Toyota builds some of the most capable winter vehicles on the market today. With advanced all-wheel drive systems, ample ground clearance, and available comfort features like heated seats and steering wheels, Toyota models are designed to handle everything from blizzard conditions to off-road snow adventures.
Whether you’re looking for an SUV to climb snow banks or a sedan to navigate icy highways safely, Toyota has you covered. Read on as we highlight the 8 best Toyotas for snow driving this 2024 winter 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 front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the RAV4 offers ample ground clearance, a responsive all-wheel drive system, and available winter driving aids like a heated steering wheel and heated front seats on higher trim levels.
The RAV4 Hybrid pairs fuel efficiency with all-wheel drive capability. The standard electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system automatically redirects up to 50% of engine power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected, giving excellent traction in snowy conditions.
Meanwhile, the new RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid adds even more winter-driving confidence. With 302 horsepower and an EV mode with up to 42 miles of electric range, the RAV4 Prime offers strong performance along with the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid.
The standard all-wheel drive and available heated features make it a fantastic 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. The 4Runner is outfitted for off-road adventures, giving it sure-footedness in deep snow.
Equipped with a 270 horsepower V6 engine, the 4Runner has plenty of power to push through snow.
The available Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors wheel slippage and redirects torque accordingly between the front and rear axles.
With up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance and approach/departure angles over 30 degrees, the 4Runner can climb over drifted snow.
The 4Runner’s cabin features 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 in at 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 and an electric motor, providing it with ample power. Yes, this large SUV features a hybrid engine, which contributes to its decent fuel economy within its class.
Available four-wheel drive with a lockable center differential and low-range transfer case optimizes traction over snow and ice. A generous 10.6 inches of ground clearance lets you cruise over deep snowdrifts.
In the cabin, 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 provides 3 rows and up to 120 cubic feet of cargo space for 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 ample hauling capability to work through winter conditions.
The Tacoma offers a choice of 2.7L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6 engines, with the V6 boasting 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque to power through snow.
Four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled transfer case is available across trim lines, as are 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 snow-covered roads.
Stepping up to the Tundra brings more power and size. The i-FORCE 5.7L V8 puts out a stout 389 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque to conquer snow drifts with authority.
The available four-wheel drive system features a two-speed transfer case with low range, plus an automatic limited slip differential for excellent traction.
With a maximum ground clearance of 10.4 inches on some models, the Tundra truck is well-equipped for winter.
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 will come 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 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 take on snow.
Inside, you’ll find the latest tech and comfort features like a 12.3” touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel to ward off winter’s chill.
The Grand Highlander looks to be a very capable cold-weather option in Toyota’s lineup.
Toyota Venza
Don’t let the Toyota Venza’s sleek styling fool you; this midsize crossover has legitimate snow handling abilities thanks to standard all-wheel drive and 7.8 inches of ground clearance.
Only available as a hybrid, the Venza combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with three electric motors to generate 219 total system 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 Venzas also come equipped with a floor-mounted battery pack that helps improve the vehicle’s center of gravity, along with specially developed suspension tuning for stability in inclement weather.
In addition to sure-footedness in slippery conditions, the Venza pampers driver and passengers with an available 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 Venza’s interior on snowy days.
Read more: Toyota venza snow and winter driving
Toyota Sienna AWD
Minivans aren’t usually considered great winter vehicles, but the Toyota Sienna breaks the mold. The Sienna’s available all-wheel drive gives it credible snow handling that you won’t find on most other minivans.
Equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid system making 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 from 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 available rear-seat entertainment system—perfect for keeping kids happy through a blizzard.
Toyota Camry AWD
Lastly, the Toyota Camry AWD demonstrates that you don’t need an SUV to drive through winter confidently.
Joining Toyota’s roster 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 gives it enhanced traction and control in slippery conditions that most front-wheel-drive sedans lack.
The Camry AWD balances year-round drivability with all-weather capability. All Camrys also come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of active safety features like pre-collision braking and lane-keeping assist to give additional peace of mind on snow-covered roads.
The available heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and fast-warming seat heaters provide comfort during cold days.
While an SUV or truck may be better optimized for snow and ice, the Camry AWD demonstrates that with the right drivetrain, sedans can still drive with confidence 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.
