When the snow starts to fall, you know that it’s time to get your SUV ready for plowing. But which one should you choose? With a lot of options out there, it can be hard to choose one. You can either choose to a buy new one or a used one if you are short on budget.
The eight best SUVs for Plowing include Jeep Wrangler, Toyota RAV 4, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Sequoia, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer.
Further, in this post, I will explain some main characteristics which make these SUVs best for plowing. You can read on and find out which one is the best for you. However, first, you need to know about some pros and cons of Plowing with an SUV.
What are the Pros and Cons of Plowing with an SUV?
Plowing with an SUV has multiple advantages. SUVs are generally more powerful than smaller vehicles, so they can handle larger amounts of snow. They also have four-wheel drive, which is essential for traction in snowy conditions.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to plow with an SUV. First, SUVs are more expensive than other types of vehicles. Second, they tend to be less fuel-efficient, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough gas to get the job done.
SUVs are heavier and have a higher center of gravity, so they can be more difficult to maneuver. If you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your SUV – or worse, yourself!
Now that we have looked at the pros and cons of plowing with an SUV, let’s take a look at the 8 best options out there.
1. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a great option for plowing, thanks to its four-wheel drive and powerful engine. It’s also one of the most popular SUVs on the market, so you could easily find a used model that fits your budget. However, you can choose to buy a new one if your budget allows you to do so.
The ground clearance of Wrangler is about 8.7 inches, which is quite enough to drive on snowy roads. You will find this Jeep car in multiple drivetrain options; the high-end variant comes with a 3.6 Liter, 285 HP engine.
It is available in both manual and auto-transmissions and supports all-wheel drive. However, if you are thinking of plowing snow with it, you should buy the manual variant.
Generally, SUVs don’t provide good fuel economy, however, that is not true in this case. Jeep Wrangler is quite good in this case. As per EPA, the 3.6 L variant can give you a fuel average of 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Also read: Are Jeep Wrangler Parts Expensive? (The Full List)
2. Toyota RAV 4
If you are seeking a cozy, and budget-friendly SUV with all-wheel drive, then you can consider the Toyota RAV4.
In RAV4, you get a variety of options to pick from, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers, among others.
A 203 HP four-cylinder is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox in all models. The off-roading package of the Toyota RAV 4 offers you all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and front suspension.
Furthermore, RAV 4 has a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. and ground clearance of 8.6 inches which makes it good for off-roading and slight snow plowing.
3. Ford Explorer
The Expedition’s elevated position allows it to avoid becoming trapped in the snow. A high ground clearance of 9.8 inches makes it possible for this SUV to travel over snowdrifts.
In addition, the engine delivers 480 HP to the 4WD drivetrain; this guarantees that your wheels receive appropriate torque (470 lb. ft) when driving. When plowing snow-covered roads, you’ll appreciate the extra grip this provides.
Your Expedition can handle even the most intense snowfalls-thanks to the additionally attached snow tires.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice for those who need an SUV that can handle moderate plowing. You can use it to clear large parking spaces; however, it is good enough to clear tight corners and sidewalks.
The base variant comes with a 3.6 Liter V6 engine, that can deliver a power output of 293 HP. However, a 5.7 L Hemi- V8 option is also available.
Most importantly, Grand Cherokee has an off-road variant named Trailhawk. Its suspension is adjustable and you can get a ground clearance up to 11.3 inches. This Trailhawk comes with more robust off-road equipment, so it is an excellent choice for off-roading as well as plowing snow.
5. Toyota Sequoia
Another good option for snow plowing is the Toyota Sequoia. Several strong engine options are available, with the 2022 model having a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that delivers 381 HP and401 pound-feet of torque.
6-gear transmission, 4-wheel drive, and a large towing capability of 7100 lbs. are all standard on the Toyota Sequoia. On snowy days, the Air Ride suspension allows you to adjust the vehicle’s height to your preference. It is also possible to alter the amount of ground clearance, which enhances productivity.
Also read: Where is Toyota Manufactured? (The Full List)
6. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that’s built for comfort and power. It’s one of the most popular plowing SUVs on the market, thanks to its four-wheel drive and Vortec engine.
With a ground clearance of 8 inches and a powerful engine of 420 HP, Tahoe is a great choice for those who need to plow large amounts of snow. Actually, it is available with three engine options, a 355 HP V8, 420 HP V8, and fuel-efficient 277 HP.
Additionally, the towing capacity of Tahoe is 8,000 lbs. Like, Wrangler, it also comes with a wheel drive, which is optional on all variants. If you are planning to buy it for snow plowing, go with the highest engine specs and a 4-wheel drive option.
7. Ford Expedition
Another great option is Ford Expedition. It is one of the most reliable SUVs on the market. With a ground clearance of up to 10.6 inches and a towing capacity of 9300 lbs., it can be an excellent SUV to consider when traveling over difficult terrain such as snow.
Furthermore, it is a rear-wheel drive, with an all-wheel drive option. The standard variant of the car can produce a torque of about 470 lb. ft. and deliver 380 HP.
Ford Expedition, also has an FX4 package, which contains a 4-wheel drive, and all types of go-anywhere hardware (tough shocks, skid plates, side steps, heavy-duty radiator).
8. Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer is a great option for plowing, as it is both powerful and durable. It is one of the toughest SUVs on the market right now. For those looking for a vehicle that’s roomy, luxurious, and has a towing capability of 10,000 pounds or more, the Jeep Wagoneer is the vehicle.
The Wagoneer’s engine, a mild-hybrid V8 is credited for its stump-pulling 392 HP to all of its four wheels. The ground clearance of 8 inches enables it to plow snow easily.
In addition, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are included as standard equipment. However, the advanced package of the car contains air suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires.
Summary-8 Best SUVs for Plowing
Here’s the table which highlights the main specs. of all 8 SUVs.
| SUV | Engine Power (Horsepower) | Ground Clearance (inches) | Towing Capacity (lbs.) |
| Toyota RAV 4 | 203 | 8.6 | 3,500 |
| Jeep Wrangler | 285 | 8.7 | 3,500 |
| Ford Explorer | 380 | 9.8 | 6,000 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 293 | 11.3 | 6200 |
| Toyota Sequoia | 381 | 10.0 | 7,100 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 420 | 8 | 8,000 |
| Ford Expedition | 380 | 10.6 | 9,300 |
| Jeep Wagoneer | 392 | 8.0 | 10,000 |
Final Words
Now that we have looked at the eight best SUVs for plowing snow, it’s time to make a decision. Which of these vehicles is right for you? Consider your needs and requirements, and make sure to take into account the features and benefits of each SUV. Thanks for reading!
