Ontario Winter SUVs Ranked (2025): AWD Models That Actually Handle Snow & Ice

Ontario winters demand more than just all wheel drive. To help Ontario drivers make a confident choice, evaluating the lowest-priced trims with AWD preferred, focusing on real-world winter usability.

In Ontario winters, the best SUVs combine AWD traction, sufficient ground clearance, and winter-tuned stability control.

We compared and ranked SUVs based on dependable traction, safety, and everyday practicality, without requiring buyers to overspend or navigate unnecessary complexity.

Quick Comparison Table

	Vehicle	AWD	Clearance	Comfort	Safety	Winter Takeaway
	Subaru Outback	Standard	High	Strong	Strong	The winter benchmark for Ontario drivers who want maximum confidence.
	Mazda CX-5	Available*	Medium	Available	Strong	A compact SUV offering confident winter handling without moving up in size.
	Toyota RAV4	Available*	Medium	Available	Strong	A practical winter choice balancing AWD availability, safety, and everyday usability.
	Mitsubishi Outlander	Standard	High	Available	Strong	An underrated AWD SUV that delivers strong winter traction for the price.
	Honda CR-V	Available*	Medium	Available	Strong	A smooth, predictable winter drive well-suited to daily Ontario commuting.
	Hyundai Tucson	Standard	Medium	Strong	Strong	A well-rounded winter option combining comfort, traction, and modern safety features.
	Kia Sportage	Standard	Medium	Available	Good	A versatile SUV that performs well in winter when properly equipped with AWD.
	Volkswagen Tiguan	Standard	Medium	Strong	Good	A refined winter SUV with stable highway manners and available AWD.
	Chevrolet Equinox	Available*	Medium	Available	Strong	A comfortable winter commuter SUV with AWD availability and manageable size.
	Subaru Forester Convenience	Standard	High	Available	Adequate	A confidence-inspiring winter SUV with standard AWD and strong clearance.

* Winter note: AWD is available but not standard. Buyers should prioritize AWD trims for Ontario winter driving.

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How we evaluated winter-ready SUVs

We assessed each vehicle using criteria that matter most in Ontario winters:

• Lowest-priced AWD-equipped trims preferred
• Ontario winter conditions (snow, ice, cold starts)
• Core winter safety and traction features

Full Winter Feature Comparison (Lowest-Priced AWD Trims)

We focused on real-world winter usability, not performance specs or marketing claims. Always confirm specific equipment and availability with the manufacturer or dealership.

Detailed SUV Reviews

Subaru Outback Touring

Who it’s best for: Drivers who want maximum confidence in harsh Ontario winters and value traction, clearance, and stability over sportiness.

Why it belongs:

• Standard symmetrical AWD provides consistent traction in snow and ice
• High ground clearance helps in deep snow and unplowed roads
• Longstanding reputation as a winter-reliable vehicle in Ontario

Trade-off:

• Fuel economy is slightly lower than some compact competitors

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Standard	High	Standard Features: • Remote Start • Heated Front Seats • Heated Steering Wheel • Climate Control Higher Trims only: • Heated Rear Seats • Heated Side Mirrors	Yes Emergency Braking Yes Blind Spot Detection No Pedestrian Detection Yes Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning Yes Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning Yes Lane Departure Prevention

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Mazda CX-5 GX

Who it’s best for: Drivers who want a smaller, more agile SUV that still feels composed and secure in winter conditions.

Why it belongs:

• AWD tuning prioritizes stability and control on slippery roads
• Confident handling makes winter driving feel predictable and controlled

Trade-off:

• Cargo space is smaller than many other SUVs on this list

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Available	Medium	Standard Features: • Remote start • Heated front seats • Heated power mirrors Higher Trims only: • Heated Steering Wheel • Heated Rear Seats • Windshield Wiper De-icer • Heated & Ventilated Front Seats	Yes Emergency Braking Yes Blind Spot Detection Yes Pedestrian Detection No Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning Yes Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning Yes Lane Departure Prevention

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Toyota RAV4 LE

Who it’s best for: Families and commuters who want a practical, widely available SUV that performs reliably through Ontario winters.

Why it belongs:

• AWD is available across trims, offering flexibility at different price points
• Balanced ground clearance and cargo space suit everyday winter use without oversizing

Trade-off:

• AWD and fuel economy vary by trim, and prices rise quickly on higher configurations

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Available	Medium	Standard Features: • Heated front seats Higher Trims only: • Heated Side Mirrors • Rear window defogger • Windshield wiper de-icer function • Heated Steering Wheel • Heated Rear Seats • Ventilated Front Seats	Yes Emergency Braking Yes Blind Spot Detection Yes Pedestrian Detection No Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning Yes Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning Yes Lane Departure Prevention

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Mitsubishi Outlander ESS-AWC

Who it’s best for: Drivers seeking a comfortable, family-friendly SUV with strong winter traction at a competitive price.

Why it belongs:

• Capable AWD system delivers confident traction in winter conditions
• Often overlooked, making it a strong value pick among AWD SUVs

Trade-off:

• Interior materials and finish are less refined than some rivals

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Standard	High	Standard Features: • Heated Front Seats • Climate control Higher Trims only: • Heated Steering Wheel • Heated Second Row Seats • Heated Side Mirrors	Yes Emergency Braking Yes Blind Spot Detection Yes Pedestrian Detection Yes Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning Yes Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning No Lane Departure Prevention

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Honda CR-V LX 2WD

Who it’s best for: Drivers who want a smooth, calm, and confident winter SUV that handles city and highway use without drama, ideal for daily life in Ontario.

Why it belongs:

• Available Real Time AWD system designed to react quickly when traction is lost, helping stability on icy roads
• Strong visibility, heating performance, and cargo practicality suit long winter drives

Trade‑off:

• AWD is optional, and winter capability depends heavily on trim selection

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Available	Medium	Standard Features: • Remote Engine Start • Heated front seats • Heated side mirrors • Climate Control Higher Trims only: • Heated Steering Wheel • Leather-Trimmed/Perforated Seats	Yes Emergency Braking Yes Blind Spot Detection No Pedestrian Detection Yes Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning Yes Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning Yes Lane Departure Prevention

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Hyundai Tucson Preferred

Who it’s best for: Drivers who want a modern, comfortable SUV that balances winter traction with everyday usability.

Why it belongs:

• HTRAC AWD performs well in mixed winter conditions
• Comfortable interior and practical cargo space support daily and weekend use

Trade-off:

• AWD is not standard
• Ground clearance is average compared to winter-focused rivals

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Standard	Medium	Standard Features: • Remote start • Heated Front Seats • Heated Steering Wheel • Climate Control • Heated Side Mirrors Higher Trims only: • Heated Rear Seats • Ventilated Front Seats	Yes Emergency Braking Yes Blind Spot Detection Yes Pedestrian Detection Yes Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning Yes Rear Collision Warning No Lane Departure Warning Yes Lane Departure Prevention

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Kia Sportage LX

Who it’s best for: Buyers looking for a versatile, tech-forward SUV that can handle winter when properly equipped.

Why it belongs:

• AWD-equipped versions offer winter capability similar to the Tucson
• Traction systems perform well when paired with appropriate tires

Trade-off:

• Many dealer-stocked trims are FWD, requiring careful selection for winter use

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Standard	Medium	Standard Features: • Heated Front Seats • Heated Mirrors Higher Trims only: • Heated Steering Wheel • Heated Rear Seats • Heated Windshield	Yes Emergency Braking No Blind Spot Detection Yes Pedestrian Detection No Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning No Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning Yes Lane Departure Prevention

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Volkswagen Tiguan Trendline 4motion

Who it’s best for: Drivers who prioritize highway stability, refinement, and cargo space for winter trips and family use.

Why it belongs:

• Predictable AWD behavior supports confident winter highway driving
• Spacious cargo area suits winter sports equipment and travel

Trade-off:

• AWD availability is limited by trim and inventory

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Standard	Medium	Standard Features: • Remote start • Heated front seats • Heated steering wheel • Power-heated side mirrors • Heated washer nozzles • Climate control Higher Trims only: • Heated Rear Outboard Seats • Ventilated Front Seats • 3-Zone Climate Control	Yes Emergency Braking Yes Blind Spot Detection Yes Pedestrian Detection No Driver Attention Monitoring No Forward Collision Warning Yes Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning No Lane Departure Prevention

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Chevrolet Equinox LT

Who it’s best for: Drivers seeking a manageable-size SUV with winter comfort and safety features for everyday use.

Why it belongs:

• AWD is available for improved winter traction
• Comfortable ride and predictable handling suit commuting in winter conditions

Trade-off:

• Ground clearance is lower than several competitors on this list

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Available	Medium	Standard Features: • Remote start • Heated Front Seats • Heated Steering Wheel Higher Trims only: • Heated Rear Outboard Seats • Heated Wiper Park	Yes Emergency Braking Yes Blind Spot Detection Yes Pedestrian Detection Yes Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning Yes Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning Yes Lane Departure Prevention

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Subaru Forester Convenience

Who it’s best for: Drivers who want straightforward winter capability in a compact SUV without moving up in size.

Why it belongs:

• Standard AWD provides consistent traction on snow and ice
• Higher ground clearance than most compact SUVs improves winter usability

Trade-off:

• Winter performance and features vary significantly by trim

Detailed Feature Breakdown:

AWD	Clearance	Winter Comfort	Safety Confidence
Standard	High	Standard Features: • Heated Front Seats • Climate control Higher Trims only: • Heated Steering Wheel • Heated Rear Seats • Engine Block Heater • Intelligent Preconditioning	Yes Emergency Braking No Blind Spot Detection No Pedestrian Detection No Driver Attention Monitoring Yes Forward Collision Warning No Rear Collision Warning Yes Lane Departure Warning No Lane Departure Prevention

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Important Note: Vehicle availability, features, and specifications may vary by trim and model year. Always confirm details with the manufacturer or dealership.