter driving | Used Vehicle Guide | Driving.ca

There’s no single “best” car for winter. Instead, there are cars (and crossovers, coupes, trucks, and more) that each represent a unique collection of pros and cons relative to the specific way you’ll use it.

But when it comes to winter, smaller, lighter cars stop quicker and handle better, making it easier to keep your vehicle under control and avoid collisions.

All of the vehicles in this video can be had for between $30,000 and $40,000 Canadian, the latter figure representing the approximate average new-car transaction price in Canada. Finally, each of the machines listed has left a positive impression on your writer after 1,200-plus kilometres of wintertime testing in Northern Ontario.

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[seventiesgirl]

I live in New England and our winters can be brutal. You can't go wrong with a Subaru Outback, Forrester or Crosstrek. These vehicles are the bosses in snow, thanks to Subaru's standard symmetrical all wheel drive and X mode feature.

[skumfuk]

can’t go wrong with a subaru. they totally own the winter. some of the best cars ever.

[JoeE.]

You can't go wrong on a Subaru particularly during winter. Best choice.

[karans]

I think the most important part to take from this well done analysis is that winter tires, regardless of the drive train, are a must.

[kevinx]

I much prefer my wife's Forrester to my 1500 Ram in the snow/Ice. In the Ram I am always chasing the vehicle. It always seems ready to spin the all season tires. In mountain passes it gets tiring. In the Subaru we find time and energy for arguments. My only complaint is in icy conditions the windshield seems to ice over really bad while driving which doesn't happen in our other vehicles.

[Chickkem]

Hi - do you have an updated list for 2023 please? Especially for tough snow and winter

[pedrogadea]

Loved the no-filler, no-nonsense, lack of annoying BGM, and great commentary. Great selection too.

[detroitdawg]

The Audi A4 will make it thru the snow to make sure you make it to the closest auto repair shop, I recommend Acura with shawd system, the best in snow also Lexus gx470

[FlyGuy]

Live in MN. Have a Forrester and Outback. The Outback only lasted a year before I couldn't take the CVT. Traded for Rav4. My last Rav4 was a 2005 that is now owned by my grandkids with over 350k miles. The Forrester has done very well.

[saadgt]

Any wagon or big practical hatchback, powerful, 4wd, competent - S7, RS6, Allroad, E class wagon w. 4matic?

[Bigyellowburner]

The fact that this guy had the nerve to put “cheap” into this discussion is insulting as fuck. Cheap to me means 800-6000$ no thirty grand. What a complete joke

[asittewari]

Subaru outback is perhaps the best of the lot in my opinion.

[unemeoj]

Hi. Good video.
Just a pet peeve, the word; swagger, sounds sleazy and cheap. Conveys image of things like a gold chain on a hairy chest. Excessive machismo, wasteful junk. Saturday Night Fever, 1970s fashion. Yeah, I don't care for that word. Just me, maybe...
OK
Thanks.

[ShadowWolfIA]

Wife won't let me get a german car because she had a vw catch fire on her...I just want a fast 4 season car that is family friendly in this price range

[rightlanehog]

Justin, With a 20% jump in gas prices since the start of the year, the AWD Prius has to rise to the top of the list. It is a lowdown, dirty shame that Toyota won't sell Canadians their AWD Hybrid Corolla wagon which would match the fuel economy of the Prius while boosting cargo capacity considerably. Having said that, base models of the made-in Canada RAV4 Hybrid would represent a reasonable compromise in this price range.

[wanabtkd]

Would definitely recommend any older Subarus (Outback, Imprezas, forester). Tacomas, 4Runners with 4x4 are also good as well

[myname]

small vehicle with awd, good on fuel and build like a tank. Any options ?

[whizzer]

It's not just about how fast it goes it's also how fast it stops, lada or Volvo for the best heaters, no good driving extreme cold without a good heater dohhh.

[china]

Here's my top five affordable cars for winter.
1. Used Subaru Outback
2. Used Subaru Forester
3. Used Subaru Legacy
4. Used Subaru Impreza
5. Used Subaru Crosstrek

[Kalam_Explores]

Anyone have experience with Audi a5 Quattro?