The three top picks for navigating snowy roads were selected by experts from SberAvto, an online platform for buying and selling cars. The models earned high marks from service users for off-road capability, reliability, and other key attributes that matter when roads are blanketed in snow.
Haval Dargo
Price from 2,999,000 rubles
Based in the Tula region, this model impressed Russian drivers with how well its setup suits our winter conditions. The manufacturer refined the suspension for a smoother ride on slick surfaces and improved interior finishes for warmth and comfort. Dargo offers heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated seats across the front and rear, a heated windshield, and heated washers. With a ground clearance of 200 mm, the crossover handles deep snow and rough patches with ease, delivering confident performance on domestic winter roads.
Geely Atlas Pro
Price from 2,208,990 rubles
The Atlas Pro, another entry from a strong international lineup, pleased drivers with ready-to-use winter features in the base configuration: a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats with power adjustment, and heated and auto-dimming exterior mirrors. Reviewers note smooth driving dynamics, comfortable seating, and strong cross-country ability. All-wheel drive and modern automatic transmissions help the SUV stay planted in snow and pull through snowdrifts, aided by a generous ground clearance of 171 mm.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Price from 3,040,900 rubles
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max includes an all-wheel-drive system activated by an electromagnetic multi-plate clutch, along with six driving modes tailored to different road and surface conditions. Its ground clearance reaches 190 mm, enabling high cross-country capability on snowy tracks and uneven terrain. Drivers appreciate the balance between stability and agility, along with reliable traction in wintry setups.
Three practical tips for choosing a car for snowy roads
1. Choose a vehicle with all-wheel drive, ideally permanent rather than temporary or plug-in, to minimize wheel slip at critical moments.
2. Look for crossovers and SUVs with substantial ground clearance, typically 150-160 mm or more, as ground clearance directly influences passability through snow and slush.
3. Favor gasoline engines over diesel in cold weather. Diesel can take longer to warm up and fuel can thicken in the tank, while petrol engines generally offer lower maintenance costs and easier starting in winter conditions.
Image credit: Depositphotos
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