When the weather turns nasty, your vehicle becomes more than just transportation: it's your lifeline. Whether you're facing blizzards, monsoons, or ice storms, having the right SUV can make the difference between getting home safely and getting stuck.
The best extreme-weather SUVs combine serious ground clearance, intelligent all-wheel drive systems, and thoughtful features. These are the SUVs that laugh at Mother Nature's worst moods.
Here are 12 models that take extreme weather seriously, without breaking the bank. The Subaru Outback Wilderness offers 9.5 inches of ground clearance and an always-active AWD system. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe provides instant electric torque for slippery conditions. The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro uses an old-school, reliable body-on-frame construction.
The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands features terrain-specific G.O.A.T. Modes. The Land Rover Defender boasts configurable Terrain Response and up to 11.5 inches of clearance. The Mazda CX-50 offers Mi-Drive with a dedicated off-road mode.
Larger options include the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 and GMC Yukon AT4, built for hauling through storms. The Honda Passport TrailSport, Audi Q7, Nissan Armada, and Volkswagen Atlas round out the list with capable AWD systems and dedicated drive modes for challenging conditions.
The right SUV depends on your needs, but all these vehicles share capable drivetrains, adequate ground clearance, and features to keep you moving. Today's SUVs offer genuine extreme-weather capability without sacrificing daily comfort.