Used Cars That Can Handle Harsh Winters

Anyone who’s spent a winter living or working in Colonie knows it can get rough. Between snowstorms, ice, and bitterly cold temperatures, there’s a lot to face. Cars have it even tougher than we do. Road slush can build up and turn to ice blocks, branches often fall in your path, and potholes or debris may be hidden under the snow waiting to strike. If you drive a lot in the winter, you need a used vehicle that will handle treacherous conditions and come out smiling.

As a respected used car dealer near Colonie for over 45 years, DePaula Ford has witnessed Mother Nature’s wrath firsthand, and we recognize the importance of a rugged, capable vehicle. While many vehicles do a fine job in snow and slush, some cars stand out above the rest. Consider these five used cars when your top priority is a vehicle that keeps you going through the long winter months.

Ford Escape

If you’re driving a vehicle year-round, you likely want to balance winter and summer performance. The Ford Escape does so, offering great driving dynamics on dry pavement while also having the tools to cope when the going gets rough. It has an agile coil-spring suspension to help you maneuver and a limited-slip rear differential to boost traction on slippery roads. Choose a full-time AWD variant for extra grip when accelerating, which reduces the chances of getting stuck.

The Escape is also a great winter vehicle if you prize fuel efficiency, or simply don’t want to worry about running out of gas while stuck in snowy squalls. A 2023 Escape AWD hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 39 MPG combined and has a 558-mile range, providing peace of mind. Other winter-friendly features include an available heated steering wheel and front seats to keep you cozy, heated side mirrors to remove ice and condensation quickly, and a large active driver assistance suite to help prevent collisions.

Subaru Outback

This “sport utility wagon” remains one of the best and most popular winter vehicles. Subaru’s famous Symmetrical AWD is just one of the puzzle pieces. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance help you clear debris and obstacles that suddenly appear, and the X-MODE software lets you instantly optimize the drivetrain for snow, deep snow, or mud. A limited-slip center differential, an auto-synchronizing transfer case, and standard fog lamps are other features Subaru equips the Outback with for winter environments.

Subaru also prioritizes safety, which is a good thing to have in your corner when rough winter roads increase the risk of disaster. The Outback consistently receives high IIHS and NHTSA honors, and its EyeSight active safety technology is considered among the industry’s best. Some used Outback models also have dirt-resistant upholstery and all-weather floor mats to protect the interior.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

A compact SUV may not be enough for large families in the winter, but the fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee introduced in 2021 is here to chauffeur kids and adults alike. Available as a two-row or three-row SUV (the Grand Cherokee L), both have Jeep’s legendary capability, which translates beautifully to winter terrain. Three different 4×4 systems are available, incorporating elements such as a limited-slip differential, a two-speed transfer case, and Selec-Terrain traction management, which helps claw out of snow drifts and icy ruts. The advanced systems also have a trail camera to help you detect potential winter hazards.

As a luxury SUV, the Grand Cherokee’s sophisticated amenities also provide huge winter benefits. Even base models come equipped with heated side mirrors, a heated windshield washer park, and dual-zone automatic climate control to prevent freeze-ups. By getting a used Grand Cherokee, you may be able to afford higher trim levels with heated front and rear seats, fog lamps, and a heated steering wheel. When nice weather returns, the Grand Cherokee remains a great Capital District vehicle, thanks to its multi-link front and rear suspensions, as well as a large cargo area.

Ford F-150

As good as SUVs can be, sometimes you need a truck to handle the worst days. A used Ford F-150 offers the brute strength and brawn to withstand Colonie winters, and it has the bonus of still letting you get work done or explore the snowy trails. The latest generation, which debuted in 2021, is the best of the bunch. It features an ultra-strong ladder steel frame, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a solid-axle rear suspension that won’t be compromised by the elements. Get a used F-150 with part-time 4WD for the best grip, which will also let you pull your friend’s cars out of snowbanks.

Off-road F-150 models, such as the Ford Tremor or a truck equipped with the FX4 package, are particularly appealing winter vehicles for Colonie drivers. The same equipment that makes these trucks great off the pavement also gives them a big boost on snowy streets and backroads. Ford also packs plenty of connectivity to keep devices charged in case you need to call for assistance, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance system offers many aids to guide you.

Mazda CX-5

Can a used car meant for winter still be fun? The Mazda CX-5 says yes. This crossover has the exciting Mazda DNA at its core, and the second-generation model produced from 2016 to 2024 is simultaneously a car that will spike your adrenaline and keep you calm during the depths of winter. Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD is a proven system that automatically adjusts to the current conditions, and the sporty handling shines on suboptimal pavement, keeping you in control.

Beyond this, the CX-5 has a remarkable safety testing record and a reputation for reliability, including one of the industry’s best transferable warranties against rust-through. The heated front seats, available on most models, offer three levels of personalized warmth. Its advanced driver assistance systems include Smart City Brake Support, which helps prevent collisions with other cars during low-speed city driving, even in challenging conditions. The second-generation CX-5 received near-constant updates, enabling you to easily find a model with additional heated elements, such as the side mirrors, wiper park, rear seats, and steering wheel.

Trust DePaula Ford for a Winter-Worthy Used Car

Enjoying the winter wonderland of Colonie starts with an affordable used car that you can expect to guide you through many more battles with Jack Frost. Even if you don’t specifically want one of the vehicles listed here, you can use this guide to determine what features to look for in your next vehicle so it’s ready when the cold, snow, and wind hit. We offer a large selection of used cars for you to browse on our lot or website. Our friendly staff has extensive experience with winter driving, and they’ll use that expertise to answer all your questions and offer advice if needed.

When you’re buying a used car to drive in Northeast winters, you also want to know that your dealership stands behind you. That’s the support you receive with the DePaula Pre-Owned Superstore Promise. Every vehicle has passed a 139-point inspection and been reconditioned as needed to meet our stringent quality standards. Other benefits include a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, same-day or home delivery with a full tank of fuel, and complimentary annual New York state inspections and windshield chip repair for as long as you own the vehicle.