Living in Huntington, WV, and nearby areas like Barboursville, Nitro, and Charleston means facing winter weather that can be unpredictable and challenging. When the snow falls or ice forms on the roads, having a vehicle that can confidently handle these conditions is essential for your safety and peace of mind. At River City Subaru, we’re more than just a car dealership—we’re a dedicated part of the Huntington community, helping families and neighbors find the perfect vehicle for the Tri-State’s winters. Whether you’re driving across the hills of Perry Township, through the neighborhoods of Woodbend Cove, or commuting from Hurricane, your car’s capabilities in snow and ice matter greatly.
If you’re asking, “What is the safest car in the snow and ice?” you’re in the right place. This guide dives deep into the best vehicles, drivetrain options, and features that make winter driving safer and more manageable. Plus, we’ll share valuable tips and resources so you can confidently navigate winter roads near 3506 US, Huntington, WV 25705. Call us at (304) 736-7777 to speak with “The Twins,” Chad Rhodes in Sales and Chuck Rhodes in Service, who are here to make your experience welcoming and personalized.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Safest Cars for Snow and Ice: Key Features Explained
Learn what makes a vehicle safe in snowy conditions, including drivetrains, ground clearance, and essential winter safety tech. - Why Subaru Outback and Forester Lead the Pack for Tri-State Winters
Explore why these Subaru models, with their symmetrical AWD and advanced EyeSight technology, excel on snowy and icy roads in Huntington and beyond. - AWD vs. 4WD: Which Drivetrain Is Best for Winter Driving?
Understand the differences, benefits, and ideal use cases of All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive in snow and ice. - The Importance of Winter Tires: The Ultimate Safety Upgrade
Discover how winter tires dramatically improve traction and control, complementing even the best AWD or 4WD systems. - Top Winter Safety Features Beyond Drivetrain
Find out about must-have technologies like traction control, heated mirrors, and adaptive headlights that enhance safety in winter. - Maintaining Your Subaru for Winter Safety: Service and Parts
Tips on keeping your vehicle winter-ready, including scheduling service appointments and accessing genuine Subaru parts. - Explore Our Winter-Ready Inventory and Trade-In Options
Browse our new and used Subaru models built for winter and learn how to trade in your current vehicle with confidence.
Understanding the Safest Cars for Snow and Ice: Key Features Explained
When selecting the safest car for snow and ice, several vehicle attributes come together to create reliable winter performance. The drivetrain is often the first consideration, with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems leading the way because they distribute power to all four wheels, enhancing traction on slippery surfaces. However, safety in winter driving goes beyond just the drivetrain.
Drivetrain and Traction
AWD systems, like Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, continuously monitor road conditions and automatically adjust power to the wheels with the most grip. This seamless operation offers superior stability on snow-covered roads and is ideal for the daily drive through places like Huntington’s hills or the sometimes snowy routes to Chapmanville and Greenup.
Conversely, 4WD systems, which you might find in trucks or large SUVs, often require manual engagement and are built for rugged, deep snow or off-road conditions. This system is excellent for rural areas or unplowed roads, such as in Perry Township, but may be less convenient for regular urban commuting.
Ground Clearance
Another critical feature is ground clearance. Vehicles with higher clearance, typically 8 inches or more, can better navigate through deep snow without becoming stuck. The Subaru Outback and Forester offer 8.7 inches of clearance, striking a balance between off-road capability and everyday comfort for Huntington families.
Advanced Safety Technologies
Modern winter-ready vehicles come equipped with technologies that improve safety and driver confidence:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) help maintain control by reducing wheel spin and stabilizing the vehicle during slippery turns.
- Driver-assist systems like Subaru’s EyeSight offer adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, useful in low-visibility snowy conditions.
- Heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icers, and adaptive LED headlights improve visibility and comfort during winter commutes.
These features collectively reduce risks when driving in snow and ice across local neighborhoods like Woodbend Cove and Barboursville.
Why Subaru Outback and Forester Lead the Pack for Tri-State Winters
At River City Subaru, we proudly showcase the Subaru Outback and Forester as our premier winter vehicles. Both models come standard with the industry-leading Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, designed to provide balanced power delivery and exceptional traction on snow-covered roads.
Symmetrical AWD for Balanced Control
Unlike part-time AWD systems, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD operates full-time, continuously sending power to all four wheels. This contributes to better stability and smoother handling in winter conditions typical around Huntington, Nitro, and Charleston.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
The EyeSight suite includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic pre-collision braking. These systems help drivers maintain safety margins, especially on slick roads found near Perry Township or during inclement weather on Route 60.
Practical Ground Clearance and Snow Mode
Both the Outback and Forester offer ground clearance of 8.7 inches, allowing drivers to confidently tackle snow drifts and rough winter terrain. Additionally, available X-Mode optimizes the vehicle’s traction and engine output for slippery and uneven surfaces, perfect for rural drives near Barboursville or the hills around Hurricane.
Comfort Features for Cold Weather
Heated front seats, heated steering wheels, and heated side mirrors make winter driving much more comfortable in chilly places like Flatwoods and Chesapeake. These features reduce driver fatigue and improve focus on the road.
AWD vs. 4WD: Which Drivetrain Is Best for Winter Driving?
Choosing between AWD and 4WD depends on where and how you drive during the winter months.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Best For: Daily commuting on plowed and maintained roads, suburban neighborhoods like Huntington and Dunbar, and city streets in Charleston.
- Pros: Fully automatic with no driver input needed, smoother handling, better fuel efficiency than 4WD, and excellent traction control.
- Cons: May struggle in extremely deep or unplowed snow.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Best For: Rural areas, off-road trails, and deep snow conditions, such as remote parts of Perry Township or Union Township.
- Pros: Offers low-range gearing for maximum torque, superior in challenging terrain and heavy snow, can be manually engaged when needed.
- Cons: Heavier, less fuel-efficient, and typically requires manual operation.
If you are driving regularly in Huntington’s city limits or on Route 60, AWD vehicles like Subaru models provide the balance of safety, convenience, and fuel economy. For those venturing off the beaten path or driving in heavy snow that accumulates in areas like Greenup or Chapmanville, 4WD-equipped vehicles may be preferable.
The Importance of Winter Tires: The Ultimate Safety Upgrade
No matter how advanced your vehicle’s drivetrain or technology is, the single most critical upgrade for winter safety is your choice of tires. Winter tires are engineered with special rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold temperatures and tread patterns designed to grip snow and ice better than all-season tires.
Key Benefits of Winter Tires
- Improved Traction: Provides 25-50% better grip on ice and snow compared to all-season tires.
- Shorter Stopping Distances: Critical for sudden stops on slick roads, such as during commutes in Huntington or trips to Hurricane.
- Enhanced Control: Better handling in turns and on hills, important for navigating the hilly terrain around Barboursville.
Even the best AWD or 4WD vehicle struggles without winter tires. For assistance in choosing the right tires or scheduling installation, River City Subaru’s Service Department is here to help. You can Schedule Service today or browse our Parts department for tire options and accessories.
Top Winter Safety Features Beyond Drivetrain
Winter driving safety extends beyond power distribution and tires. Many Subaru models offer features that make a real difference on snow and ice.
Stability and Traction Aids
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps keep the vehicle on its intended path during slippery maneuvers.
- Traction Control System (TCS): Prevents wheel spin on acceleration.
Visibility Enhancements
- Heated Side Mirrors and Windshield Wiper De-icers: Clear ice and snow from mirrors and wipers for better visibility.
- Adaptive LED Headlights: Illuminate curves and corners better, a boon when driving through darker, snow-covered roads like those in Huntington’s suburbs.
Comfort and Convenience
- Heated Seats and Steering Wheel: Keep you warm during those cold West Hamlin mornings.
- Remote Start: Warm your vehicle and defrost windows before you even step outside.
These features contribute to safer, more comfortable winter driving experiences in places like Hurricane, Nitro, and even the outlying areas of Fayette Township.
Maintaining Your Subaru for Winter Safety: Service and Parts
Winter preparation doesn’t stop with buying the right vehicle. Proper maintenance ensures your Subaru performs at its best on snow and ice.
Regular Maintenance
- Check brakes, fluids, and battery health before the snow season.
- Replace worn wiper blades with winter-specific blades.
- Inspect and maintain tire pressure for optimal performance.
Our service team at River City Subaru, located at 3506 US, Huntington, WV 25705, is ready to keep your vehicle ready for winter. Call us at (304) 736-7777 or visit to Schedule Service.
Genuine Subaru Parts
When repairs or replacements are needed, use genuine Subaru parts for the best fit and reliability. Our Parts Department stocks everything from brake pads to winter wiper blades designed for your vehicle.
Explore Our Winter-Ready Inventory and Trade-In Options
If your current vehicle isn’t quite ready for the snow and ice of the Huntington area, explore our selection of new and used Subaru vehicles. From the rugged Subaru Forester to the versatile Outback and efficient Crosstrek, you’ll find models equipped to handle winter safely.
- Browse our New Vehicle Inventory for the latest 2026 models.
- Explore our Used Vehicle Inventory for great pre-owned options.
Thinking about upgrading? Use our easy Trade-In Tool to find out what your current vehicle is worth and get started on a smooth transition.
The River City Subaru Promise: Safety, Community, and Support
As a locally rooted dealership, we are proud partners with Hoops Family Children’s Hospital and Little Victories Animal Rescue, reflecting our commitment beyond just selling cars. Founded in March 2003 with GM Nick Thomas at the helm, River City Subaru offers more than just vehicles—we provide a community-centered experience.
We say yes to your safety, your family’s needs, and your peace of mind with every Subaru we sell, backed by our Powertrain Warranty and the trusted Trade Up Advantage program. Visit us at 3506 US, Huntington, WV 25705 or call (304) 736-7777 to start your winter-ready journey today.
Your safest winter drive begins with the right Subaru, expert guidance, and a team that cares about you like a neighbor. Stop by to say hi, bring the dog, and experience the River City Subaru difference.
