Do You Have a Safe, Reliable Winter Vehicle?

As autumn approaches in Alaska, we all know that winter is just around the corner. And with that cold northern bite comes, of course, snow and ice.

As an auto accident attorney in Anchorage, I know all too well the danger that winter driving has for Alaskan commuters. When the snow and ice is thick, the best advice I can give is for you to stay off the road.

Realistically, I know this isn’t an option for everyone. Your daily routine requires you to get out of the house and drive to your place of work, the doctor’s office, the grocery store, etc. Because of this, I found an article from Mother Nature Network that highlights the best cars (in terms of safety and capability) for winter.

Check out our infographic about safe winter vehicles.

Many experts recommend an all-wheel-drive car over a four-wheel-drive SUV because the former handles better under different weather conditions. Below are four all-wheel-drive cars that Mother Nature Network recommends for winters in Alaska.

• Cadillac XTS 4: I might as well tell you this up front: it only gets twenty miles per gallon combined. Also, it costs $64,695 with the Swedish Haldex AWD system. The tradeoff, however, is the great road holding in bad weather, five-star safety ratings, and state-of-the-art occupant protection and infotainment system, including stability and traction control. If price isn’t a big deal to you, this car maximizes comfort and safety.

• Subaru Outback and Impreza: All Subarus offer all-wheel drive. These are much cheaper than the Cadillac, clearly, with the Outback starting at $23,495 and the Impreza at $17,895.

• Volvo XC60: Haldex AWD is a standard on the T6 and is available on the base car. The cheapest non-turbo XC60 with AWD is $34,350, giving you a six-speed automatic with high-tech occupant protection.

• Volkswagen Golf R: At $34,000, it’s a big price tag for an AWD Volkswagen, but you’re also getting 256 horsepower in a small car. It’s more of a performance car than an all-weather vehicle, but it does both well with a Haldex AWD system.

• Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic: This is Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level AWD, starting at $39,360. The C-Class is known for good reliability.

• Honda CR-V AWD and Toyota RAV4 AWD: Honda introduced Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System in 2012, providing a degree of traction peace of mind. The Toyota locks the rear wheels in line in bad weather and controls torque in cornering.

Before choosing a car for the Alaska elements, be sure to consult someone who understands the newest safety standards and technologies.

If you ever have the misfortune of being injured in a car accident, contact an experienced auto accident attorney right away.