I am going to be spending a fair amount of time in a climate with a very harsh winter, and I was wondering if those of you with experience in similar climates have any suggestions on which SUVs are the most "capable" in the most extreme of winter circumstances.

I am a warm weather person who dislikes the cold if I am not skiing or snowboarding in it, and I have limited amount of experience driving in snow/ice.

Thus I am looking for the most idiot proof drivetrain to help me get through blizzards, will always start if it is left outside in sub zero temps, as well as features to keep the cabin as comfortable as possible. Not really concerned with aesthetics. A remote start feature seems like it would be useful too.

Thoughts?

 

You have competing priorities, but my vote would be to look for an older jeep. Get dedicated snow/ice studless tires and chains for all 4 wheels. You will go anywhere. If you get a grand cherokee, you can get the amenities you are looking for at a very low price. My cherokee sport is kept around just for the winter. I can't replace it for the 2-3 grand its worth (I bought new almost 12 yrs ago now), with the lift and chains, I have never gotten close to stuck and if by chance I hit a ditch, it's easy enough to walk away from and get something else.

 

I'd be all over the jeep, so much so that I'd take it on the trails in the summer too.

I should have mentioned this in my original post but I would prefer something with a warranty, heated windshield, front and rear heated seats, and preferably a ton of electronic traction/hill descent stuff on board.

From an efficiency and comfort standpoint, I would really like a vehicle that I can drive somewhere in a snow storm, park outside, startup remotely before I go back outside, and roll away as soon as I get in.

The land rover lineup looks promising, but those I have spoken with that own one view the service soon indicator as a sign the car is running. Consequently, I am wondering if the Cayenne or Touareg would be a more reliable option.

 

idiot proof for snow... subaru.

 

Toyota Landcruiser by far for comfort, room, reliability and getting through the snow. Definately not a high performance ride though, just always there for you and will always get you home. I like the Cayenne for performance and a friend just bought a Q5 which is very nice and a blast to drive around Colorado passes and roads.

 

I thik jeep is a great choice

 

I live in northern IN 35, miles east of Lake Michigan so I get a BUNCH of lake effect. I have had a Mitsubishi Endeavor which wasn't bad; my F-150 - not bad either and our latest which is an XC-90. My wife wanted it for the third row so we did even though I really don't like the way they look. The first bad weather we had changed my mind. This thing on Blizzaks is absolutely unstoppabe. Period. It laughs at ice and snow as deep as you want to throw at it. I'm not sure if it's the weight, Volvo AWD or what but this thing has made me a believer. I'm so glad I was talked into it......

 

get the remote start on a nicely equiped Cayenne.
get the pre heater installed in the cayenne.
get perelli dedicated ice/snow, with studs.

maybe a bit higher than what you wanted to spend, but that's what I would do given your situation.

oh wait, that's my situation, but I use the GTS for pleasure and summer driving as well.

 

My GTS with 18" dedicated winters does well for me....

 

jace is right on

i would add that you need something with an air suspension to get through those plowed in snow banks at the end of every drivway - you know, they show up just behind the street plow!. those extra 4 inches or more can plow you through and save replacing a front valance on all these plastic parts they use thes days.

the heated windshield of the land rover is really nice but the heated steering wheel on the cayenne is nicer.

 

which place are you going to go? Because there are places where studded winter tires are a must and some where it's not allowed. Have you checked out Mercedes G class?

 

I would suggest the G Wagon. Perfect vehicle for what you are looking for.

 

+1.... A nice 2009 G550 with a 7-speed automatic......perfect......better than Range Rover or anything else for the winter.

 

G wagon or Transsiberia Cayenne. I have both and both fit the bill.

 

SUV w/ the set of dedicated snow tires