Which Toyota Is Best For Driving In Connecticut Winters?

New England winters often create hazardous driving conditions, which is why motorists often rely on Toyota SUVs for winter driving in Connecticut. Toyota SUVs blend a combination of intuitive functionality and confident performance. If you live in New England, you already know that winter roads coated in black ice or powdery snow pose a significant threat to drivers and their vehicles.

Prepare for the cold season early by touring and test-driving the best Toyota SUVs for winter driving. McGee Toyota of Putnam has a diverse inventory of bold compact, midsize, and full-size SUVs, each with something unique to offer your snowy commute or ice fishing trip at Highland Lake.

Best in Snow: Exploring the Top-Tier Toyota SUVs for Winter Driving

	Toyota 4Runner	Toyota Grand Highlander	Toyota RAV4	Toyota Sequoia
Drivetrain (Standard)	RWD	FWD	FWD	2WD
Drivetrain (Available)	4WD	AWD	AWD	4WD
Drive Modes (Standard)	Drive Mode Select with Eco, Normal & Sport Modes	Drive Mode Select with Sport, Eco, Normal & Snow Mode	Sport, Eco & Normal Drive Modes	Eco, Normal & Sport Drive Modes
Drive Modes (Available)	Drive Mode Select with Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ & Custom Modes	Multi-Terrain Select with Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt & Normal Mode	Multi-Terrain Select with Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal Drive Modes	Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ & Custom Drive Modes
Safety Features (Standard)	Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Blind-Spot Monitor Trailer Sway Control Nine airbags LATCH	Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 LATCH Hill Start Assist Control Eight airbags Blind-Spot Monitor Electronically Controlled Braking	Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Trailer-Sway Control Hill Start Assist Control LATCH Vehicle Stability Control Eight airbags	Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 Blind-Spot Monitor Drive-Start Control Eight airbags LATCH Vehicle Stability Control
Safety Features (Available)	Panoramic View Monitor Multi-Terrain Monitor	Panoramic View Monitor Downhill Assist Control	Blind-Spot Monitor Downhill Assist Control Panoramic View Monitor	-
Exterior Features (Standard)	High-clearance front bumper LED fog lights Heated power outside mirrors All-season tires	Windshield wiper de-icer Rear liftgate windshield defogger Heated power outside mirrors	All-season mud & snow-rated tires (radials)	LED fog lights Heated outside mirrors Front and rear mudguards All-season tires
Exterior Features (Available)	Fixed running boards Composite front skid plate TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate including underbody transfer case & tank shield Trailhunter steel skid plate with a transfer case shield, a rear differential protector & a composite fuel tank shield All-terrain tires	LED fog lights	Integrated LED fog lights Front & rear mudguards Rain-sensing wipers with de-icer Heated outside mirrors Falken® All-Terrain tires	LED Trailer Reverse Assist Black heated power auto-dimming outside tow mirrors Automatic power-extending running boards Michelin LTX Trail all-terrain tires
Comfort & Convenience (Standard)	Single-zone manual climate control	Manual anti-glare rearview mirror One-year trial subscription of Remote Connect Three-zone automatic climate control	Rear liftgate window defogger Remote Connect (subscription only)	One-year trial subscription of Remote Connect Three-zone automatic climate control
Comfort & Convenience (Available)	Heated front seats Dual-zone automatic climate control Heated steering wheel All-weather floor mats	Heated front and rear outboard seats Heated steering wheel	Heated front seats Heated rear outboard seats All-weather floor mats Auto-dimming rearview mirror Dual-zone automatic climate control Heated steering wheel	All-weather floor mats Heated front and rear seats Heated steering wheel

Best SUVs for New England Winters: The "Best in Snow" Champions

Icy driving in Northeast CT, can be dangerous, especially for drivers who commute daily. Below are some top picks for the most favorable Toyota SUVs for winter driving.

The Rugged Outdoorsman: Toyota 4Runner

Slippery road driving conditions in Northeast CT, are made easy when you drive a vehicle that's designed for off-roading. In this case, Toyota all-wheel drive can really work in your favor. Of all the Toyota AWD models, the 4Runner might be the rugged off-road SUV. With standard features like the double-wishbone front suspension and LED fog lights, it is made for winter.

Toyota Grand Highlander

Winter roads in Connecticut are not to be taken lightly. The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger midsize luxury SUV with available AWD and standard Electronically Controlled Braking that can take on the road.

If you prefer something smaller, consider the Toyota Highlander, a midsize family-friendly SUV that's maneuverable on wet roads.

The Compact Trailblazer: Toyota RAV4

As a compact, versatile SUV, the RAV4 comes with several Drive Modes, including Multi-Terrain Select with Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal Drive Modes. It also comes with standard all-season mud and snow-rated radials and available rain-sensing windshield wipers with a built-in de-icer function. There is certainly a reason for the consistent RAV4 popularity year after year!

The Three-Row Powerhouse: Toyota Sequoia

When dealing with the icy driving conditions in Connecticut, you want to be in the driver's seat of a robust vehicle. The Toyota Sequoia is a full-sized, powerful SUV that traverses tricky terrain with aplomb. Its standard heated side mirrors, fog lights, and all-season tires tackle wintry northeastern roads with ease.

The Surprise Pick: Toyota Sienna

While the Sienna is not an SUV, it is still an honorable mention. There are not many minivans on the market with available all-wheel drive. As an AWD minivan, the Sienna is quite capable on icy roads. Plus, with its excellent fuel efficiency, available vacuum and fridge box, and towing up to 3,500 pounds, when properly equipped, it impresses across the board.

Confidently Conquer the Wintry Roads in Northeast CT With a Toyota SUV

When you're ready to tackle wintry road conditions in Connecticut, trust our McGee Toyota of Putnam dealership to deliver plenty of options for Toyota SUVs for winter driving. Visit our showroom to test-drive any of the models above.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best AWD SUVs for Snow

Does Toyota offer AWD on all its SUVs and crossovers?

All northeastern drivers know that snowy roads in New England are a force to be reckoned with. Toyota is a common nameplate to spot on the Mass Pike because it offers all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive on nearly all SUVs and crossovers. If you're wondering whether the vehicle you're eyeing comes with AWD or 4WD, we can help, while also giving advice on how to prepare for winter driving.

What safety features help Toyota vehicles perform better in snow?

As you drive your Toyota model through sleet, snow, and ice, it summons a series of technologies to keep you safe. Toyota AWD, while not a safety system, helps by keeping your tires extra connected to the terrain. A Panoramic View Monitor can provide more visibility, while Cruise Control helps maintain a safe distance from cars ahead of you. Of course, there are also airbags in case of an accident.

Is AWD necessary for winter driving in Connecticut?

When choosing a winter-friendly Toyota, all-wheel drive is your best bet for staying safe. It keeps the car's traction precise while also making it easier to start your drive, especially on slick, steep roads. Reliable tires are also key to successful winter driving. You can explore these options and "winter-proof" your new Toyota with the professional guidance of our specialists at McGee Toyota of Putnam.

How can I prepare my Toyota SUV for safe winter driving?

Before facing the icy roads in New England, it's always wise to bring your Toyota into a certified service center for an assessment. At a McGee Toyota of Putnam maintenance appointment, we'll inspect your brakes, tires, oil level, coolant level, and other vital elements, ensuring everything is in excellent condition. You don't want to get caught in a blizzard with low-tread tires or insufficient coolant to handle freezing temperatures!

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