[tranquility]

I've been flirting w the idea of getting a dedicated vehicle whenever there are more serious snowstorm conditions, so wondering if you guys can suggest some vehicles? As an idea of what I would've wanted, it's the Suzuki Jimny, but unfortunately it's not available in Canada.

my criteria:
.new
.AWD
.relatively COMPACT (so no Broncos, Hummers lol, etc, and no pickups), so small SUVs, CUVs, maybe even coupes, sedans or wagons if very capable
.ideally DCT but AT is acceptable
.must be able to carry 4 tires/wheels and at least 2 ppl at same time
.roughly CAD60,000 MSRP (~USD47,000)

That's all I can think of right now, TIA.

[chassis]

G01 X3, of course.

[Frostynorth]

A quality set of winter tires can change everything. Golf R DCT?

When using my (mkv) GTI in winter, Nokian Hakkapelitta R never let me down, even when the snow was above the front valance.

[Killramos]

A35 AMG?

[syd34]

The X3 3.0i would be the best vehicle. The X3 has 8.3 inches of ground clearance. With all the packages, the list price is around $70K CAD. Perhaps you can get the Premium Essential Package instead of the Premium Enhanced and save over $3K. If you skip the M-Sport package, you save another $3,500.

if the DCT is critical, the Audi Q5 with the 2.0 4-cylinder engine is the other option.

If you need more space, the MDX is another excellent choice, although the MDX has 1 inch less ground clearance than the X3.

[LookBothWays]

Obviously, Toyota 4Runner.

[Housekeeping]

E39 M5

[Murf993]

Any vehicle that appeals to you size wise that has decent ground clearance and AWD which isn't really 4WD and as mentioned earlier good snow tires will make or break you. We have a diesel MB GLK, with excellent winter tires. I have never had a problem with snow and live north of Kingston. Most small SUV's with decent AWD will due just fine, so pick one that speaks to you.

[Suds]

I really loved driving an Audi A6 Avant 3.0 Diesel over in Europe the winter of 2019.
Lots of snow, car also had a 7 speed dual clutch Trany.

[Germanauto]

Alfa Stelvio. Yes I'm biased.

Or some Audi A4 Avant if those are still a thing in North America. Volvo V60.

[Efthreeoh]

Take the internet...

[eleven11]

A Bronco is smaller than an X3 (and its similar competitors), and most sedans/wagons. It's the closest to a Jimny. For something smaller, that would likely be my choice (with some minor modifications). Larger, I'm going 4Runner. If you want more creature comforts/luxury, probably an Audi wagon, or a smaller German SUV (BMW, Audi, Merc).

[ToddBlack88]

Audi A4 Allroad

[Killramos]

Originally Posted by eleven11

A Bronco is smaller than an X3 (and its similar competitors), and most sedans/wagons. It's the closest to a Jimny. For something smaller, that would likely be my choice (with some minor modifications). Larger, I'm going 4Runner. If you want more creature comforts/luxury, probably an Audi wagon, or a smaller German SUV (BMW, Audi, Merc).

Full size Bronco? Or the “bronco” sport aka Ford Escape lol

Bronco’s are pretty big

[tranquility]

How about the X1? It's not as good as the X3?

[freakystyly]

The answer is always a Miata.

But seriously, I think SUVs are highly overrated. When do you ever drive in 6 inches of snow?

[6speedNJ]

I love my Grand Cherokee. Much nicer interiors than people give credit for and the best there is in the snow.

[grannyknot]

A Subaru Outback AWD, I live in a rural area north of Toronto and leave for work before my snow plow guy shows up and sometimes before the Township plows clear the roads.
Never had a problem yet. Although, I do have to maneuver around the Suzuki's, Jimmy's and Jeep's that are stuck.

[mikado463]

much more fun ..........

[Moebus]

Drove a Miata in Montreal and Trois Riviere for 12 winters. Good snow tires and 50/50 weight distribution make it a great snow/ice car. More than once I wheeled out of parking lots where little else would move.
That being said, I’ve ploughed through snow 3 feet deep in a Grand Cherokee without a problem. Probably the best for the job.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

The answer is always a Miata.

But seriously, I think SUVs are highly overrated. When do you ever drive in 6 inches of snow?

Ya, coincidentally I want to get a MX-5 too.

I agree w your 2nd paragraph, still, for those 'emergency' situations, I wanna have some flexibility if I wanna go somewhere and the roads aren't plowed yet. Truth be told, my present car has been great in our winters, like many ppl said, just need a good set of winter tires.

[freakystyly]

I know MTL gets quite a bit more snow than Southern Ontario, especially on the island, but your snow clearing services are also top notch and almost military. If only your actual road works were that efficient.

I'd be more worried about other drivers at that point than getting stuck yourself.