Best cars for cold climates
What to prioritize in winter: heating, traction, reliability, and (for EVs) realistic range.
Direct answer
The best cars for cold climates are those with strong traction control, effective heating, proven reliability, and (for EVs) good winter efficiency plus fast, predictable charging. Your "best" choice depends on whether you can charge where you park and how often you drive long distances in winter.
See example winter driving photos: Winter car · Snowy roads
Key winter priorities
- Heating performance: quick cabin heat without extreme energy drain.
- Traction & stability: good winter tires matter more than AWD badges.
- Cold-start reliability: proven drivetrain and battery health.
EV-specific winter reality
Independent testing shows measurable winter range loss. Practically, plan more buffer in winter, and prioritize preconditioning and fast-charging capability if you road-trip.
Decision shortcuts
- If you can charge at home and mostly do local driving → EV can work well with winter planning.
- If you can't charge reliably → hybrid is often the least-regret winter choice.
- If you do frequent remote winter travel → gas or hybrid reduces dependency on charging availability.
Related: Best EVs for apartment living