SUV’s for Wisconsin Winters (Superior, Forest: 2015, living in, price)

[WRM20]

Easy. Buy a new 4Runner.

[Bitey]

I think a lot of people here saying "just keep the 4Runner" assume its AWD or 4WD, because a RWD 4Runner is almost unheard of around here. However, I'm not so quick the same holds true for 4Runners in the down-south market.

A decent AWD S/CUV with good all-weather (not "all-season") tires should do the trick just fine in a populated area like Madison. Recommend Michelin CrossClimate2's

[ranger17]

Originally Posted by Bitey

I think a lot of people here saying "just keep the 4Runner" assume its AWD or 4WD, because a RWD 4Runner is almost unheard of around here. However, I'm not so quick the same holds true for 4Runners in the down-south market.

A decent AWD S/CUV with good all-weather (not "all-season") tires should do the trick just fine in a populated area like Madison. Recommend Michelin CrossClimate2's

Good point, southern may mean Rwd and that’s a whole other discussion for snow and tires.

[mikeugh]

I didn't consider a RWD. Yeah, I'd get rid of that if its the case.

Good point!

[soccerphysio]

Thanks for all of the recent replies!

Keeping the 4Runner isn’t an option, it’s 16 years old and nearing its end life. It would probably last a few more years down here, not sure it would make it through a WI winter. Also, I believe it’s RWD. He would love to buy another one, but far out of his price range.

Definitely going to lean heavily towards AWD.

[Frostnip]

Madison is on one of Wisconsin's best maintained areas of the state and there's not much elevation or undeveloped space that would require high clearance or extra vroom. He'll be fine with pretty much any reliable FWD or AWD vehicle. But do tell him not to skimp on winter tires - a lot of people even in WI run on all-seasons tires year-round, but a great set of winter tires can turn even a little sedan into a tank...at least on level surfaces. The difference on a slick road with winter tires versus all-seasons is NFL hockey player versus grandpa with a bad hip.

[EllieKay56]

We live in rural Wisconsin and drive a Honda Accord and Civic. No issues with winter driving. Hubby is in sales and out covering over 300 miles a week-he drives the Civic with no problems.

[RogueMom]

I was up there for a few weeks in February, during which I drove in snow, icy conditions, bitter cold some days.

I rented a Toyota Rav4, newer model, and it did great. Very comfortable vehicle.

[Lillie767]

We use 4WD cars in the south for help with the rain and water pooling. 4WD helps with hydroplaning.

[UniversalTraveler]

My vote would sure be going towards a Subaru. Back in 1982 when we lived in West Allis, my wife worked downtown Milwaukee. There was a snowstorm one afternoon and she was driving a Subaru 4WD wagon. One of her favorite memories was trucking back home in the storm where they hadn't plowed yet on the highway and she was the ONLY car getting through. And easily no less. She remembered she didn't slide or lose any traction. Subarus in general are monsters where snow and ice are concerned. Much more technically advanced then other all wheel drive vehicles. The new Forester sure is nice.