best cars for winter

For 2009, Audi attempts to better their previous efforts with an updated A4. In most every way, theyve succeeded. About the only way to have more fun with a German car in the snow is to throw winter tires on a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and then, good luck stuffing the kids and groceries into it. Serious enthusiasts may take issue with the steering, which feels vague when pushed hard on dry roads. However, for the rest of us, and as a winter car, the A4 always seems composed and predictable.

With more attention devoted to the more SUV minded Tribeca and Forester redesigns, the Outback is in danger of becoming the forgotten Subaru. Too bad, because its one of the best winter cars in the pack always has been. Yes, we did just sing the WRXs praises earlier, but our wannabe rally driver instincts were having a partial say in the matter. For sane, drift less driving, the Outback is the Subie to consider. It has greater ground clearance than youd think, and presents the kind of foul weather driving confidence you might not expect outside of an SUV.

Lest you think Volvos true sport ute, the XC90, outshines the XC70 wagon, drive both before you cast your final verdict. You might be surprised to discover the XC70 is the real winter car champ. Its all a matter of consistency. The XC90 always seems to feel numb and disconnected, regardless of conditions. On the other hand, the XC70 inspires confidence with a more secure driving experience overall. And with standard features like front and rear skid plates and hill descent control, Volvo fully expects youll take advantage of the wagons capabilities.

BMWs SUVs sorry, SAVs (theyre Sport Activity Vehicles, were adamantly reminded) are drifting toward the absurd. One look at the X6 is all the evidence you need. Yet for ample room, great traction and an engaging drive, the 535xi Sports Wagon should not be overlooked. It doesnt quite behave like an M5, but the 535xi does have surprisingly decent responsiveness. It also has the sure footedness of the X models without the shortcomings. For the driver who needs a winter car thatll placate his enthusiastic tendencies until spring, this is BMWs ultimate winter driving machine.

Just when you think GM has irreparably screwed Saab, the resilient Swedes go and do something like this. Based on the 9 3 Sedan and SportCombi wagon, the limited run Turbo X represents a strong initial foray into all wheel drive cars, with the fun factor as standard equipment. Thats pretty well evident from the first time you drive one. Yet these are Saabs, so the whole winter car capability thing just comes naturally. And so it is with the Turbo X cars, though you might consider storing the standard performance tires in favor of a more season appropriate set.

Logic dictates we could include several Subarus in our review of great winter cars, and we do spotlight the Outback wagon here as well. However, neither it nor any other new Subie is as fun as the WRX. You really dont even need to bother with the STI to have a great winter car; the base WRX is really the way to go. Its all wheel drive package never seems to miss a beat, and the ride is tuned for more forgiveness. And if you drive on frost heaved expansion joint roads, you and your tailbone will appreciate this.

Though some may consider the Ford Flex a crossover, its really just a funky wagon. Not since the original Scion xB have those two words adequately described a vehicle. And while the xB got flabby and soulless, the larger yet tidy Flex is a credible effort for Ford plus all wheel drive is offered. Yet, unlike the trillions of Explorers littering the roads, the Flex doesnt shout its status as a winter car with hiked up ground clearance and knobby tires. When you just need extra traction on regular roads, the funky Flex will do just fine.

While Mercedes finally blended small and good with their latest C Class and introduced a bigger, bolder S Class, their middle child was doing brilliantly all the while. The E Class is spacious, but not ponderous, graceful yet mature. It becomes a dark horse of a winter car when you select the all wheel drive option. Aside from that moment and the occasional glance youll cast at the 4MATIC chrome emblem on the trunk, you might give much thought to its presence. The system performs smoothly and without drama. And thats not at all bad when road conditions deteriorate.

The original MINI was a small wonder on the racing circuit even during winter rallies. Todays car manages to impress as well, not with all wheel drive but by making the most of its front wheel drive, light weight and electronic aids. Beyond the obligatory antilock brakes, those most helpful include All Season Traction Control (ASTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC a real help in reducing understeer). Even if all this kills some of the fun youd otherwise have in an empty, snow filled parking lot, at least you can remain in control when it really counts.

It may be a little ambitious of Suzuki to call their wagon with a tall greenhouse a crossover, but at least this version of the SX4 line is a cheap way to get a new vehicle with three mode all wheel drive. Its even offered as an option on the $15,000 base model. And some will be perfectly fine with the lower stance and taller cabin of this winter car, especially commuters whod rather not spend nights stuck in the office with every moderate snowfall.