agent Entrepreneur logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Autotrader Names 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020

To help shoppers find cars that are both fun and safe to drive during the winter months, the experts at Autotrader named the10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020.

January 30, 2020
Autotrader Names 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020

To help shoppers find cars that are both fun and safe to drive during the winter months, the experts at Autotrader named the 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020.

Image by Mircea Ploscar via Pixabay 

4 min to read


ATLANTA – Winter weather is in full swing from coast to coast, with wet, snowy and icy roads challenging drivers across the nation. To help shoppers find cars that are both fun and safe to drive during the winter months, the experts at Autotrader named the 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020.

“If you live in a place where winter regularly wreaks havoc on the roads, it’s definitely worth considering all-wheel drive in your next new-car choice for that reassuring extra traction.”

Ad Loading...

“While there’s no substitute for cautious driving and common sense when it comes to inclement weather, choosing a vehicle with four-wheel or all-wheel drive can also make a world of difference in both safety and performance,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “If you live in a place where winter regularly wreaks havoc on the roads, it’s definitely worth considering all-wheel drive in your next new-car choice for that reassuring extra traction.”

The Autotrader editors recently compiled a list of some of the most-searched cars, trucks and SUVs available with four- or all-wheel drive, and then used their collective wisdom and expert opinions to narrow down the decidedly subjective determination of which are the coolest. Whether drivers are going on an off-road winter excursion or just interested in a safer commute, below are Autotrader’s 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020 (listed in alphabetical order).

Year

Make

Model


2020

Chevrolet

Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes in a lot of different trims, and one of our favorites is the Custom Trail Boss model. It features a rugged appearance package, a two-speed transfer case, and the Z71 off-road package, which includes Rancho monotube shocks, a two-inch suspension lift, and improved approach and departure angles.

2020

Chevrolet

Tahoe Premier

With the Tahoe Premier, you're treated to all kinds of upgrades versus some less expensive versions of the Tahoe. The Premier trim includes GM's excellent Magnetic Ride Control, the latest safety tech, power-folding third-row seats, Bose premium audio, and the option of upgrading to the muscular 6.2-liter V8 engine.

2020

Ford

F-150 XLT 4x4

For a nicely equipped new truck at a reasonable price, we suggest the F-150 XLT regular cab with the optional four-wheel drive. The XLT offers plenty of comfort and convenience features like a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, SYNC 3, chrome grille, aluminum wheels, fog lights and a 23-gallon fuel tank. True, it's no Raptor, but we think the XLT 4x4 is a good truck for cold weather, and it can handle pretty much anything winter can throw at it.

2020

GMC

Sierra 1500 AT4

AT4 is a new off-road-oriented sub-brand of GMC, and it improves both the aesthetics and the capabilities of this full-size truck. The Sierra AT4 has hill-descent control, off-road suspension, a two-speed transfer case, skid plates, and an appearance package that really makes it stand out. The GMC Sierra AT4 is a great truck for both off-road and snowy conditions.

2020

Honda

CR-V EX

The CR-V is a top choice in compact SUVs because it's safe, reliable, efficient and extremely roomy for its class. The EX trim is in the sweet spot of value for its upgraded infotainment system, second-row USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and moonroof, all while keeping the price under $30,000. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 option if you want that reassuring extra traction.

2020

Jeep

Grand Cherokee Altitude

An available trim that strikes a good balance between luxury and value is the Grand Cherokee Altitude, which adds a cool, blacked-out appearance package, the excellent UConnect 8.4 infotainment system, and leather seats with perforated suede inserts. All of this, plus four-wheel drive, can be had for around $40,000.

2020

Jeep

Wrangler Rubicon

If you want to do some serious adventuring this winter, the Wrangler Rubicon can take you just about anywhere. You get the proven Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case, 33-inch all-terrain tires, 10.8 inches of ground clearance, and electronic sway bar disconnect so you can really maneuver over and around tough obstacles.

2020

Nissan

Altima SV

The Nissan Altima is a good car for winter weather because it's one of the few midsize sedans from a non-luxury brand that you can get with all-wheel drive. We like the SV trim because of its affordable price point and nice features like all the latest safety technology, a power moonroof, and the ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system. The Altima is one of the most affordable, most efficient, and coolest cars on this list.

2020

Ram

1500 Rebel

The Ram Rebel not only looks mean, but it has the off-road chops to back up its aesthetic with features like four-wheel drive, a factory lift, a locking differential, and off-road suspension. It's also now available with a turbodiesel engine that makes impressive torque and fuel economy numbers.

2020

Toyota

4Runner Venture Special Edition

The iconic Toyota 4Runner has a new Venture Special Edition that is basically the TRD Off-Road Premium trim with some added accessories and some aesthetic touches that make it a little more interesting. It comes with black accents, all-weather floor mats, TRD wheels, and a Yakima MegaWarrior roof basket. It also has the off-road chops you'd expect.

Read: Cox Automotive Forecast

More Awards

Industryby Lauren LawrenceFebruary 19, 2026

Affordability Leads Top-Rated List

Edmunds’ editorial team tested 300-plus vehicles to help determine the Top Rated Awards for 2026, and one brand stood out with multiple rankings, including Best of the Best.

Read More →
Summit Updatesby StaffFebruary 12, 2026

Nominate Industry Trailblazers for 2026 F&I Hall of Fame

Honorees will be recognized at Agent Summit, taking place April 13–15, 2026 at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.

Read More →
Industryby Hannah MitchellFebruary 6, 2026

Time Dealer of the Year Named

David Wright of Iowa rises to the top of nearly 50 nominees across the country on his record of business growth and contributions to his dealership’s community.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Awardsby Lauren LawrenceFebruary 6, 2026

Study Finds Most Reliable Used Cars for Price

ISeeCars ranked the Nissan Leaf as the most reliable for the money among 10-year-old cars on the market, making it the first electric vehicle to lead the overall list.

Read More →
Top 10 stamp over a car outline
Awardsby Lauren LawrenceFebruary 2, 2026

Toyota and Lexus Top KBB Brand Watch

Cox Automotive subsidiary has relaunched its Brand Watch study as a twice-annual recap instead of yearly to 'offer a clearer view of brand and model consideration.'

Read More →
five gold stars on a speech bubble with Edmunds logo on the bottom
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJanuary 28, 2026

Dealers Receive Five-Star Awards

Edmunds released its 2026 Five Star honors to dealerships for outstanding customer service, including 11 'Five-Star Premier' designations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 red Honda Civic
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJanuary 26, 2026

Low Price, Long Life: 2026 New-Car Rankings

The Honda Civic is named the most reliable new car for the money at $27,768 with a predicted 13½ year life span, breaking down to $2,058 annually, or less than half the industry average.

Read More →
A gold trophy next to the Endurance logo on a dark background.
Awardsby StaffJanuary 20, 2026

Endurance Claims Vehicle Protection Provider of the Year Title

The Automotive Awards nod from Corporate Vision is the company's third consecutive year, adding to its list of 2025 laurels.

Read More →
blue 2025 Chevrolet Equinox parked in front of water
Awardsby Lauren LawrenceJanuary 20, 2026

S&P Loyalty Awards Bestowed

General Motors and Telsa are the returning winners in the 30th annual S&P Automotive Loyalty Awards with Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer and Overall Loyalty to Make, respectively.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Awardsby Hannah MitchellDecember 17, 2025

Autos Take Flying Safety Colors

Twelve brands are awarded for protective features while others fail to place.

Read More →