Winter’s icy grip can challenge drivers and vehicles alike. Slick roads and deep snow limit mobility, while freezing temps sap battery strength and affect grip.
Having a vehicle designed to handle cold, snow, and ice makes winter driving safer and more manageable.
Ford offers a range of capable trucks, SUVs, and utility vehicles ready to take on winter’s worst.
With advanced four-wheel or all-wheel drive systems, grip-enhancing technology, and cold weather features, Ford’s winter warriors will confidently get you through the season.
Here are six of Ford’s finest for winter now for 2024.
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Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco returned for the 2021 model year as a capable and modern 4×4 ready for any adventure. For 2024, the Bronco continues to be one of the best Fords for driving in snow and ice.
The standard 4×4 system provides excellent traction, with upgrades like front and rear locking differentials, 35-inch off-road tires, and advanced terrain management with up to 7 drive modes optimizing mud, snow, and sand performance.
With up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance on higher trim levels like the Bronco Black Diamond, you’ll have no problem clearing unplowed streets or trails.
The Bronco’s protective steel bumpers and muscular fender flares shrug off winter slush and road debris.
Inside, standard heated front seats are available heated rear seats and steering wheel keep occupants warm while wiping away moisture on the available heated windshield.
With its rugged body-on-frame construction, variety of 4×4 upgrades, and driver-assist tech like Trail Control (cruise control for low speeds), the Ford Bronco has the right specs for winter adventures.
Ford Bronco Sport
Based on the rugged new Bronco, the smaller Bronco Sport is also one of Ford’s most capable models for snowy and icy conditions.
The standard 4×4 system uses torque vectoring technology to optimize traction, with available upgrades like a cutting-edge twin-clutch rear differential for superior grip on slippery surfaces.
With up to 8.8 inches of ground clearance, the Bronco Sport can muscle through deep snow or unplowed streets. The protective front end and liftgate spoiler shield the vehicle from winter road grime.
The Bronco Sport’s available heated front, steering wheel and rear seats will keep you comfortable in frigid temperatures.
Clever interior storage solutions like an available slide-out cargo floor and bag hooks keep gear secure and organized.
Standard driver assists like Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking and Available Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alerts add an extra layer of protection in poor visibility.
The Bronco Sport brings rugged 4×4 capability and smart tech to compact SUVs.
Ford Explorer
The mid-size Ford Explorer with available intelligent 4WD has long been one of the most popular family vehicles for winter snow and ice. The Explorer provides ample passenger and cargo room within a capable SUV platform.
Starting with the XLT trim, you can get a 4WD Explorer ready for winter adventures.
The available Terrain Management System and Hill Descent Control tailor the 4WD system for snow-covered roads, sand, mud, and steep declines.
The Explorer has up to 7 drive modes to optimize traction and performance for the conditions. Up to 7 selectable drive modes are available: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Deep Snow/Sand, and Mud/Ruts.
With 9.3 inches of ground clearance and an advanced stability/traction control system, the Explorer can handle moderate off-roading when undrivable roads.
The available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package provides extra capability to pull a winter sport trailer.
The Explorer’s higher driving position allows you to see over snowbanks. At the same time, the available heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated front seats keep the driver and passengers comfortable in cold weather exploration.
Ford F-150
The best-selling Ford F-150 pickup truck is designed for tough conditions, and the available 4WD models are at home in winter weather.
With high ground clearance, muscular truck styling, and a range of advanced 4WD systems, an F-150 can confidently take you through snow and ice. The Ford F-150 is even ready to be a snowplow vehicle.
The available electronic-locking rear and limited-slip differential improve traction in slippery conditions.
Options like the FX4 Off-Road Package and Tremor Off-Road Package add upgraded suspension, additional skid plates, specialty shocks, and all-terrain tires for enhanced winter capability off pavement.
Choose the available Torsen limited-slip front differential for an extra 4WD grip. The F-150 gives you several 4WD options to configure based on your winter needs, from basic part-time 4WD to full-time 4WD with low range.
The Pro Power Onboard Generator option lets you power tools, tailgating parties, or equipment when electric sources are unavailable in cold weather.
With available interior features like heated and ventilated power seats, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats, the F-150 can keep you and your passengers comfortable when temperatures plummet.
Ford Expedition
For full-size 4WD capability plus room for the whole family, the Ford Expedition is a top winter SUV choice.
The intelligent four-wheel-drive system enhances traction and performance in icy, snowy conditions.
Just select the appropriate terrain mode, like Snow & Ice, and let the advanced 4WD tech adjust traction control, throttle response, and transmission shifting for optimal slip-free grip.
The Expedition’s Control Trac 4WD has a 2-speed automatic 4WD transfer case, allowing you to shift from rear-wheel to four-wheel drive on the fly.
The Expedition can confidently take on steep, slick inclines with standard Hill Start Assist and Slope Control.
The Expedition has up to 11.9 inches of ground clearance for deep snow clearance, plus a 36.9-foot turning radius to maneuver through tight spaces and parking lots.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine provides ample power even in winter conditions.
Inside, enjoy available Quad Bucket second-row seating and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ Package (adaptive cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering assist).
With amenities like available voice-activated navigation and a rear seat entertainment system, passengers will enjoy trips despite cold and snowy conditions outside.
Ford Maverick
One new Ford that shines in winter weather is the compact Maverick pickup. It’s the first standard hybrid pickup on the market, providing excellent fuel efficiency and smart utility.
The available all-wheel drive gives enhanced traction on snow and ice, routing up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels when needed.
The standard 2.5L I-4 hybrid delivers ample power for merging and passing, even in challenging weather conditions.
The Maverick has a generous approach and departure angles, allowing you to navigate through unplowed streets or alleys.
The available FX4 Package equips the truck for tougher terrain with rugged front springs, underbody protection, all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels, and four auxiliary AWD drive modes. Front and rear heated seats are available for comfort in bitter cold temps.
The Maverick’s Flexbed system accommodates 4×8 sheets of plywood with the tailgate down, letting you transport winter gear, lumber for projects, snow removal equipment, and other large loads.
The available bed-mounted power inverter (2.0 kW) lets you run power tools and equipment on the go. With seating for five, smart storage solutions, and a compact footprint, the new Maverick pickup easily handles winter weather driving and hauling.
Honorable Mentions
Other solid Ford options that deserve recognition for winter readiness include the Escape compact SUV, Edge midsize crossover, Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, and Ranger pickup truck.
Final Thoughts
When winter’s worst hits, rely on Ford’s capable trucks, SUVs, and utility vehicles to get you through safely.
With advanced four-wheel and all-wheel drive systems, innovative traction aids, and cold weather features, Ford offers many excellent options for confident winter driving.
Models like the adventure-ready Bronco, bold F-150, and family-sized Expedition shine in snow and ice. Newcomers like the Bronco Sport and Maverick pickup also have the right specs for winter exploration and activities.
