4 Excellent Used Cars for Colorado Winters

If you are shopping for used cars that are right for Colorado winters, we would love to help you find your ideal model. There are a handful of features that make a vehicle right for the snow season in the Centennial State. Features that help you retain traction on slippery surfaces, like all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, can help you tackle winter roads with confidence. Heated components like seats and mirrors that make you dread the morning commute a little less are another bonus. If you live here to enjoy snow sports, you probably also want cargo space that can fit your board or skis.

Because we live and work in Colorado ourselves, we understand exactly what used cars are right for tackling day-to-day life in the winter, no matter which town or city you live in. We know that while tourists only have to sample snow days for a limited time, Colorado residents need a vehicle that lets them tackle daily life in several inches of powder. Whether you are looking for a great family vehicle for life around Colorado Springs, an adventure-ready model for trips up to Vail, or a work-ready option, here are four used models we think are perfect for Colorado winters.

#1 – For Small Families and Couples: 2020-2022 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV that’s perfect for drivers who want high ground clearance and all-wheel drive traction while still sticking to easy-to-manage dimensions. We especially like showing shoppers a used Subaru because these models are known to last. In fact, 96 percent of Subarus sold in the last ten years are still on the road—that’s how reliable these vehicles are. A used Subaru should still have plenty of miles left to go.

The Subaru Outback specifically is a terrific winter vehicle for many reasons, one of which is its solid ground clearance. Riding 8.7 inches above the road, the Outback can easily travel over modest piles of snow. If you park on the street while running errands and come back to find fresh powder, the bottom of your vehicle shouldn’t be completely blocked in. The Outback also has standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This system sends power to all four of your wheels at the same time to boost traction. It’s a great feature to have on snow or ice-covered roads where wheel slip can be an issue.

We love pointing out the roof rails with integrated cross rails and tie-down points. Many people live in Colorado to enjoy snow activities, from cross-country skiing to sledding and snowboarding. Having these tie-down points on the roof gives you a place to secure your gear outside of the vehicle, so you don’t have to take up precious interior cargo space or get your trunk wet and muddy. However, when you do want to store longer items inside, the split-folding rear seats make it easy to do so.

The 2020 and later Outback models also have several terrific standard and available heated components. You’ll get standard heated front seats and available heated rear seats, as well as an optional heated steering wheel. Plus, the available remote start function lets you preheat the vehicle before you get in.

4

#2 – For DIYers: 2017-2022 Honda Ridgeline

Trucks are one of the most popular vehicle types in Colorado, so we had to include a winter-ready pickup on our list. What we like about the second-generation Honda Ridgeline for Colorado drivers is that it combines good fuel economy for its vehicle class with Honda’s all-wheel drive system, making it ideal for those who want to explore different corners of the state in bad weather.

Unlike traditional four-wheel drive systems, which have to be manually engaged before traversing slippery roads, the Ridgeline has a full-time i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system. This can really come in handy if you are driving down I-25 on a winter day and unexpectedly hit a patch of ice. Honda’s all-wheel drive system also includes a rear clutch pack that can distribute torque laterally between the rear wheels for superior traction.

Having a truck bed is great for Colorado life if you often hit the slopes with buddies and need somewhere to toss your longboards or skis. If you enjoy Colorado by road-tripping to different towns in the winter and need the power of a truck to tow and haul all the things that make adventures better, paired with good fuel economy, a used Ridgeline is a terrific choice.

#3 – For Large Families: 2018-2022 Ford Expedition

Colorado is a wonderful place to raise a family, so we had to include a large SUV on this list. The Expedition is a full-size SUV with seating for eight. Also note that the fourth generation has the available Expedition Max model, which gets you an extended wheelbase and extra cargo space behind the third row.

If you live in the suburbs where the snow plow doesn’t quite make it, you’ll love the ground clearance on the Expedition. It has a whopping 9.8 inches of space between the undercarriage and the road, so you can roll over unplowed streets with little issue. The Expedition also has available four-wheel drive, which we always recommend to our winter weather drivers. Plus, it has an array of available features that are convenient to have in the snow. Opt for the heated steering wheel and heated first and second-row seats and everyone will be cozy in the cold weather.

#4 – For Adventurers: 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler

When it comes to going places that other vehicles can’t, nothing can compare to the legendary Jeep Wrangler. All of its unique features developed for hitting the trails are just as valuable when it comes to plowing through deep snow and safely driving on icy roads. Every Jeep Wrangler comes standard with four-wheel drive, and certain trims offer a full-time four-wheel drive system that is ideal for highway driving in winter conditions. Available features like locking front and rear differentials provide even more traction on any surface.

With up to 9.7 inches of ground clearance, the Wrangler will have no problem driving through deep snow, although you may want to swap out the factory all-terrain tires for winter tires to enjoy more grip in cold weather. The available Cold Weather Group even provides plenty of handy winter features, including heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an engine block heater to keep the powertrain components warm when parked in freezing weather. As long as you remember to put the doors and roof back on before the snow hits, the Wrangler is a great way to get around Colorado in bad weather.

Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Car for Colorado Winters

We’d love to help you find the ideal model for your winter days in Colorado. We love the snow season here and all of the fun activities that come with it. We also know that the roads can get messy, and it’s important to have a vehicle that can handle them. Plus, we want our customers to have those special features that make driving in cold weather more comfortable. We know exactly which used vehicles have the right features for driving on winter roads and are ready to help you get an amazing price on one.

We are rolling in more inventory daily, from SUVs to pickups and other vehicle types. Let one of our experts get to know what you’re looking for in a vehicle, and we’ll show you several options that fit your needs and budget. With the right used car, you can fully enjoy the winter wonderland that takes over Colorado every year.