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As the title says, I am on the search for a vehicle and trying to find that perfect balance between fuel economy and performance in winter weather. I live in the Chicago area and drive around 600 miles over the course of the week for my job. My job is in sales and my territory covers parts of 3 counties. My Ford Mustang is terrible for this, bad on gas mileage and bad in snow. I'm looking to make a decision before winter begins.
The area I travel in is primarily flat, but there are some roads with numerous curves and when snow does occur it blows and drifts all over in the country. I know Chicago doesn't get massive amounts of snow, but when we do get it, it often lingers around for quite a while. I would like some peace of mind, given that I spend upwards of 12 hours of the work week in my car. At the same time, fuel economy is a high priority too. My Mustang eats gas, so in reality, just about anything would be an improvement.
I'd say G35/G37, but it has worse gas mileage than my v8 mustang. However that car is incredible In the snow. Total confidence in mine with good tires and I commute 500 miles a week in the Northeast.
Mazda Tribute. 31 mpg and you can find a hybrid version.
Honda CR-V. Solid 27 all around if not better, and I had mine anywhere and on any type of imminent weather. As in - storms, snow, ice, slit, high water, you name it.
Of course, if you do stupid any four wheel drive will turn into four wheel slide, but I even could not get her to skid, and I tried.
Many years in Wyoming (and Colorado, and Montana) with my wife commuting ~1200 miles a week through all kinds of roads/weather and our 2001 Jetta TDI with Nokian WR2 tires never had an issue while returning 48mpg.
Tires are more important than the vehicle, and the Nokian WR2's, while winter rated, are still all-season tires and not as good as dedicated Winter tires. No matter what vehicle you decide on, spend the money to have good winter tires if you're relying on it through all kinds of harsh winter weather for work.
Hard to beat as nice condition low mileage Jeep Cherokee Sport with the 4.0HO I-6 and a good set of proper snow tires
Buy the Jeep for winter and newer sub-compact car for summer driving to get good fuel economy in nice weather
As the title says, I am on the search for a vehicle and trying to find that perfect balance between fuel economy and performance in winter weather. I live in the Chicago area and drive around 600 miles over the course of the week for my job. My job is in sales and my territory covers parts of 3 counties. My Ford Mustang is terrible for this, bad on gas mileage and bad in snow. I'm looking to make a decision before winter begins.
The area I travel in is primarily flat, but there are some roads with numerous curves and when snow does occur it blows and drifts all over in the country. I know Chicago doesn't get massive amounts of snow, but when we do get it, it often lingers around for quite a while. I would like some peace of mind, given that I spend upwards of 12 hours of the work week in my car. At the same time, fuel economy is a high priority too. My Mustang eats gas, so in reality, just about anything would be an improvement.
Any suggestions on a happy medium?
To answer the question you asked, probably the best Subaru you can find and put some snow tires on it if you want a "belt and suspenders" approach.
To answer the question you didn't ask, IMHO you need a different job.
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