What Are the Best Trucks for the Winter Season?

The holiday season comes once a year, but even after the festivities are said and done, one part of the season sticks around for an extra few months—the bitter cold. Driving in the winter is a different experience than in the summer, spring, or even autumn. The good news is that many features built into plenty of used trucks for sale are universal and can help you during the coldest months of the year. However, a host of available trucks have features that are perfect for driving in the winter, and today, we’ll not only go over the features we believe you need, but we’ll mention the trucks where you can find and experience them yourself. From enhanced traction on slippery roads to ways to stay warm in the winter, the right truck can improve your time on the road. Let’s get started! 

Traction for Slippery Conditions

A general rule of thumb when dealing with snowy conditions is that you don’t want a vehicle that uses rear-wheel drive (RWD). If you’re driving on a dry and paved road, a RWD truck can offer increased payload capacity at a lower price. However, if you’re driving in the snow or on an ice-covered road, having RWD can mean running a higher risk of slipping, creating a hazard for yourself and everyone around you.

To rectify this, you should opt for a truck equipped with either all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive—known as AWD and 4WD. These systems deliver torque to all four wheels, eliminating much of the danger of driving your vehicle in the snow. However, keep in mind that many used pickup trucks come standard with RWD, even if they have optional 4WD. Let’s say you’ve found an excellent deal on a Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, or Chevy Colorado—double check to ensure it’s a model with 4WD because it could be RWD. 

Are there any trucks that come standard with 4WD? There’s one: the Jeep Gladiator. The Jeep Gladiator lives up to the brand’s reputation for off-roading superiority, and there’s no better start than making 4WD standard on every trim. Off-roading vehicles are known for exceptional traction and handling, and that’s exactly the type of experience you should be seeking if you want a truck that’s guaranteed to handle snow like a champion. It also helps that the Gladiator is the only vehicle in Jeep’s lineup to sport a cargo bed. 

What about AWD? One truck comes standard with AWD: the Honda Ridgeline. Take the recognizable levels of reliability, durability, and longevity associated with the Honda brand and place it in a larger frame with an amply-sized cargo bed, and you’ve got the Honda Ridgeline. There’s no doubt that the Ridgeline is one of Honda’s most exceptional pieces of engineering.

The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are two trucks where AWD is an option, but front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard. FWD is better suited for driving in the snow than RWD because the weight of the engine is on the driven wheels, enhancing traction. Although there’s no doubt that AWD is the superior choice, the Maverick and Santa Cruz are well-suited for winter regardless of the configuration.

Pay Attention to Those Amenities 

You don’t need heated seats to drive your car in the winter, but who could say no to heated seats if they’re available?. Heated seats are available in many used trucks, but that doesn’t mean they’re standard. For example, the Ford F-150 is a fantastic truck—so fantastic that it’s been the best-selling vehicle in America for decades. The base model doesn’t come with heated seats, but if you step up to a higher-tier trim, like the Platinum, you can expect heated seats to keep you warm.

While at it, why not opt for one of the many used trucks like the Chevy Silverado 1500, Nissan Titan, or Ford F-150—among others—that support dual-zone or tri-zone automatic climate control? Purchasing a truck with dual or tri-zone automatic climate control is a great way to keep everyone happy. Although, it’s worth noting that if you’re rarely driving with anyone else in the cabin, it’s a feature you can comfortably skip over. What you shouldn’t skip over is a truck that features a remote start system, which you can find in pickup trucks from every manufacturer, though you shouldn’t expect it to be standard with each trim. 

Features to Stay Comfortable

If you have an outdoor job, the winter can be difficult without a capable and comfortable vehicle. A recommendation of ours for those with outdoor jobs in the winter is to invest in a used Ford F-150 model from 2021 onwards because it may come with the available Interior Work Surface. With the work surface installed, you can turn your center console into a wide desk-like surface. Put your tablet, clipboard, or laptop on there while basking in the warmness of your truck’s interior, even if it’s only while eating your lunch.

Things get even better if you’re into camping or tailgating. For example, football fans will tailgate at a home game, rain or shine, and the F-150 can do more for you than safely store the tent, grille, yard chairs, and other ingredients of tailgating fun. With the F-150, you can purchase a model with Pro Power Onboard. This system adds a number of power outlets to your truck’s bed. Power the electric grill and space heaters—you can even add a television to the mix because you’ll have the extra power for it. 

Don’t Forget Fuel Efficiency

Trucks regularly eat more fuel than smaller vehicle classes, especially if you buy one with AWD or 4WD. Great fuel efficiency is a great way to pay yourself forward in the winter because you’ll enjoy the natural savings of a more fuel-efficient powertrain, and making fewer gas station trips during the coldest mornings of the year before your commute is a life-changer in both comfort and time saved. Understandably, sometimes sacrifices in fuel efficiency must be made if you want to purchase a truck with the power to get the job done. However, we’ve got you covered with efficient used trucks to get you through the winter.

Finding a pre-owned truck with excellent fuel efficiency ratings despite large torque outputs and high towing capacities is easier than you might think. Plenty of modern trucks have fuel-efficient powertrains with impressive results, including the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid and the Sierra 1500 Duramax turbo-diesel. Midsize trucks like the Ranger and Colorado perform well in the fuel savings department, too, and Ford’s compact truck—the Maverick—will save you money. The money you save can go towards important winter amenities, like heating the home, buying firewood, or shopping for holiday gifts. 

Prepping for Winter

You’re prepping for winter better than you ever have if you’re in the market for one of the used trucks we’ve mentioned. Winter is unequivocally the most dangerous season to drive in, and nobody wants to be in a collision caused by icy road conditions or poor visibility. The trucks we’ve mentioned today will help you travel safer, more comfortably, and more conveniently. We’re looking forward to helping you further, so let’s get you in a great pre-owned truck today!