Driving in a Canadian summer can be a breeze; almost any car will do. But when the temperature drops and the roads become unwelcoming, you need a vehicle that will deliver. If you’ve been looking at a Hyundai Santa Fe for sale and wondering if it’s a good car for tough winter months, then you’ll be more than happy to hear that the all-wheel Santa Fe is a dependable vehicle when the snow starts to fall.
With winter well on its way, Canadian drivers know better than most how hazardous the roads can become. Not only do drivers have to contend with sleet, snow, and ice, but also the harsh winds and low temperatures that come with them. Add to that fewer daylight hours, and the last thing you want to worry about is if your vehicle will get you from point A to point B.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is just one of many capable vehicles Hyundai produces that’s ready to tackle the unplowed roads, icy streets, and short days ahead. From the Tucson to the Kona, there are plenty of Hyundai models ready for the harshest weather conditions. Buckle in and make the most out of your winter and get into one of Hyundai’s winter-ready vehicles.
#1 – Hyundai Santa Fe
While the Hyundai Santa Fe might sound like it’s more desert-ready than winter-ready, nothing could be further from the truth. The versatile Santa Fe is one of Hyundai’s most capable vehicles when it comes to handling whatever mother nature throws at it.
First off, the Santa Fe gives drivers four great powertrains to match their SUV to their lifestyle. Drivers can pick from a 2.5L gas engine, a 2.5L turbocharged engine for 281 hp, and two hybrid models that mix a 1.6L turbocharged engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion batteries. The plug-in hybrid version offers a larger battery pack that delivers 50 km of driving range.
If the four powertrain choices aren’t enough, the Santa Fe’s standard HTRAC all-wheel drive system makes it easy for drivers to adjust their vehicle for the ultimate performance. You can switch to Snow, Mud, or Sand and match your driving to the terrain when roads turn slick.
This sporty, five-seater SUV gives drivers the flexibility they need to have confidence behind the wheel and peace of mind. Whether you’re on the road or off, the Santa Fe’s SmartSense safety system has your back. This system can give drivers a second set of eyes and detect motion from pedestrians or oncoming traffic while helping keep you in your lane.
If top-of-the-line safety technology isn’t enough to convince you, maybe the Santa Fe’s Superstructure architecture is. While it might sound like something from the future, Superstructure is a state-of-the-art platform constructed from Advanced High-Strength Steel. If a collision occurs, Superstructure is designed to absorb the shock and protect those inside.
The Santa Fe checks off all the safety boxes drivers are looking for when they consider the snowy months ahead. From great handling and powertrain options to a first-class safety system, the Santa Fe is ready to take on the winter, one snowy day at a time.
#2 – Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson might be one of your best bets if you’re up against ice and snow. Not only is it a beefy SUV that uses its weight to its advantage, but it also delivers great ground clearance and comes equipped with exceptional performance and safety features. This compact SUV was named the 2022 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. Looking at some of the features, it’s easy to see why.
The Tucson offers drivers three powertrain options: a powerful 2.5L GDI Smartstream engine with 187 hp, a hybrid that delivers an impressive combined 226 hp, and a plug-in hybrid with 261 hp. All three Tucsons offer exceptional performance with high efficiency, allowing drivers to venture further while spending less on gas.
Drivers can adjust their vehicle to match the terrain, with the Tucson coming standard with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive with multi-terrain control. This helps drivers get the most out of their SUVs by setting the traction to match the terrain. Choose Snow, Mud, or Sand mode for the best driving experience. Hyundai’s SmartSense safety features also make the Tucson a reliable choice for drivers getting ready to tackle fresh snow.
On cold mornings when it’s hard to leave the house, drivers and passengers can indulge in heated seats. That’s right, the Tucson offers available second-row heated seats to go with its standard heated front seats! If that’s not enough to get you out the door, passengers can enjoy dual-zone automatic temperature control to ensure a comfortable ride, no matter where they’re seated.
#3 – Hyundai Kona
Got snow and ice coming your way? The Kona can handle them both without hesitating. The compact SUV is lightweight, has good ground clearance, and is quick on its feet when it comes to handling and response time. For the full winter experience, drivers can opt to equip the Kona with all-wheel drive for the ultimate in handling and traction control. Drivers can also choose from two powertrains: a standard 2.0L with 147 hp or a turbocharged 1.6L with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 195 hp.
When it comes to safety, this subcompact SUV doesn’t leave anything to chance. The Kona features the Hyundai Superstructure architecture that is constructed of Advanced High-Strength Steel for exceptional safety. Drivers and passengers can have peace of mind knowing that if trouble comes their way, the Kona has the strength to handle it, with a body designed to absorb the impact and direct the shock away from the cabin.
Drivers can depend on the Kona’s SmartSense safety suite to have their back when they need it. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist are just a few features available to help take some of the stress out of driving when road conditions are less than optimum. You can depend on the Kona’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to help control skidding and keep you connected to the road when things turn icy. The ESC isn’t overly aggressive and allows for plenty of wheelspin if you find yourself wading through thick snow.
With ventilated and heated front seats plus automatic climate control, the Kona is your comfort zone when the temperature begins to drop outside. If you’re facing a winter of slick city roads and snow-swept commutes, the Kona is a good vehicle to have at your side.
Are Hyundais Ready for a Real Winter?
We get it; with warm, sunny-sounding names like the Santa Fe, the Tucson, and the Kona, you can’t help but think of sandy deserts or warm Hawaiian beaches––but don’t judge an SUV by its name. The Hyundai family is ready to carry drivers through rainy springs, beautiful summers, brisk autumns, and tough Canadian winters.
Hyundai created its SUVs to stand up to sand, mud, ice, and snow, giving drivers the confidence they need to tackle slippery or rough terrain. With all-wheel drive, powerful engine choices, first-class safety features, and flexible traction control systems, drivers can depend on their Hyundai, rain or shine, all 365 days of the year.
