Are pickup trucks good for driving in snow? Absolutely. Pickup trucks are highly popular for their versatility, cargo space, and capability.
Having a truck that can handle snow, ice, and freezing temperatures is a good idea for those living in harsh winters.
When evaluating pickup trucks for winter driving, there are certain features and capabilities to look for. Four-wheel drive is essential for maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
Trucks with high ground clearance and rugged off-roading abilities perform better on snow and ice.
Cold weather packages with engine block heaters, battery warmers, and heavy-duty alternators are also advantageous.
Here are the 10 best pickup trucks for cold weather driving in 2024:
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RAM 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX is essentially a cold-weather monster truck. It has a supercharged 6.2L V8 HEMI engine producing 702 horsepower paired with a robust 4WD system, making it almost unstoppable in the snow.
The truck rides on 35-inch Goodyear territory all-terrain tires with 18-inch beadlock-capable wheels, giving it tremendous grip and traction.
With a ground clearance of 11.8 inches and the ability to ford water up to 32 inches deep, the TRX can easily plow through deep snow and slush.
The TRX comes standard with a cold weather package with a battery warmer, block heater, heated steering wheel, and seats to keep you comfortable in freezing temperatures.
Its adaptive off-road suspension soaks up any bumps in the road caused by ice and snow.
The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers are tuned explicitly for off-road resilience.
With its rugged design and incredible power, the TRX dominates winter driving.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is the most capable Tundra for winter adventures.
It features a lifted suspension with 2.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass shocks, 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels, and P285/65R18 all-terrain tires for excellent traction and control in snow and ice.
Under the hood, the 389 horsepower 5.7L iForce V8 provides plenty of power to push through the snow.
Toyota outfits the TRD Pro with heavy-duty skid plates to protect critical components, a high-output alternator to supply steady power in frigid temps, and an engine block heater for cold weather protection.
The Tundra TRD Pro’s Multi-Terrain Monitor shows you hard-to-see areas for winter driving confidence. It also offers comfort through the winter with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 4WD earns its place as America’s best-selling pickup by offering great winter performance.
Models like the F-150 XLT and Lariat can be equipped with Ford’s tough FX4 off-road package, adding all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and protective skid plates.
The available ControlTrac and Shift-On-The-Fly 4WD systems provide versatility for varied winter conditions.
Powerful engine choices like the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 5.0L V8 offer ample traction control with the electric motor’s instant torque.
Ford Co-Pilot360 technology includes class-exclusive features like Trail Control, a low-speed cruise control for snow and ice.
With various capable engines and innovative technology, the F-150 is a trusty companion in cold weather.
GMC Sierra 1500
GMC is synonymous with capabilities for any weather conditions. The Sierra 1500 shines in cold weather thanks to its advanced 4WD system, powerful V8 engine lineup, and innovative tech.
The available 6.2L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management generates 420 horsepower, offering tremendous momentum on snow-covered roads.
GMC offers a Snow Plow Prep Package for the Sierra with a heavy-duty front bumper and 220 amp alternator.
The 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case provides a low range for slippery traction.
The Sierra can also be optioned with heated rear outboard seats and a rear window defogger.
The MultiPro tailgate even doubles as a standing workstation when needed in the cold.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Like its mechanical twin, the GMC Sierra, the Chevy Silverado 1500 is well prepared to handle whatever winter throws.
Available advanced driver aids like Snow Plow Prep, Engine Block Heater, and Heavy Duty Battery and Alternator keep the Silverado running through anything.
Powerful engine choices like the 6.2L V8 High Output or Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel thrive in cold weather, providing stump-pulling torque.
Chevy’s advanced trailering technology helps you get around safely while pulling heavy loads on icy roads.
With available creature comforts like a heated steering wheel, front/rear outboard heated seats, and wireless phone charging, the Silverado’s cabin will stay cozy all winter long.
Honda Ridgeline
While it may seem unconventional next to more traditional trucks, the Honda Ridgeline has great cold-weather credentials.
The Ridgeline has a heated steering wheel, ideal for frigid mornings.
Its unibody construction gives it a smoother ride over frozen roads than typical trucks with separate body-on-frame designs.
The Ridgeline’s available i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system performs very well in slippery conditions, aided by Intelligent Traction Management with modes for snow driving. A factory-installed in-bed trunk keeps cargo out of the elements.
Coming standard with a block heater, the Ridgeline is primed for reliable cold starts. Its crossover-like comfort and innovative design make the Ridgeline a great winter option.
Ford Maverick
Ford shook up the pickup segment when it introduced the new compact Maverick for 2022.
This smaller truck still has plenty of winter prowess thanks to the available AWD paired with a 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine that provides ample power and quicker throttle response.
Equipped with the FX4 package, the Maverick adds more capable suspension, all-terrain tires, and underbody protection.
The Maverick’s low price tag means you can opt for winter-ready features like heated front seats, steering wheel, and mirrors without breaking the bank.
Clever storage slots and compartments throughout give you places to keep items out of the cold and snow.
With great value, efficiency, and capability, the Maverick is in a class for little trucks that deliver big in cold weather.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
As another new-to-market pickup for 2022, the Hyundai Santa Cruz brings car-like comfort and efficiency to a small truck build.
Available HTRAC all-wheel drive enhances traction in slippery conditions, aided by a differential lock that optimizes torque to the wheel with the most grip.
The Santa Cruz model with the 2.5L turbocharged engine provides sufficient power for challenging winter conditions.
Heated front seats come standard on the Santa Cruz. Clever features like a lockable underfloor bed storage area and an available Baja-style bed rack with an integrated tent keep you ready for any adventure, regardless of the temperature.
The Santa Cruz provides comfort and versatility for those needing a winter-ready truck in a smaller package.
GMC Canyon Denali
The GMC Canyon Denali is a strong contender for midsize truck buyers needing winter capability.
The Duramax 2.8L turbo-diesel engine provides low-end torque ideal for plowing through snow or pulling a boat on an icy grade.
The advanced 4WD system with an Eaton G80 automatic locking rear differential maximizes traction and control in slippery conditions.
Upscale Denali models feature heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, perfect for cold mornings and nights.
The spray-on bed liner helps protect the truck bed from snow, ice, and road treatment chemicals. The Canyon Denali pairs refinement with truck toughness for winter duty.
Nissan Frontier Pro-4X
The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X trim equips this midsize truck for rugged winter terrain. Its advanced 4WD system includes an electronic locking rear differential, hill descent control, and an off-road suspension tuned by Bilstein. These features allow you to venture down snowy backroads and trails with confidence.
The Pro-4X has an impressive 9.7 inches of ground clearance. A factory spray-in bedliner protects the truck bed from the elements.
The Frontier Pro-4X offers heated cloth seats, a heated steering wheel, and an available Pro-X Convenience Package with heated outside mirrors for cold weather comfort.
Final Thoughts
The pickup trucks featured in this list exemplify the very best for tackling frigid winter conditions. With advanced features like 4WD/AWD, heavy-duty components, and innovative comfort amenities, these trucks own the capability, technology, and resilience needed for winter driving success.
If you live in cold weather climates, having the right pickup ensures you don’t have to compromise your activities or mobility during snowy months.
These leading models from major manufacturers deliver the ultimate in trucks primed to take on winter and thrive, no matter how harsh the forecast.
For truck buyers who refuse to let winter weather slow them down, these rugged and capable pickups will keep you on the move all season long.
