Do you need a compact SUV that can handle winter weather? Here are three of the best small snow SUVs under $30,000 that have all the features cold-weather drivers look for. Sport utility vehicles with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive are better in the snow, and modern driver-assistance technology comes in handy in inclement weather.
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the best small SUVs for snow under $30,000
When iSeeCars researched the best snow SUVs under $30,000, the Jeep Wrangler was at the top of the list. While you may think the Wrangler is better suited for off-roading, consider snow a different kind of off-roading. It has high ground clearance and optional four-wheel drive, helping you maintain traction in the snow.
In the small and compact SUV segment, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most reliable options. About 1% of Wranglers on the road have driven 200,000 miles or more, more than the segment average. The Wrangler can be customized from the factory or through aftermarket parts, but there are plenty of ways to keep your Jeep running at its best. It has a starting MSRP of $29,725, just under budget.
Subaru’s Outback is a small SUV under $30,000
People love the Subaru Outback for a variety of reasons. It has a starting MRSP of just $25,195, which leaves room in the budget for an oil change. Subaru equipped the Outback with many safety features as standard fare that the competition charges extra for. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and even radar cruise control are standard.
On top of that, all Outbacks come with all-wheel drive, which is an important safety feature. All-wheel drive helps split power between the front and rear wheels, helping to maintain traction in snowy and icy conditions. It also has higher ground clearance, which makes it easier to drive on snow and ice. Subaru’s X-Mode traction enhancement system helps the Outback traverse snowy roads a little better.
Honda’s CR-V has a long history of reliability
The starting price of the Honda CR-V is around $25,750. It has a Honda Sensing safety system that adds forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and standard lane departure warning. Honda also included lane keeping assist, radar cruise control and automatic high beams, making driving more manageable in the snow.
The Honda CR-V comes with front-wheel drive, but buyers can add all-wheel drive for $1,500. Buyers can also opt for the top Touring version, which comes with all-wheel drive. It comes recommended as a fuel-efficient and durable SUV, with about 1.4% of CR-Vs on the road reaching 200,000 miles.
Some other systems to look for include heated mirrors and seats, remote start, and headlamp washers. These just make cold weather driving a bit more bearable. A good set of winter or snow tires is one of the most important things you can add to any SUV. These will get you through the winter weather and, paired with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, are your best bet. These options are a good place to start if you need the best small SUVs for snow under $30,000.