The Three Best Cars for Michigan Weather

Jul 4

Michigan throws a lot at drivers and their vehicles. In addition to our infamous potholes and traffic, Michigan winters are particularly harsh on cars and trucks. Freezing temperatures, salty roads, and slush make choosing the right vehicle important for safety and reliability. We've compiled our list of the best cars for Michigan winters, along with key features to look for in any make or model.

The Best Cars for Snow

Michigan’s long, snowy winters mean there’s a good chance you’re driving in cold conditions a solid six months of the year. When half of your annual driving could be chilly, rainy, or snowy (sometimes all in a single day), it’s worth finding the right car for winter driving.

1. Subaru Outback

There’s a reason you see so many Subaru Outbacks in Traverse City (not to mention Forresters and Imprezas). It’s an excellent winter vehicle due to its all-wheel drive (AWD), high ground clearance, and spacious cabin. Some model years had persistent issues (2010-2013), but most are solid used car buys.

2. BMW 3 Series

Another AWD leader, the 3 Series brings plenty of horsepower and panache to winter driving. Every 3 Series model comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing wipers standard, and of course, it has heated seats, too. BMWs are surprisingly affordable to own, especially if you find a good deal on a used one.

3. Volvo V90

Another wagon makes our list of the best cars for Michigan winters, and it’s no surprise that a Swedish brand knows how to make a winter-ready vehicle. The V90 has AWD models dating back over a decade, with newer models offering expansive safety features, including:

Adaptive LED headlights
Blind-spot monitoring
Cross-traffic alerts
Front collision alerts

What Makes a Good Winter Car?

You’ve probably already spotted a few of the features that make a car safer and more comfortable for winter driving.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - AWD provides better traction than front or rear-wheel drivetrains, and it’s better than four-wheel drive for day-to-day driving.
Blind-spot monitoring: Snow means low visibility, and blind-spot monitoring augments your field of vision by alerting you to objects in your blind spots.
Ground clearance: Ground clearance is the distance between your undercarriage and the ground; more clearance means you’re less likely to push snow or hit snow-covered objects in the road.
Comfort features: Look for heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start to make getting into your ride a bit more pleasant on frigid mornings in northern Michigan.

Get Your Vehicle Ready for Michigan Winters

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your car running smoothly. Let Garfield Auto Service Center get your vehicle tuned up for winter with our detailed, professional automotive services. For expert repairs at fair prices, schedule your service appointment with us today!

Cody Sovis