Best Used SUVs for Minnesota Winters

Best Used SUVs for Minnesota Winters

Minnesota winters are no joke. The Twin Cities average 45 to 52 inches of snow per year, with roughly 100 days annually where at least an inch of snow sits on the ground. Temperatures regularly drop below zero, and black ice is a constant hazard from November through March. If you're shopping for a used SUV in Minnesota, winter performance isn't optional — it's the whole decision.

This guide covers the best used SUV's for Minnesota winter driving, what specs actually matter, and which model years to target for the best value.

What Makes an SUV Good for Minnesota Winters

Before the list, here's what actually separates a capable winter SUV from one that'll leave you sideways in a ditch:

• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) — Distributes power to all four wheels. AWD is automatic and handles daily commutes well. 4WD is better for deep snow and off-road conditions.
• Ground Clearance — At least 8 inches is recommended for Minnesota. Higher clearance lets you drive through packed snow without dragging the undercarriage.
• Traction and Stability Control — Prevents wheel spin and keeps the vehicle from sliding on ice.
• Snow/Winter Drive Mode — Reduces throttle response and adjusts torque delivery for low-traction starts.
• Heated Features — Heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, and heated mirrors make a real difference at -20°F.

Best Used Compact SUVs for Minnesota Winters

Subaru Forester (2018–2022) — Best Overall Winter Pick

The Subaru Forester is the gold standard for winter driving among compact SUVs. Every Forester comes with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard — not optional, not an upgrade. In Consumer Reports testing of nearly 50,000 drivers who commuted in snow, three Subaru vehicles topped the list as best in snow, with the Forester leading the pack.

• Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
• AWD System: Symmetrical AWD, always engaged
• Snow Mode: Standard on most trims
• Used Price Range (2018–2022): $18,000–$27,000
• Best Model Years: 2019, 2020, 2022 — consistently high reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power

The 2022 Subaru Forester is rated at 33 MPG highway and offers an 8.7-inch ground clearance, making it one of the most capable and fuel-efficient options in its class for winter use.

Toyota RAV4 (2019–2022) — Best Value Used Winter SUV

The 2019–2022 Toyota RAV4 (fifth generation) is one of the most reliable compact SUVs on the market. It earns high marks from both J.D. Power and Consumer Reports for long-term dependability — a critical factor when buying used. AWD is available on all trim levels, and the RAV4 Hybrid comes with AWD standard.

• Ground Clearance: 8.4 inches
• AWD System: Dynamic Torque Control AWD
• Used Price Range (2019–2022): $20,000–$29,000
• Best Model Year: 2021 RAV4 — rated among the most reliable used compact SUVs by multiple sources

Note on snow cornering: Consumer Reports testing found the RAV4's AWD can disengage above 25 mph in lock mode. On a daily Minnesota commute this rarely matters, but for rural or unplowed roads, the Forester has a more consistent AWD response.

Honda CR-V (2020–2022) — Best Fuel Economy with AWD

The 2020–2022 Honda CR-V is consistently ranked at the top of its class for reliability. It delivers 28 MPG city / 34 MPG highway with AWD, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options for winter driving. The CR-V's Real Time AWD system is responsive and handles packed snow and slush well for daily driving.

• Ground Clearance: 7.8 inches (lowest of the three compact picks — fine for plowed city streets, less ideal for rural roads)
• AWD System: Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control
• Used Price Range (2020–2022): $22,000–$30,000
• Best Model Year: 2020–2021 CR-V EX-L trim — adds heated seats and remote start

Best Used Midsize SUVs for Minnesota Winters

Toyota 4Runner (2019–2023) — Best Used SUV for Serious Snow

If you drive rural Minnesota roads, haul equipment, or need to get through unplowed back roads, the Toyota 4Runner is the top pick. It runs a proper body-on-frame design with a proven 4WD system, 9 inches of ground clearance, and one of the strongest reliability records of any SUV on the road.

• Ground Clearance: 9.0–10.1 inches (TRD Off-Road trim)
• Drive System: Part-time 4WD with available Multi-Terrain Select
• Tow Rating: 6,000 lbs
• Used Price Range (2019–2023): $36,000–$50,000
• Best For: Rural routes, deep snow, heavy-duty winter use

The 4Runner commands a premium on the used market because of its durability, but it holds its value better than almost any other SUV. A well-maintained 2019 or 2020 4Runner with 60,000–80,000 miles is still a 200,000-mile vehicle if serviced regularly.

Kia Telluride (2020–2023) — Best Family Used SUV for Minnesota Winters

The Kia Telluride launched in 2019 and quickly became one of the most awarded midsize SUVs on the market. U.S. News named it their Editor's Choice for midsize SUVs. AWD is available on all trims and includes a lock mode for low-speed snow driving. It seats 7–8 passengers and comes loaded with safety technology.

• Ground Clearance: 8.0 inches
• AWD System: AWD with Lock Mode
• Engine: 3.8L V6, 291 hp
• Used Price Range (2020–2023): $32,000–$48,000
• Best Model Year: 2021–2022 Telluride EX AWD — strong reliability, full feature set, available below $40,000

For families needing three rows with solid winter capability, the Telluride is the smartest used buy in Minnesota right now.

Jeep Grand Cherokee (2021–2023) — Best Used Off-Road Winter SUV

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers multiple 4x4 system options (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II) and up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance on Overland trims with Quadra-Lift air suspension. It's the most capable option for drivers who deal with unplowed rural roads, farm access, or significant elevation changes.

• Ground Clearance: 8.4–10.9 inches depending on trim and suspension
• Drive Systems: Three available 4WD configurations
• Engine Options: 3.6L V6 (293 hp), 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 hp), 2.0L PHEV (375 hp)
• Used Price Range (2021–2023): $34,000–$52,000
• Best Model Year: 2022 Grand Cherokee — redesigned inside and out, added standard safety tech

Reliability note: Grand Cherokees are capable but require more maintenance attention than Toyota or Subaru options. Budget for regular service.

Best Budget Used SUV for Minnesota Winters Under $20,000

Subaru Outback (2017–2019) — Best Budget Winter AWD Pick

The Subaru Outback gives you Symmetrical AWD standard, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and solid cargo space — all for under $20,000 in the 2017–2019 range. It's not as polished inside as newer competitors, but for Minnesota winter capability per dollar, nothing touches it at this price point.

• Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
• AWD: Symmetrical AWD standard
• Used Price Range: $15,000–$21,000
• Best Model Year: 2018–2019 for updated EyeSight safety tech

Minnesota Winter SUV Comparison Table

Should You Also Get Winter Tires?

Yes — for most Minnesota drivers, winter tires are worth it regardless of what SUV you drive. The difference between all-season and dedicated winter tires on ice is significant. Studies consistently show winter tires improve braking distance on ice by 25–40% compared to all-season tires.

AWD helps you accelerate. Winter tires help you steer and stop. You need both.

If budget is a concern, winter tires on a front-wheel drive vehicle often outperform all-season tires on an AWD vehicle in true winter conditions.

FAQ: Best Used SUVs for Minnesota Winters

What is the best used AWD SUV for Minnesota winters?

The Subaru Forester (2018–2022) is the top pick for most Minnesota drivers. It comes with Symmetrical AWD standard on every trim, has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, strong reliability scores, and is available used in the $18,000–$27,000 range. For those needing more capability, the Toyota 4Runner is the best option for serious winter conditions and rural roads.

Is AWD or 4WD better for Minnesota winters?

AWD is better for most Minnesota drivers. It engages automatically, handles daily highway and city driving well, and is available on most crossover SUVs. 4WD is better for off-road conditions, deep unplowed snow, and rural routes — but it's typically found on larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. For Twin Cities commuters, AWD is sufficient. For outstate or rural Minnesota drivers, 4WD is worth considering.

Do I need winter tires if my SUV has AWD?

AWD improves traction when accelerating, but it does not improve braking or cornering on ice. For Minnesota winters — especially temperatures below 20°F where all-season tires harden and lose grip — dedicated winter tires are strongly recommended. Many Minnesota drivers run a separate set of winter tires on steel wheels from November through March.

What is the most reliable used SUV for winter driving?

Toyota and Subaru consistently rank highest for long-term reliability in used SUV categories. The 2019–2022 Toyota RAV4 and 2018–2022 Subaru Forester are both rated highly by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and are widely regarded as the most dependable options for winter driving at a used price point.

What should I look for when buying a used winter SUV in Minnesota?

Check these specifically: confirmed AWD or 4WD (verify it's functional — test it), ground clearance of at least 8 inches, undercarriage condition (rust from road salt is a major issue on Minnesota used vehicles), working heated seats and remote start, and tire condition. Always request a vehicle history report and have a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic familiar with Minnesota-driven vehicles. Salt corrosion on brake lines, exhaust, and frame components is a common issue on vehicles with multiple Minnesota winters on them.