Boost confidence on foul-weather roads with these savvy SUVs

Criteria

With all of the SUVs and crossovers on today’s roads, thinning the herd to the best 10 for winter required setting some ground rules. First, the models on these pages feature either full-time four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive systems that react immediately to inclement weather conditions. Beyond that, we focused on additional traction aids and safety. As a result, all selected vehicles feature standard stability control technology, scored at least four stars on all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, received Good scores on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) front- and side-impact tests, and were also awarded an Acceptable or Good rating for rollover protection by the IIHS (vehicles with low or incomplete test results were not considered). Finally, we looked for rides offering a good bit of ground clearance to help tackle white and slushy winter muck, and highway fuel economy equaling 20 mpg or better (when equipped with four- or all-wheel drive) to keep you planted on that heated seat for as long as possible.