What Are The Best Trucks For Snow & Ice?

Perhaps you’re on the fence about which truck to buy. You know you need a truck that can handle snowy and icy conditions, but which one is right for you? We researched this concern for your convenience, and have come up with the following information.

One truck can’t provide all the benefits you may want, particularly for traversing snow and ice, but some models have features that help them outperform others in this category. Some ideal candidates are:

  1. 2018 Ram 1500
  2. 2018 Honda Ridgeline

Take note that each truck has its unique advantages and drawbacks. So continue reading as we talk about these vehicles in greater detail.

A A 2019 Dodge Ram Rebel 1500 truck at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), one of the most influential car shows in the world each year., What Are The Best Trucks For Snow & Ice?

Best Trucks For Snow And Ice

1. 2018 Ram 1500

at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow, the all new Dodge RAM 1500 comes with Canada's Best selling Engine that delivers up to 305hp

If you know your Ram 1500 trucks, you might notice that the 2018 model isn't much of an upgrade from its direct predecessor. However, the lack of additional features may not be a bad thing. After all, this vehicle still offers excellent performance as you use it to cross snow and ice.

In particular, the 2018 Ram 1500 has a 4x4 or 4-wheel drive that comes with an off-road control system. It should allow you to drive safely through slippery roads.

Plus, the interior comes with premium leather seats, allowing you to stay comfortable in the cabin. The seats also come with proper heating and ventilation to keep you and your passengers warm and cozy during rides.

Interested buyers can also choose from many different engine selections for their 2018 Ram 1500. The base model has a 3.6-liter V6 model that provides suitable performance when used in different driving conditions, but you can also choose the more powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine if you need more horsepower to tackle difficult off-road situations.

Watch this short clip for a quick overview of this truck:

2. 2018 Honda Ridgeline

at the 2016 Canadian International AutoShow, 2017 Honda Ridgeline features an ACE body structure and industry first 400-watt AC power inverter for a truck-bed audio system

If you're looking for a truck that can go through light to medium density snow and ice, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline might be your pick. While this vehicle isn't an all-powerful workhorse, it can still provide the right performance when driving through slippery on-road surfaces.

Users of the 2018 Ridgeline can also enjoy features like:

  • Built-in stereo in the truck bed
  • Powerful V6 engine
  • Different drive train settings

This truck aso has the Intelligent Traction Management system, allowing users to modify the grip level of the vehicle for different conditions. Some of the settings include improving traction for snow, mud, and sand.

The base model of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline comes with a heated steering wheel and heated seats. There’s also a rearview camera to help drivers watch out for potential hazards while reversing the vehicle.

Although the 2018 Honda Ridgeline is a strong contender in the "trucks for snow and ice" category, it does have some shortcomings. Some of these drawbacks are:

  • Complicated infotainment system
  • Lower towing power than its competitors
  • Materials used may depreciate quickly

Watch the video below if you want to learn more about the 2018 Ridgeline:

Honorable Mention

2016 Land Rover LR4

Although the 2016 Land Rover LR4 is a midsized SUV, it has more ground clearance than many of its rivals, even in other vehicle classes. Driving this vehicle can help you go over mounds of snow and ice without serious issues.

Also, the performance of its Terrain Response feature allows it to adjust the brakes' response times depending on different driving conditions. With it, you may not have to seriously adjust your braking as you drive across snow and ice since the SUV does it for you.

The 2016 LR4 also comes with a 3-liter supercharged V6 engine, which can supply the vehicle with 340 horsepower. The power generated from the engine goes to all four wheels, thanks in part to its 8-speed automatic transmission.

Although this vehicle has excellent off-road performance, it only acts decent at best when driven on the highway. The onboard technology also lags at times, which may frustrate some users.

However, the 2016 Land Rover LR4's numerous safety features can bring new owners peace of mind. Some of these features are:

  • Stability and traction control
  • Parking sensors
  • Rearview camera
  • Hill-descent control
  • Hill-start assist
  • Anti-lock disc brakes

This video shows you a quick view of the 2016 Land Rover LR4:

What Makes A Truck Good For Snow And Ice?

Pickup truck on road, Beautiful winter road under snow mountains Dolomites, Italy. Shiny red truck measuring the depth of the snow

When looking for a truck adept to snow and ice, keep an eye out for certain features. These features should make your drives safer without reducing the vehicle’s overall performance.

Here are some of the features to look for:

Sufficient Ground Clearance

Piles of snow often leave hidden dangers that can harm your vehicle. These hazards may also make your driving more dangerous than expected. Your next truck should have more than enough ground clearance to reduce the risks of objects scraping or banging against the parts underneath the vehicle.

Even Weight Distribution

Aim to purchase and use a pickup truck with a longer-than-average body. A long body helps enhance the weight distribution on the vehicle, improving traction in different on- and off-road conditions.

4-Wheel Drive Train

The benefit of having a 4-wheel drive is that the truck can shift its torque from left to right. That means that the wheels will make the most out of their grip without sigificantly reducing power. In comparison, all-wheel drive vehicles may not provide adequate power to cut through rough snow and ice patches.

How To Drive In Snow Safely?

Traffic jam caused by heavy snowfall

It’s important to note that using the right truck for snow and ice is only one part of the safe driving equation. You still need to be vigilant while driving on slippery terrain to prevent harmful events from happening.

So here are some tips to help you drive safely on your truck on slippery roads:

Avoid Distractions

You should always avoid distractions while driving, regardless of the road's conditions. For instance, don’t use your phone when you should be focusing on the road. If you must use your phone, take advantage of your truck’s hands-free and connected features for your smartphone.

Remember, stay vigilant and try to anticipate problems. That way, you should have ample time to react to potential hazards that might otherwise cause accidents and injuries.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Avoid potential malfunctions and breakdowns while driving in inclement conditions by preparing for the trip before heading out. Bear in mind that driving in slippery terrain often presents more dangers than cruising through the highway.

So here are some things to check and maintain:

  • Electronics (e.g., battery, ignition, lights)
  • Brakes
  • Tires and wheels
  • Cabin climate control system
  • Windshield wipers
  • Fuel gauge and the instrument cluster

Add Accessories

If you have the extra cash, you can buy and install aftermarket accessories to your truck. That way, you can make your drives on snow and ice safer than usual.

Tire chains are excellent candidates to add to your winter drives. These accessories are often reasonably inexpensive, and the chains can improve the traction on your tires so they more effectively grip slippery surfaces.

Check out these tire chains on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for other trucks, check out the models listed in these posts:

What Are The Best Trucks For Families?

Which Trucks Are Best For Towing?