Toyota manufactures some of the most capable winter vehicles on the market today. With advanced all-wheel-drive systems, generous ground clearance, and available comfort features like heated seats and steering wheels, Toyota models are built to tackle everything from blizzards to off-road snow adventures.
Whether you’re seeking an SUV to conquer snowbanks or a sedan to safely navigate icy highways, Toyota has you covered. Read on as we highlight the 8 best Toyotas for winter driving this 2024 season.
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Toyota RAV4 Series
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, and for good reason.
Available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the RAV4 offers ample ground clearance, a responsive AWD system, and optional winter-driving aids like a heated steering wheel and heated front seats on higher trim levels.
The RAV4 Hybrid combines fuel efficiency with all-wheel-drive capability. Its standard electronic on-demand AWD system automatically redirects up to 50% of engine power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected, ensuring excellent traction in snowy conditions.
Meanwhile, the new RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid takes winter-driving confidence to the next level. With 302 horsepower and an EV mode offering up to 42 miles of electric range, the RAV4 Prime delivers strong performance alongside the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid.
With standard all-wheel drive and available heated features, the RAV4 is an outstanding choice for cold-weather driving.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner earns its place on this list thanks to its body-on-frame construction, available four-wheel drive, and high ground clearance. Built for off-road adventures, the 4Runner offers excellent traction in deep snow.
Powered by a 270-horsepower V6 engine, the 4Runner has plenty of muscle to push through snowy terrain.
The available Dynamic Torque Control AWD system constantly monitors wheel slippage and adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles for optimal traction.
With up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance and approach and departure angles exceeding 30 degrees, the 4Runner can easily climb over drifted snow.
Inside, the 4Runner boasts heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control, perfect for warming up after playing in the snow.
Toyota Sequoia
Bigger is often better when it comes to driving in the snow, and the Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV has size on its side. Weighing nearly 3 tons (2,812 kg, to be precise), the body-on-frame Sequoia offers excellent stability and traction in slippery conditions.
The Sequoia delivers 437 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, providing plenty of power. Yes, this large SUV features a hybrid engine, which also contributes to its impressive fuel economy within its class.
Available four-wheel drive with a lockable center differential and low-range transfer case ensures optimal traction on snow and ice. With 10.6 inches of ground clearance, the Sequoia can easily cruise over deep snowdrifts.
Inside, features like a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats make winter driving more comfortable for the whole family. This hybrid SUV offers 3 rows of seating and up to 120 cubic feet of cargo space for all your winter gear.
Toyota Trucks
You can’t go wrong with a tried-and-true pickup truck for snowy driving. Both the midsize Toyota Tacoma and full-size Toyota Tundra offer available four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and impressive hauling capability to handle winter conditions.
The Tacoma offers a choice of a 2.7L 4-cylinder or a 3.5L V6 engine, with the V6 delivering 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque to power through snow.
Available four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled transfer case is offered across trim levels, along with limited-slip differentials for added traction.
With up to 9.4 inches of ground clearance on higher trims, the Tacoma is ready for off-roading or navigating snow-covered roads.
Stepping up to the Tundra brings even more power and size. The i-FORCE 5.7L V8 generates a stout 389 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque to conquer snowdrifts with ease.
The available four-wheel drive system features a two-speed transfer case with low range, plus an automatic limited-slip differential for superior traction.
With a highest ground clearance of 10.4 inches on certain models, the Tundra is more than equipped for winter driving.
Toyota Grand Highlander
Making its debut for the 2024 model year, the all-new Toyota Grand Highlander adds more size and capability to Toyota’s SUV lineup.
Built on the same GA-K platform as the original Highlander, the three-row Grand Highlander offers expanded cargo space and seating for up to eight passengers.
The Grand Highlander comes standard with a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive for confident winter traction.
Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD actively manages torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction.
With up to 8.0 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a centrally mounted spare tire, the Grand Highlander is ready to tackle snow.
Inside, you’ll find the latest tech and comfort features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel to ward off winter’s chill.
The Grand Highlander is shaping up to be a highly capable cold-weather option in Toyota’s lineup.
Toyota Venza
Don’t let the Toyota Venza’s sleek styling fool you; this midsize crossover is equipped with solid snow-handling capabilities, thanks to standard all-wheel drive and 7.8 inches of ground clearance.
Exclusively available as a hybrid, the Venza combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with three electric motors to produce a total system output of 219 horsepower.
The Venza’s Electronic On-Demand AWD system continuously monitors wheel slippage, redirecting up to 80% of engine power to the rear wheels to optimize traction.
All Venza models come with a floor-mounted battery pack that improves the vehicle’s center of gravity, along with specially tuned suspension for enhanced stability in inclement weather.
In addition to its sure-footedness in slippery conditions, the Venza pampers both driver and passengers with available features like a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats for winter comfort. The panoramic moonroof adds an open, airy feel to the interior on snowy days.
Read more: Toyota venza snow and winter driving
Toyota Sienna AWD
Minivans aren’t typically considered great winter vehicles, but the Toyota Sienna breaks the mold. The Sienna’s available all-wheel drive gives it solid snow handling that’s hard to find in most other minivans.
Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid system producing 245 horsepower, the Sienna AWD uses an electronically controlled on-demand system that engages the rear wheels when needed.
With 6.96 inches of ground clearance and a low center of gravity due to the hybrid battery placement, the Sienna AWD is surprisingly capable in snowy and icy conditions for a minivan.
The Sienna also pampers passengers with heated front seats, available second-row captain’s chairs with built-in ottomans, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system—perfect for keeping kids entertained during a blizzard.
Toyota Camry AWD
Last but not least, the Toyota Camry AWD proves that you don’t need an SUV to drive confidently through winter.
Joining Toyota’s lineup of AWD models in 2020, the Camry pairs its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed.
This setup provides enhanced traction and control in slippery conditions, a benefit most front-wheel-drive sedans lack.
The Camry AWD strikes a balance between year-round drivability and all-weather capability. All Camry models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of active safety features like pre-collision braking and lane-keeping assist, providing extra peace of mind on snow-covered roads.
The available heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and fast-warming seat heaters add comfort on cold days.
While an SUV or truck might be better suited for extreme snow and ice, the Camry AWD shows that with the right drivetrain, sedans can still perform confidently in winter weather. For those who prefer cars over SUVs, the Camry AWD is a smart choice.
Conclusion
With their available all-wheel or four-wheel drive systems, generous ground clearance, and advanced traction/stability controls, Toyota offers many excellent winter-ready options.
From trucks and SUVs to hybrids and even minivans and sedans, models like the RAV4, 4Runner, Tundra, Sienna AWD, and Camry AWD can comfortably and safely transport you through snow storms.
With a capable Toyota, you can look forward to taking on Old Man Winter in 2024 and beyond.
