When winter weather arrives in New Jersey, drivers need a vehicle that can handle snow-covered roads, icy conditions, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable storms. That’s one of the reasons Subaru has built such a loyal following in the Northeast.
Most Subaru vehicles come equipped with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a feature that helps provide better traction, stability, and confidence during challenging winter conditions. Combined with Subaru’s excellent ground clearance, advanced safety technology, and proven reliability, the 2026 Subaru lineup offers some of the best winter-driving vehicles available.
If you’re looking for a Subaru that can confidently tackle winter weather, here are the best 2026 Subaru models to consider.
Subaru Forester: The Best Overall Winter SUV
The 2026 Subaru Forester remains one of the best vehicles for winter driving.
Why the Forester excels in snow:
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance
- X-Mode® traction management
- Excellent visibility
- Spacious interior and cargo area

The Forester consistently earns praise for its ability to handle snow-covered roads while remaining comfortable and easy to drive. Its upright seating position and large windows also provide excellent visibility during winter storms.
For many drivers, the Forester offers the perfect balance of capability, safety, and practicality.
Subaru Outback: Built for Winter Adventures
The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite among drivers who regularly face challenging weather conditions.
Winter advantages include:
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance
- Available X-Mode®
- Available turbocharged engine
- Excellent highway comfort

The Outback is particularly appealing for drivers who spend significant time on the road during the winter months. Whether you’re commuting, heading to the mountains, or taking a road trip, the Outback delivers confidence and comfort in difficult conditions.
The Outback Wilderness adds even more capability with additional ground clearance and off-road-focused features.
Subaru Crosstrek: Compact Size, Big Winter Capability
The Subaru Crosstrek proves that a smaller SUV can still deliver exceptional winter performance.
Drivers appreciate:
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance
- Easy maneuverability
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Compact size for city driving

The Crosstrek is especially popular among drivers who want winter capability without moving into a larger SUV.
Its combination of ground clearance and AWD often gives it an advantage over many larger crossovers when road conditions deteriorate.
Subaru Ascent: Winter Confidence for Families
Families who need extra passenger space don’t have to sacrifice winter capability.

The Subaru Ascent offers:
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- X-Mode® traction management
- Strong winter-weather stability
- Family-friendly safety features
For larger households, the Ascent provides the confidence needed to safely transport passengers through winter weather while offering plenty of interior space.
Why Subaru Excels in Winter Weather
Several features help Subaru vehicles stand out when temperatures drop.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Unlike many competitors that charge extra for AWD, Subaru includes it on most models. This system continuously distributes power to all four wheels, helping maximize traction and stability.

Ground Clearance
Many Subaru vehicles offer more ground clearance than competing cars and crossovers, making it easier to navigate snow-covered roads.
X-Mode® Traction Management
Available on many Subaru SUVs, X-Mode helps optimize performance on slippery surfaces by adjusting engine output, transmission settings, and braking.
Advanced Safety Technology
Features like EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology help drivers remain aware of changing road conditions and potential hazards.
Which Subaru Is Best for Winter Driving?
Choose the Forester if you want:
- The best overall winter SUV
- Family-friendly practicality
- Excellent visibility
Choose the Outback if you want:
- Road-trip comfort
- Adventure capability
- Additional versatility
Choose the Crosstrek if you want:
- Compact SUV size
- Outstanding value
- Easy maneuverability
Choose the Ascent if you want:
- Three rows of seating
- Family-focused space
- Standard AWD confidence

Find Your Winter-Ready Subaru at All American Subaru
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can confidently handle New Jersey winters, Subaru offers some of the most capable options on the road.
Visit All American Subaru in Old Bridge, NJ, to explore the 2026 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, and more. Our team can help you find the Subaru that best fits your winter driving needs.


