Best Cars To Take Skiing

While this is not “Consumer Reports”, sometimes OutdoorEnd likes to inform you on the best products out there for your outdoor activity driven lives. In this weeks blog, we will be looking at five of the best CARS for your ski vacations that don’t involve 31-inch tires and $50k price tags. Sure, SUV’s are great going up to the slopes, but you sure are paying for it, and not to get on my soap box, but so is everybody else! These snow monsters have been chosen on how well they do in the snow, their modest price tags and their ability to sip gas instead of guzzle it! Throw a rack on the roof and you can fit five people with all their gear comfortably and in style, while still achieving excellent fuel economy! Lets check it out!

2014-audi-a4_100435353_hAudi A4 2.0T Quattro– To lead things off, the Quattro has set the benchmark for all-wheel drive through its rally-car-racing heritage. Constantly assessing the resistance, Quattro compensates power to each wheel to achieve ultimate traction. The entire A-series is available with the Quattro package, and the A4 is entry level model of Audi’s line. This car is truly incredible in the snow with a good set of winter tires, and can get to you the slopes confidently, quick and for relatively cheap considering its gas milage. Fun to drive and extremely capable, the A4 is a great buy for the winter slopes and a versatile choice that can serve as your luxury/economy vehicle for the rest of the year.

  • Price: $33,800
  • Fuel economy:
    • City – 24 mpg
    • Highway – 32 mpg
    • Combined – 28 mpg

2014-Volkswagen-Tiguan-SUV-S-4dr-Front-wheel-Drive-Photo-4

Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion 2.0TSI– The Tiguan is VW’s latest crossover vehicle, and it is superb. Achieving excellent fuel economy in its class, the 4-Motion offers Quattro inspired 4-wheel drive that makes this crossover corner like a sedan. With a little more room than your standard four door, the Tiguan is perfect for larger groups heading up to the slopes who don’t wan’t to be guzzling gas down the highway. Throw a rack on top and you’ve got plenty of room inside, not to mention plenty of pep from VW’s new 2.0TSI motor.

  • Price: (from) $32-35k
  • Fuel economy:
    • City – 20 mpg
    • Highway – 26 mpg
    • Combined – 23 mpg

2014-Subaru-Outback-Wagon-2.5i-4dr-All-wheel-Drive-Wagon-Photo-16Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited– How can you beat the classic. Since the early ’80’s Subaru has been manufacturing excellent AWD vehicles for competitive prices that run on super efficient 4-cylinder engines. The new 2.5 Boxer Engine Outback is no exception. Offering the highest ground clearance than any outback to date, the Outback is confident through large drifts and deep snow (up to 8.9 inches). This is really the most perfect car for skiiers and adventurers, and for the price, the best value we could find! The Limited model comes with heated seats, mirrors, and wipers as well as a panoramic sunroof!

  • Price: $29,095
  • Fuel economy:
    • City – 24 mpg
    • Highway – 30 mpg
    • Combined – 26 mpg

2014-Toyota-Highlander-Limited-Platinum-front-three-quartersToyota Highlander V6 AWD– Thought we were going to say 4-Runner? Well…thats a good bet too, but a little lighter, lower and cheaper, and you’ve got yourself a Highlander, with the same engine and AWD instead of switchable 4X4. Fuel economy is reasonable given its stature, and the ride on this car is incredible. Truly a smooth ride all the way to your favorite mountain without the worry of slipping and sliding, or noise. This car is VERY quiet.

  • Price: $31,980
  • Fuel economy:
    • City – 17 mpg
    • Highway – 22 mpg
    • Combined – 19 mpg

2014 Volvo S60Volvo S60 – Last but certainly not least (in terms of money) is the Volvo S60. This very powerful turbocharged 6-cylinder will power you up the slopes in style and luxury while outperforming most mid-sized sedans. Achieving above average fuel economy on the highway for its class, the Volvo is the perfect car to take to the slopes and experience want for naught. With its premium Bose Sound-system, leather, heated seats, mirrors, and wipers, smooth transmission and stylish looks, the S60 has grown into itself as jack of all trades. 

  • Price: $34,400
  • Fuel economy:
    • City – 20 mpg
    • Highway – 29 mpg
    • Combined – 23 mpg

Remember folks,  just because you buy one of these DOES NOT mean you are invincible. We recommend buying a dedicated set of winter tires to complement your AWD vehicle, and implore you to drive safely, be aware of your surroundings and weather hazards! Happy motoring!

%d bloggers like this: