Best Hyundai for Driving in Snow

The best Hyundai for snow could be any of several current models. Because this brand makes durable, all-weather-ready cars, trucks, and SUVs, winter won't be something to worry about. Of the Hyundai lineup, the best Hyundai for snow is a tie between the Tucson and the Santa Fe, although other models like the Palisade, Kona, and IONIQ 5 perform very well in winter weather and on snowy roads. If you have questions about which Hyundai drives best in winter here in New Hampshire, let the friendly team at Granite Hyundai help you out.

Key Takeaways

• The Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are favorites for snow.
• Hyundai's HTRAC AWD makes driving in snow much easier.
• Snow Mode helps keep your Hyundai stable in motion.

Why Hyundai Excels in Winter Conditions

Hyundai, as a brand, has always been a step ahead, especially for winter drivers. With Hyundai's award-winning HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive system, plus other driving modes and safety tech, you can navigate snowy roads without feeling left in the dark. There are a few highly rated Hyundai SUVs that are the best Hyundai for snow and winter, including the Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, Kona, and IONIQ 5. Again, there are perks to all of the mentioned vehicles, with the Tucson and Santa Fe being top picks for most New Hampshire drivers. Our team here at Granite Hyundai in Somersworth is always ready to walk you through the winter technology Hyundai has developed, no matter the season.

Is Hyundai AWD Good in Snow?

Yes! Hyundai AWD is very good in the snow and on icy roads. This system works by constantly monitoring your car while it's moving and automatically redistributing power between the front and rear axles to prevent slip. If you are on a snowy road or highway, the HTRAC AWD functionality of a Hyundai model is what will keep your vehicle delivering strong traction and stability in slippery conditions. Pair this all-wheel drive tech with Snow Mode, and your Hyundai should be ready for just about anything.

What Is Snow Mode?

Hyundai Snow Mode is a drive mode that adjusts the throttle response and traction control for winter weather, limiting initial torque and optimizing power delivery to the wheels as you drive. This is what you can expect to use anytime you're driving in winter weather, and it keeps your Hyundai smoother and aligned on the road ahead.

Top Hyundai Models for Snow

If you are here in Somersworth, NH, and want a car that drives well in the snow, Hyundai has plenty of vehicles to consider. First, the Hyundai that drives best in snow is the Tucson, with the Santa Fe also a favorite among drivers. Beyond those, you can also count on the Palisade, Kona, and IONIQ 5 to get you from point A to B safely when it's snowing outside. Hyundai has revolutionized the SUV market for many reasons, and with things like HTRAC AWD and Snow Mode, you have all the tools you need to be successful as a driver. Even in the snow.

Our friendly sales team at Granite Hyundai is always ready to share snow features with you at the dealership, and we are open daily.

Hyundai Tucson: The All-Around MVP

The winner of snowy driving in Hyundai's lineup is the Tucson. Hands down. Thanks to its design, weight, and HTRAC AWD, along with the Snow Mode driving mode, you have one of the safest vehicles in its class all winter long. There are many features that help make this the best Hyundai for snow, including its AWD lock function, which splits torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles to help prevent getting trapped in snow. You also have 8.3 inches of ground clearance, which makes a big difference when driving through ice and snow.

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Winter SUV Champion

Another one of Hyundai's best models for winter driving is the Santa Fe. Much like Tucson, Santa Fe is safe enough to take out in the snow, thanks to its HTRAC AWD and Snow Mode, plus 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Another perk of the Hyundai Santa Fe is its Downhill Brake Control, which works to manage your speed automatically, so you don't have to stress about hitting the brakes every five seconds when getting in or out of a tricky situation.

Hyundai Palisade: Best for Deep Snow

One of Hyundai's best and favorite vehicles for snow (and general driving) is the Palisade. What makes the Palisade shine in the winter is its ability to handle deep snow on the road, plus features like HTRAC AWD and Snow Mode. You can also upgrade to the XRT Pro trim for features like all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and a Rear Limited-Slip Differential.

Hyundai Kona: Best Compact for Winter

Another honorable mention for the best Hyundai for snow is the Kona. If you prefer something smaller for everyday use, the Kona is a great option. Especially here in Somersworth, NH, you have snowy roads to think about, and your car needs to be ready for it all. The Kona has available HTRAC AWD and Snow Mode for you to enjoy on the road, plus with its lightweight design, you can bet on smoother driving and less power on your end to navigate bad weather.

Hyundai IONIQ 5: Best Electric for Snow

For any electric car shoppers looking for the best Hyundai for snow, the IONIQ 5 is a winner. This five-seater SUV features HTRAC AWD, Snow Mode, a heavy, low-center-of-gravity battery pack at its center, and a dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option. Again, EVs are heavier at their center thanks to their battery packs, which, when it comes to torque in the winter, is actually a good thing. Our team here in Somersworth, NH, is happy to go over the winter benefits of an electric vehicle on-site daily!

Tires and Winter Preparation

It goes without saying that regardless of the vehicle, you need to prep your car for winter driving. Hyundai makes this easy with many of its SUVs, like the ones we have detailed in this post, but you may still need to get winter tires, top off de-icing fluids, replace filters, and repair or replace brake components. Winter can be brutal for any car brand, and you want to set yourself up for success and safety the next time you hit the road before, during, or after a snowstorm.

What Safety Technologies Do You Need for Snow?

There are many safety systems and technologies you need for snow. These include lane-keeping assist on icy roads, which will help prevent slipping into oncoming traffic or off the road entirely. The next technology is traction control and stability management. That is what gives you a good grip on the road or highway, plus helps with your vehicle's overall stability. Another great thing to have is forward collision avoidance for low visibility when driving in the snow.

Lane-Keeping Assist on Icy Roads

Lane-keeping assist on icy roads can be both good and bad, depending on conditions. With light ice or coverage, these systems should be able to successfully prevent your car from moving into unwanted lanes or off the roadway. However, in very icy or snowy situations, you might be better off turning this off to prevent over-correction or an aggressive correction.

Traction Control and Stability Management

Two things that make a huge difference in driving quality in the snow are traction control and stability management. Having a car with these features can make navigating snow and ice easier during your daily commute, plus predict and prevent accidents in slippery conditions.

Forward Collision Avoidance in Low Visibility

Another thing you might want turned on in a snowstorm is forward collision avoidance. Especially in mild snowfall, the forward collision avoidance system can detect a car you might not see and hit the brakes for you, keeping you and your passengers out of harm's way. Of course, you may want this turned off in super-dense snow, as it can misread or miscalculate objects, leading to unnecessary braking and skidding.

Tips for Driving Your Hyundai in Snow

Some of the tips our team at Granite Hyundai has for driving in the snow include:

• Turning on your car's Snow Mode feature
• Enabling your Hyundai's HTRAC AWD
• Keeping a 3-4 foot following distance
• Avoiding Cruise Control in bad weather
• Staying up-to-date with winter maintenance

Choosing the Right Hyundai for Your Winter Needs

You always want to make the best decision for your time on the road, and Hyundai will be here every step of the way. Because you have so many available and standard snow features with Hyundai, you can bet on nearly any SUV to be a winner for snow and ice. Whether it ends up being the Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, Kona, or even the IONIQ 5, our team at Granite Hyundai is here to get you a set of keys. Our experts can help you choose the best Hyundai for snow, weighing out the pros and cons of each model.

Get Your Hyundai at Granite Hyundai

As soon as you're ready to shop for a new vehicle in Somersworth, NH, come explore all Granite Hyundai has to offer. We can walk you through the many snow features the brand offers with its lineup, plus get you started with a test drive. We're open daily, so swing by soon!