The Best New SUVs and Crossovers of 2022 for Winter Driving

Utility, comfort, and performance await you in this group of new winter-ready vehicles.

Clifford Atiyeh | 

Feb 22, 2022 | 4 min read

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Frosty temperatures are no reason to stay inside when a warm vehicle awaits you outside. Vehicle advertising would have you believe that every SUV driver heads to the ski slopes, but grocery store lots and school pickup lines are far more common destinations. For those outings, life demands utility vehicles that seat six, seven, or eight people, that are safe, and that can connect to the internet.

However, you’re not inclined to buy any regular vehicle. You deserve both capability and relaxation in the wintertime—and maybe some high-speed performance when the roads are clear. To that end, we’ve chosen some of our favorite new SUVs and crossovers for winter driving and listed them here. Each of these vehicles has available all- or four-wheel drive, heated seats, and quick-warming cabins. Their off- and on-road performance is impressive. Throw on a set of proper winter-specific tires, and you'll be happy to go out on your next snow-filled adventure.

Jeep

2022 Jeep Wagoneer

Jeep's first modern full-size SUV marks a big leap forward in cabin design and technology for the brand, making it a great pick for family road trips. Feast your eyes and fingers on up to seven screens, including a front passenger display in the dash and three more in the second row. Engraved walnut trim, rich leather, powerful stereos—you name it—it's available to treat and entertain seven or eight people. But select your indulgences carefully, as you'll pay at least $70,000 for the Wagoneer (which competes against the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition) or over $89,000 for the Grand Wagoneer (which aims for the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator). Jeep's four-wheel-drive system, large V-8 engines, air suspension, and 10,000-pound maximum towing capacity will make any winter outing a breeze. The Wagoneer is excessive in every way because that’s what many American families want.

Christian Wardlaw

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

You can load up a Hyundai Santa Fe to over $40,000 and feel like royalty. That's how nice the top Calligraphy trim is inside, with quilted tan leather seats, crisp widescreen displays, a powerful turbocharged gas engine, and unique exterior styling. The Hyundai is an upscale two-row SUV that straddles the compact and midsize segments at a decent price. Plus, it's available as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, comes with three years or 36,000 miles of included maintenance, and is a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. There are many choices in this segment, but the Santa Fe is one of the best SUVs for tackling winter weather.

Lincoln

2022 Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln is on the way up. Every vehicle in the luxury brand’s all-SUV lineup looks, feels, and drives differently than any mainstream Ford model, which is important to justify Aviator's price, which can surge past $80,000. But this three-row midsize SUV delivers on everything Mercedes, BMW, and other luxury brands offer—huge power, lavish interiors, and oodles of comfort and tech. One drive in the plug-in-hybrid Grand Touring model and you'll be hard-pressed to find any similarity to its Ford Explorer platform-mate. If your budget is high, consider a Lincoln instead of the usual suspects.

Subaru

2022 Subaru Outback

Like marshmallows on hot chocolate, a Subaru on a snow-covered driveway is a wintertime staple. The Outback’s dismal and underpowered base engine belies Subaru’s decades of motorsport wins in rally racing. The star here is the standard all-wheel-drive system, which is well calibrated to react quickly and smartly to slippery conditions. A smooth ride, up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and an optional turbocharged engine make the Outback a rugged performer. What's best about this midsize wagon is that it performs like a big SUV without driving or parking like one. Resale values are strong, and reliability is high—two more good reasons to stock a Subaru Outback as part of your winter-preparedness plan.

Tesla

2022 Tesla Model Y

If you're going electric in the snowbelt, look for a Tesla Model Y. The car’s EPA-estimated 326 miles of driving range and Tesla’s dedicated charging network (with thousands of plugs across the country) mean this compact electric crossover can still go the distance even with cold temps dragging down the real-world range. Whether it's zipping to 60 mph in under four seconds or maneuvering through a parking lot to come pick you up, the $60,000-plus Model Y is a standout in its segment. The interior is minimalistic to the extreme, and most of the controls are placed in a touchscreen the size of a computer monitor. One major caveat: EV ownership essentially requires that you have a dedicated charging station at your home so the car’s battery can preheat to optimal temperature before you drive. If this is impossible, you may have trouble driving your EV wherever you want whenever you want, particular in the winter.

Clifford Atiyeh

Clifford Atiyeh is an independent writer, photographer, and creative consultant. He has reported for dozens of websites, magazines, and newspapers in his 20-year journalism career, during which he has tested more than 650 new vehicles. His automotive expertise focuses on product development, market analysis, and the litigation and legislation affecting the industry. Clifford is vice president of the New England Motor Press Association and runs a marketing consultancy.