From midsize and large sedans to compact SUVs and minivans, the automotive world provides a slew of options for the budget-minded buyer concerned about winter weather. For starters, check out the Ford Fusion, Subaru Forester, Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Charger and Toyota Sienna.

 

 

 “A midsize sedan isn't the first car that comes to mind when thinking of the best ways to navigate slippery asphalt, but the 2013 Ford Fusion is available with an all-wheel-drive ace up its sleeve,” as KBB.com states[. ]“Providing year-round traction along with a commanding, SUV-like view of the road ahead, the Ford Fusion AWD is easily one of the most adaptable sedans on the market.”

 

KBB also lauds the driving dynamics and affordability of the Fusion, and delivers solid fuel economy for long-term savings.

 

“Whether you want a midsize sedan that's value-oriented, engaging to drive, or boasts the highest fuel economy in its class, there is probably a version of the 2013 Fusion that fits your requirements,” KBB states.

 

Boston.com, a service of the Boston Globe, calls the Forester one of its “top cars for winter driving.”

 

“The Forester has symmetrical all-wheel-drive, up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control system to keep it on its intended path,” the website notes.

 

In addition, the Forester delivers a number of safety features that aid winter driving.

 

“New, more efficient electrically-boosted power steering provides more positive feedback while the revamped chassis does an admirable job of keeping body roll in check under hard cornering,” explains KBB.

 

 

Also on the more affordable end of the spectrum, the Nissan Pathfinder has what KBB calls a “strong engine” along with the “ability to confidently tackle slippery paths thanks to a lockable four-wheel-drive mode.”

 

Like the Ford Fusion, the Pathfinder starts at under $30K and delivers good fuel economy. In fact, the Pathfinder is one of the more versatile automobiles on the road.

 

“If you want class-leading V6 fuel economy in a mainstream 7-passenger crossover, something a bit more nimble than a Chevy Traverse but roomier than a Toyota Highlander and with the power to tow a 5,000-pound trailer on occasion, the new-generation Nissan Pathfinder should be on your shopping list,” KBB explains.

 

 

Thought of more for its cool throwback look and engine power, the Charger is actually a well-respected safety leader.

 

According to Dodge, the vehicle delivers 65 standard and available safety features, including stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, a driver’s side knee airbag, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints, rearview camera, a blind-spot warning system, a rear cross-traffic warning system and a forward collision warning system that comes bundled with adaptive cruise control.

 

The Charger is also priced nicely for a large sedan.

 

“Overall, if you need a large sedan in this price range, you'll be hard-pressed to find one that's as rewarding to drive as the 2014 Dodge Charger…” explains Edmunds.com.

 

 

The only minivan to make Boston.com’s list of “top cars for winter driving,” the Sienna boasts all-wheel drive and available Blind Spot Monitor and front and rear parking assist will come in handy as parking spots get tighter and tighter when the snow piles up.

 

Antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver’s side knee airbag and active front head restraints are also standard on all 2013 Toyota Sienna models, according to Edmunds.com, and a package that includes active cruise control, a pre-collision warning system and hill-start assist is optional on the Limited.

 

All of this makes for not only a safe ride, but also one that’s ready for the hazards of winter.

 

“Regardless of which version you lean toward, the 2013 Toyota Sienna has the basics nailed down, providing a smooth, quiet ride, spirited acceleration and comfortable seating. It also can carry up to eight and offers available all-wheel drive, the latter exclusive to the Sienna and a boon for those who frequently slog through rain and snow,” explains Edmunds.com.

 

As technology advances every year, safety features continue to be added across the vehicle spectrum, including, notably, in some of the most affordable cars, SUVs and minivans on the road—and that’s good news as winter approaches. For more information on securing an auto loan with a low rate and flexible financing, stop by to see us today.