The Best All-Wheel-Drive SUVs for Winter – Top Models & Advantages

The Best All-Wheel Drive SUVs for Winter – Top Models & Benefits

Delicate snowflakes fall from the sky, covering the landscape in a white blanket – a dream! At least, not for drivers. As soon as your car starts to slide on icy roads or your tires spin when starting in the snow, you’ll wish you were sitting in an all-wheel drive SUV. These vehicles offer better control, improved visibility, and are less likely to slip. With power distributed to both the front and rear wheels, they’re powerful machines that make even rough terrain manageable in winter conditions. Heavier vehicles also provide increased safety – though all-wheel drive generally results in higher fuel consumption.

If you only want to drive AWD in the winter, CARIFY’s car subscription is the perfect solution. You can choose subscription periods from 1 to 48 months and select a vehicle that suits each season. A convertible in summer – and an AWD automatic in winter? No problem with CARIFY. Filter by brand, model, and features to find your dream AWD SUV for the cold season! Here’s everything you need to know about the best models and their advantages.

Why Is an All-Wheel Drive SUV Ideal for Winter?

Many cars struggle with snow and ice. They get stuck or slip on slick roads. This makes winter trips not only difficult but dangerous – you can easily lose control of your vehicle.

It’s clear: AWD offers better traction on snow and ice by distributing power to all four wheels. Higher ground clearance also makes it easier to drive over snowy terrain. AWD SUVs offer enhanced stability in difficult driving situations, especially in curves and at higher speeds. Features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) adjust brake force and reduce engine power when needed, preventing oversteering or understeering. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents wheel lock during braking, maintaining traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. Along with stability, braking distances are also shortened.

There are several types of AWD systems:

• Full-time AWD: All four wheels are always powered.

• Part-time AWD: You can switch between two-wheel and all-wheel drive.

• Intelligent AWD systems: Power distribution adjusts automatically to current conditions.

As off-road vehicles, SUVs are built to handle rough terrain. Many models also come with features that boost winter driving enjoyment:

• Snow mode: Adjusts vehicle dynamics for better traction and prevents wheel spin.

• Hill-start assist: Prevents rolling back on inclines.

• Adaptive suspension: Real-time damping adjustments provide better comfort, stability, and control.

The Top 5 All-Wheel Drive SUVs for Winter Fun

Heading to the mountains this winter? Don’t forget snow chains – and a good AWD SUV. Not only do they make off-roading fun, but they’re also safer. Our auto experts have selected the top 5 AWD SUVs with automatic transmissions. Here are CARIFY’s favorites:

Honda CR-V AWD

Features:

• Full hybrid petrol

• Switchable AWD

• Automatic CVT

• CO₂ emissions: 163 g/km

• Efficiency class: E

• Horsepower: 184

• Engine displacement: 1993 cm³

• Seats: 5

• Emergency braking assist, regenerative braking, brake assist (BAS), active brake assist, ESC, ABS, front seat heating

The CR-V’s AWD engages intelligently only when needed – seamlessly and smoothly. It delivers excellent traction and climbs slopes without snow chains. Steering wheel and seat heating quickly warm things up in freezing temperatures.

Discover the Honda CR-V AWD on CARIFY!

Subaru Outback

Features:

• Petrol

• Permanent AWD

• Automatic CVT

• Fuel consumption: 8.6 L/100 km

• CO₂ emissions: 193 g/km

• Horsepower: 169

• Engine displacement: 2498 cm³

• Seats: 5

• Active brake assist, seat heating, ESC, ABS

Customers love the Outback’s reliability, making it a perfect winter vehicle. It also offers plenty of space – ideal for winter sports lovers. The X-Mode AWD system includes three settings: Normal, Snow/Gravel, Deep Snow/Mud, making it ready for all winter challenges.

Try the Subaru Outback with CARIFY!

Audi Q5 Quattro

Features:

• Petrol, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid

• Switchable AWD

• Automatic transmission

• CO₂ emissions: 193 g/km, 58 g/km, 176 g/km

• Horsepower: 245, 367, 204

• Engine displacement: 2498 cm³, 1984 cm³, 1968 cm³

• Seats: 5

• Adaptive air suspension, active brake assist, ESC, ABS, seat heating, parking heater

Inside, the Q5 impresses with spaciousness, comfort, and top-notch materials. Under the hood: serious power. Audi's ultra technology ensures efficiency, traction, and driving dynamics. AWD engages in two stages:

• Predictive: Based on driving style, ESC status, and Audi Drive Select mode

• Reactive: Responds to sudden changes in road grip

The "auto" mode balances traction and handling. The "dynamic" mode boosts torque on low-grip surfaces – ensuring high stability in winter.

Get the Audi Q5 Quattro at CARIFY!

Toyota RAV4 AWD

Features:

• Full hybrid, plug-in hybrid

• Permanent AWD

• Automatic CVT

• CO₂ emissions: 132 g/km, 22 g/km

• Horsepower: 222, 306

• Engine displacement: 2487 cm³

• Seats: 5

• Active brake assist, seat heating, ESC, ABS

The new RAV4 boasts a refreshed design with the proven reliability of the original. You’ll appreciate its smooth suspension and powerful hybrid engine on snowy roads. Toyota Safety Sense features – like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking – are often included.

Easily subscribe to the Toyota RAV4 AWD via CARIFY!

BMW X3 xDrive

Features:

• Mild hybrid diesel

• Permanent AWD

• Automatic transmission

• CO₂ emissions: 165 g/km

• Horsepower: 191

• Engine displacement: 1995 cm³

• Seats: 5

• Seat heating, ESC, ABS

Expect elegant design, luxurious space, and excellent soundproofing inside the X3. It ranks among the top 5 for its handling and control in snow. BMW’s xDrive optimally distributes power between front and rear axles. A special winter mode further improves traction and stability. With winter tires and a balanced chassis, it delivers a smooth and confident ride.

Treat yourself to the BMW X3 xDrive with CARIFY!

Why choose CARIFY for your all-wheel drive SUV?

Not everyone wants to drive a heavy SUV all year round. As practical and comfortable as these vehicles are, they can be quite costly to maintain. That’s why it’s convenient that CARIFY offers flexible subscriptions for all-wheel drive SUVs. Whether you need it for one month during your winter vacation, three months over the colder season, or even longer – you decide the duration, and we have the right offer for you. When it comes to variety, we leave nothing to be desired. We offer all-wheel drive SUVs from all major brands and with every type of fuel you prefer.

Want to try different models before making a decision?
That’s no problem thanks to our flexibility. And once you’ve found your dream AWD SUV, you can extend your subscription or even buy it at a great price through our “Try & Buy” program after the trial period.

What makes the car subscription so wonderfully convenient?

One price – everything included. No need to worry about insurance, taxes, and so on. Even the Swiss motorway vignette is included. CARIFY takes care of appointments for maintenance, servicing, and repairs – at no extra cost.
Our dedicated support team is always here for you. And in case of a breakdown? Of course, you’re covered with 24/7 roadside assistance.

Isn’t leasing cheaper than a car subscription?

No – with CARIFY, you benefit from attractive insurance rates. Plus, you can choose between new and nearly-new vehicles to lower your monthly payments. Most importantly, there’s no long-term commitment required.

Conclusion

All-wheel drive SUVs are the perfect vehicles for winter: AWD provides better traction on slippery or uneven roads, which increases stability and safety. Many models also feature winter or snow modes that adapt to icy conditions. Modern driver assistance systems help with safe braking and starting on slippery roads. The higher driving position offers improved visibility, which is a major plus in poor weather. And there’s plenty of space for winter gear like snow chains, sleds, or skis.

At CARIFY, you’ll find a huge selection of vehicles, including the perfect AWD SUV for your upcoming winter season. Simply filter by vehicle type “SUV,” drive type “all-wheel drive,” and your desired specs such as fuel type or number of seats, and discover top vehicles from renowned manufacturers.

What are you waiting for? Browse CARIFY today or contact us for more information!