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The Best Cars for Surviving Extreme Weather Conditions

When extreme weather strikes, having the right vehicle can make all the difference in safely navigating harsh conditions. Some cars are specifically engineered to excel in snowstorms, heatwaves, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. These rugged, capable vehicles provide superior traction, off-road prowess, and protective features to keep drivers and passengers secure.

Whether you need to plow through deep snow, traverse flooded roads, or power through gale-force winds, the right vehicle can be a lifesaver. Here, we'll explore our top picks for weathering the storm. Each offers unique capabilities to tackle Mother Nature's worst while keeping occupants comfortable and secure. Let’s take a look!

5. Subaru Outback

5. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is a versatile crossover built for all-weather driving. Its standard all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance provide excellent traction and capability in snow, mud, and other challenging conditions. Symmetrical all-wheel drive distributes power evenly for maximum grip, while X-MODE optimizes the powertrain for off-road use.

The Outback's rugged suspension and frame further bolster its all-terrain performance. Inside, features like heated seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and EyeSight driver assist technology help keep occupants comfortable and safe, even in the harshest environments.

(Image via Subaru)

4. Toyota Land Cruiser

4. Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota's legendary large SUV, the Land Cruiser, is built to conquer the most extreme conditions. Its robust body-on-frame construction, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and sophisticated off-road technologies make it a formidable force in snow, sand, mud, and more. Multi-terrain Select allows the driver to optimize traction for the current surface, while Crawl Control maintains a steady, low speed for technical off-road maneuvers.

 The Land Cruiser's spacious cabin provides ample room for gear and supplies, while premium amenities like leather upholstery and a premium audio system keep occupants comfortable. This is a vehicle engineered to tackle any weather with uncompromising capability.

(Image via Toyota)

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Few SUVs can match the Jeep Grand Cherokee's combined on-road refinement and off-road prowess. Available four-wheel-drive systems, including the advanced Quadra-Drive II, give the Grand Cherokee exceptional traction in snow, mud, and other adverse conditions. Its adjustable air suspension can be raised for increased ground clearance, while Selec-Terrain modes optimize performance for specific terrains.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee offers a wealth of comfort and convenience features, from heated/ventilated seats to a panoramic sunroof. With its rugged underpinnings and premium cabin, the Grand Cherokee is equally at home, conquering remote trails or navigating through severe weather.

(Image via Stellantis)

2. Ford F-150 Raptor

2. Ford F-150 Raptor

As Ford's primary high-performance off-road pickup, the F-150 Raptor is engineered to excel in the worst weather. Its powerful turbocharged engine, reinforced suspension, and advanced four-wheel-drive system give it unparalleled off-road capability. Meanwhile, the Terrain Management System featured in the Raptor allows the driver to choose from various drive modes optimized for snow, mud, sand, and other surfaces.

The Raptor's long-travel suspension soaks up bumps and ruts, while its high ground clearance and knobby tires tackle deep snow and flooded roads with ease. Inside the cab, the Raptor pampers occupants with creature comforts like heated/ventilated seats and a premium audio system, making it a formidable choice for weathering any storm. The Raptor's long-travel suspension soaks up bumps and ruts, while its high ground clearance and knobby tires tackle deep snow and flooded roads with ease. Inside the cabin, the Raptor pampers occupants with creature comforts like heated/ventilated seats and a premium audio system, making it a formidable choice for weathering any storm.

(Image via Ford)

1. Land Rover Defender

1. Land Rover Defender

The legendary Land Rover Defender is the quintessential all-weather, all-terrain vehicle. Its robust body-on-frame construction, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and generous ground clearance make it a true off-road champion. Its Terrain Response 2 system automatically adapts the powertrain, differentials, and chassis to the current conditions.

The Defender's wading depth of up to 35 inches allows it to traverse deep floodwaters with ease. Inside, the Defender's rugged yet refined cabin features premium materials and the latest infotainment and safety technologies to keep occupants comfortable and secure, even in the harshest weather conditions.

(Image via Land Rover)