10 Best Cars For The Mountain Driving in 2024

Last updated on February 23rd, 2024 at 01:17 am

Be prepared for uphill, winding roads that are often hazardous owing to the presence of snow or rain whether you reside in a region that is mountainous or if you are just visiting. Therefore, it is highly recommended to own the most suitable vehicle to navigate the terrain. So, which is the greatest automobile for mountainous places with plenty of hills?

SUVs and pickup trucks, which often come equipped with AWD, four-wheel drive, and power steering, are excellent choices for driving on mountain roads that are mountainous, particularly in the winter. The automobile needs to have a high safety rating, a potent engine, and decent mileage for its gas consumption. Consideration should also be given to the car’s passenger volume as well as its pulling power. The following is a list of the best cars for the mountain driving.

Which Mountain Driving Safety Features Are the Most Essential?

According to SCA experts, As far as safety features go, you can put an end to the days when the most snow-ready car’s trunk could only contain a bag of salt and a shovel. Safety and driver-assist systems are becoming common in today’s automobiles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Some safety measures, such as anti-lock brakes and traction control, have been mandated as standard equipment on all passenger cars as of 2013. More and more automobiles and SUVs on the market nowadays are equipped with cutting-edge technology. Some may even help you save money on your auto insurance premiums.

Headlights are also a must-have safety feature for driving through mountains or hills. You can consider upgrading to a pair of bright LED headlight bulbs. They can help you see further on the road so you can detect any obstacles, such as rocks or animals ahead timely.

A list of characteristics that we believe improve control and safety in snowy or icy situations was developed. We also tossed in a few more for warmth and convenience throughout the winter. Some or all of these features may be found in our best cars for the mountain driving 2024.

Top 10 Best Cars for Mountain Driving

Must Check: 10 Best Sedans For Snow And Ice Driving

#1. BMW 3 Series

• Price: $42,445
• Engine: 2.0 L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

The BMW 3 Series, which is at the top of the small luxury sedan food chain, provides xDrive AWD on all of its sedan models, including the hybrid 330e. The entry-level 330i with an all-wheel drive costs an additional $2,000 above the standard 330i model. The 330i xDrive now has a starting price of $43,450. Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an 8-speed automated gearbox provides the go. ‘

All 3 Series models come with front collision warning, auto emergency braking, and rain-sensing wipers. Blind-spot monitoring is included with the $700 Active Driving Assistant upgrade, which is an optional add-on. Adaptive LED headlights & automatic high beams are two other possible features to aid the driver in low-light situations.

Pros

• Powertrains that are delightfully powerful and smooth
• sporty handling, a tranquil ride, and
• practical backseat and trunk capacity are all hallmarks of this vehicle

Cons

• Manual transmission is missing
• steering should be more responsive, and
• some competitors provide greater value

#2. Jeep Grand Cherokee

• Price: $ 40,120
• Engine: 3.6 L Regular Unleaded V-6
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Several trim levels and price points make the Jeep Grand Cherokee a great choice for anyone looking for a vehicle with actual off-road prowess. Jeep’s Quadra Trac II low drive system manages the descent and climbing of slopes in the Cherokee. All Grand Cherokee models, including the entry-level Laredo, come standard with 4WD.

While best cars for the mountain driving, the Cherokee is just as useful for errands as any other vehicle. It has a luxurious cabin and a user-friendly entertainment system called Uconnect. This is a surprisingly fuel-efficient vehicle for an SUV of its size, thanks to the Cherokee’s standard V6 engine. Optional on select Jeep models, the Active Safety Group incorporates automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, cruise control and parallel and perpendicular parking aid.

Pros

• The vehicle’s off-road prowess is second to none
• A well-balanced driving experience and a comfortable ride
• Seats that are both supportive and comfortable
• Features of technology that are easy to make use of

Cons

• The price tag is astronomical
• This vehicle has a lower-than-average capacity for cargo

Also Check:

• Best Cars for Snow and Ice Driving
• Most comfortable SUVs for long distances

#3. Subaru Outback

• Price: $ 28,820
• Engine: 2.4 L Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4
• Transmission: 8-Speed Continuous Variable Transmission

The Subaru Outback, a five-door crossover SUV debuting in 2009, is a Subaru model. The inside is spacious and comfy andit is the best cars for the mountains. Sway warning, lane departure warning, cruise control, pre-collision brake, electronic traction control, dual-zone temperature control, airbag package, anti-lock brake system, Bluetooth, stability control, and hill descent are some of the safety features included within the Outback.

Pros

• Better ground clearance
• A cargo-friendly cabin, and
• a plethora of technological amenities is all made possible by the vehicle’s lifted suspension

Cons

• CVT gearbox stifles acceleration
• The standard engine is uninspiring in its handling

#4. Land Rover Range Rover

• Price: $95,150
• Engine: 4.4 L Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

The Range Rover Sport is a variation of the Range Rover that is more focused on speed and handling. With a focus on handling and performance rather than off-road or on-road capability, it’s smaller and more agile than its predecessor. Goggles, drinks, purses, and cellphones may all be stored safely within the storage booths. There are four cup holders, a central box, a glovebox, and door panel storage in the driver’s seat. Cup holders, front seat jacket pockets and door pockets may be found in the passenger row. There are two cupholders on the third row.

Pros

• Beautifully styled
• the nice cabin
• riding quality that is velvety

Cons

• Start-up costs are high
• Third-row legroom is minimal
• The engines are quite thirsty

#5. Honda CR-V Hybrid

• MSRP: $31,610.
• Engine: Hybrid
• Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic

The Honda CR-V is a little crossover that packs a powerful punch. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor with two electric motors that create 212 horsepower. Driving in steep terrain is made easier by the quick CVT gearbox that enables seamless shifting. Moreover, the engine is very fuel-efficient, returning 40 mpg on the city streets and 35 mpg on the interstate.

In addition, all-wheel drive is included as a standard, which improves traction control and overall performance. Torque is sent to the back as the vehicle is maneuvered into varied driving conditions. The Honda CR-V boasts a range of 7.8 to 8.2 inches of ground clearance to enable drivers to navigate a variety of terrains.

Pros

• Large enough to accommodate both people and freight
• Strong and reliable safety technology
• Secure and dependable in nature
• The engine that is quick and fuel-efficient
• Excellent resale value

Cons

• Outdated general information and entertainment system
• Tows only up to 1,500 pounds at a time
• There is no off-roading trim

#6. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

• Price: $27,740
• Engine: 2.5 L Regular Unleaded I-4
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

The front wheels of the Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid are powered by the engine and motor simultaneously, while the rear wheels are propelled by the rear motor.

The vehicle’s 8.4-inch ground clearance is more than enough for traversing the rough terrain: automatic gearbox and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors power the RAV4. An impressive 41 mpg in city driving and 38 on the interstate is achieved thanks to this.

Pros

• The inside is roomy
• Several common safety measures are included in the package
• Excellent mpg on the highway
• Reliability and resale prices of Toyota vehicles

Cons

• There is a chance that the cabin will be a little loud
• Its is one of the more expensive competitors in this class

#7. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

• Price: $26,245
• Engine: 1.6 L Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4
• Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Innovative technologies and a hybrid engine are available in the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, allowing it to best cars for the mountain driving 2023 better while using less gasoline. In addition to the gas engine, the Tucson Hybrid has a 64 kW electric motor that is driven by a lithium-ion battery. Their combined output is 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

An automated six-speed gearbox that shifts smoothly distributes the power to the four wheels. Hill starts and maneuvering at high speeds need a more advanced AWD system.

Pros

• It’s possible to have both plug-in hybrid and hybrid models
• Displays on large screens
• Elegance and sophistication

Cons

• The capacity for towing is limited
• There isn’t any off-road styling

#8. Kia Telluride

• MSRP: $34,385
• Engine: 3.8 L Regular Unleaded V-6
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

The Kia Telluride is the ideal car for taking on new adventures for being best cars for the mountains. An all-wheel drive is an option. As of the 2023 model, the 3.8-liter V6 engine is able to produce 291 horsepower and 262 pounds of torque. The eight-speed automatic gearbox comes standard with front- and all-wheel drive, as well as the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive.

When compared to other vehicles in its category, this one gets an average fuel efficiency rating. Standard front-wheel drives get 20mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway, while all-wheel drives get 19mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway. EPA estimates differ.

Pros

• Spacious
• Well-equipped
• Price wars
• Absolute peace of mind

Cons

• There is no hybrid version

#9. Toyota 4Runner

• Price: $38,940
• Engine: 4.0 L Regular Unleaded V-6
• Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Four-door luxury SUV with five passengers is the Toyota 4Runner. Full-time and part-time 4WD systems are offered for the 4Runner.

Handbags, drinks, telephones, and bottles may all be stored in the 4Runner’s multiple storage areas. The center box, two cup holders in the control panel, the glove box, and the storage on the door panel are all located in the front row cabin.

Pros

• Realistic off-road prowess.
• Inside, there’s plenty of room for passengers and baggage thanks to the vehicle’s abundance of standard driver-assistance technology

Cons

• Poor mpg (miles per gallon)
• The materials used in the inside are uninspiring
• Newer mid-size SUVs are much more elegant

#10. Nissan Altima

• Price: $25,995
• Engine: 2.5 L Regular Unleaded I-4
• Transmission: Continuaous Variable Transmission

When driving in snow, AWD is available on every Nissan Altima model except for the S grade. The SV is the cheapest AWD variant.

The standard price with an all-wheel drive is $26,950. Standard features include automatic headlights, remote motor start, forward collision warning, automated front emergency braking, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic rear braking makes it best cars for the mountain driving 2023. These features are also available as an option. After paying the $1800 for the Premium Package, you will receive heated front seats as well as heated outboard mirrors.

Pros

• Handling abilities that are nimble
• Powertrains use a surprisingly little amount of fuel
• Great for long-distance snoozes

Cons

• The standard powertrain is sluggish and might be loud
• Active safety features that may be invasive
• Ride quality is harmed by the use of 19-inch wheels and tires

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In the world of mountain driving, having the right car is key. Whether it’s a tough SUV or a reliable sedan with all-wheel drive, there’s a perfect match for every driver. By picking a vehicle with good clearance, traction, and safety features, you can ensure a smooth journey through those winding mountain roads. So, find your ideal mountain companion and get ready to hit the road with confidence!