AWD, RWD, or FWD: What’s the Best Car for Driving in the Snow?

Snow-filled streets and icy roads can make driving quite challenging. Like plenty of debates on the internet, there is no single right answer when it comes to choosing the best type of drivetrain for winter driving.

FWD, RWD, and AWD Explained

In a forward-wheel-drive vehicle, the engine controls the front wheels. Turning the steering wheel will also move the front wheels.

A rear-wheel-drive vehicle has the opposite setup一the engine drives the rear wheels instead.

As for all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, the engine controls all four wheels.

FWD and RWD vehicles usually have their engines in front of the vehicle. There are, however, some cases where RWD vehicles have their engines at the rear of the vehicle, which is a similar setup that can be found in some AWDs.

What’s the Best Car for Driving In the Snow?

The best car for driving in the snow is always up for debate. This is because each driver is different, and road conditions vary depending on your location.

Each drivetrain has its own strengths and weaknesses, especially when traveling on icy roads.

FWD On Ice

In terms of the drivetrain’s performance under snowy or icy conditions, FWD vehicles are known to have great traction because the weight of the engine sits over the front wheels.

There are, however, some limitations to FWD performance. One example is that icy and steep inclines can make it hard for FWD vehicles to gain traction.

Another is that the front wheels could spin out because there’s no power distribution to the rear wheels.

RWD On Ice

Rear-wheel-drive vehicles can perform adequately in snow一but only when they have winter tires and a trusty traction control system.

Weight distribution is one of the main reasons why RWDs fall behind other drivetrains in terms of performance under snowy conditions.

RWDs may not be as stable as other drivetrains because their engines are at the rear, so there’s not a lot to weigh the wheels down. This can result in less stability and lead to a loss of traction when driving on slippery surfaces.

AWD On Ice

Compared to FWD and RWD vehicles, AWDs have the best traction, making them a popular choice in regions with heavy snowfall and rough winter conditions.

One of the drawbacks of this type of drivetrain, however, is the weight. AWDs have more components than FWD and RWD vehicles, which means they consume more fuel.

AWD vehicles are also known to be more complex than other drivetrains, resulting in higher maintenance and repair costs.

Best Front Wheel Drive Cars for Snow

FWD cars might not be the best at tackling snowy conditions, but they can still get the job done. Here are some of the best front-wheel-drive cars for snow.

MINI Cooper

The MINI Cooper is known for its space-saving engine and FWD layout. The model is also known for its low center of gravity and the impressive maneuverability that comes with it. These features can help prevent skidding on slippery roads.

Keep in mind, however, that the low ground clearance might pose some difficulty when driving over snow banks.

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a crossover SUV that comes with a spacious cabin and competitive fuel mileage, making it an ideal choice for daily commutes.

The Kia Soul also has its wheels closer to the corners of its body, resulting in better handling performance.

Best AWD Cars for Snow

An all-wheel drive vehicle is arguably an excellent drivetrain choice for someone who lives in snowy areas. But with all the makes and models out there, which ones are a cut above the rest? Here are two of them.

Ford Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport’s design is aggressive enough for owners to know that the model means serious business一especially when it comes to handling rough terrain and snow.

The crossover SUV also comes with a tow package with trailer sway control, which makes its towing duties extremely easy (and safe).

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is powerful enough in its FWD form, but the AWD option takes its performance to a whole new level.

The AWD Tucson is famed for its effortless handling and impressive ride quality. It also has a state-of-the-art infotainment system and luxurious cabin that are sure to keep passengers preoccupied no matter the terrain.

How to Make RWD Cars Drive Better in the Snow

Though rear-wheel drive vehicles might not be the best choice for winter driving, there are ways to make them operate better in wintry conditions. If you want to make these cars better for driving in the snow, invest in snow tires, add more weight to the trunk, use traction aids like snow chains, and adjust your driving habits.

Add Weight to the Trunk

One of the best ways to keep your RWD vehicle stable when driving on snow is by adding extra weight to its rear. The reason front-wheel systems have an easier time on slippery surfaces is because the bulk of their mass can be found over the drive wheels. By making the rear of RWD cars heavier, their drive wheels can gain significantly more traction. It’s easy to pad the weight by loading the trunk full of sandbags and gym weights.

Invest in Snow Tires

Snow tires are specially designed to give vehicles more traction when driving over snow and ice-slicked roads. This makes them a must-have for owners of RWD vehicles if they want to increase their control over their vehicles when driving in winter. Snow tires have treads engineered to divert snow away from the tires, giving them more traction.

Adjust Your Driving Habits

It’s important to adjust your driving habits accordingly. This means accelerating gently, braking slowly, and using gentle throttle inputs to avoid overloading the back tires.

Use Traction Aids

If you can’t get your hands on snow tires, using traction aids like snow chains is a good alternative. These chains help tires dig into snow, ice, and slippery surfaces, improving the vehicle’s grip and traction. For drivers of RWD vehicles, this can help tremendously by making them more stable and easy to control when driving over snow.

What’s the Verdict?

AWD, RWD, and FWD are the three basic types of drivetrains you’ll find in vehicles. They have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to tackling snowy and icy roads.

Forward-wheel drive vehicles can adequately handle snowy conditions because of the weight distribution that can help the wheels gain traction. The same goes for AWD vehicles. You’ll find a lot of them in areas with heavy snow because of their superior traction.

RWD vehicles, however, might not be the best choice when driving around snowy areas. The engine’s positioning can result in less stability and might even cause the wheels to lose traction.