Driving smoothly on Snow, Hills & Winding Terrains is not easy, but it allows you to experience the best views, sharp switchbacks, and satisfaction of reaching a high summit. Wrong cars may give you stress from accidents and discomfort on these roads, so the best cars for mountain roads are specifically made to tackle the wilderness and give you a comfortable ride. Consider the facts in your mind while choosing the right car because different kinds of roads require different cars.
What Matters for Mountain Driving
Mountain driving is difficult with just any vehicle, choosing specially built off-road cars is the best option. Choosing the right one for your needs matters when it comes to your safety. It might prevent the risks of accidents or crashes on your journey.
Try to figure out your road type –
Is it snow and icy or mostly dry and twisted?
Do you need to carry bikes or skis?
Do you meet the rough road or stay on the pavement?
Key features in a car you must look for this kind of journey are traction (AWD or 4WD), high ground clearance for rough roads, low GC for winding roads. But most importantly good tires will help you to tackle every road, especially in mountain driving which most people ignore.
Best Car For Snow Mountain Roads: Subaru Outback / Crosstrek
Driving on roads with snow is kind of tricky, you need the best car for snow mountain roads. With all-wheel drive and enough ground space you can face snowy mountain roads. Subaru Outback and Crosstrek are good options for handling snowy roads. They offer excellent looks, symmetrical AWD, and sensible ground clearance. It is ideal for family trips or comfortably used daily with practical cargo space, making it comfortable and confident in ice and deep snow roads. Note: AWD is not enough but the right set of winter tires is making a big difference for this situation.
Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback is an outstanding off road performer with nine trims. It features a 2.5-litre engine to produce 182 hp. It delivers good mileage up to 26 city and 32 highways in non-turbo models. With 32.6 cargo space, still delivering advanced tech functions and symmetrical AWD to support mountain drive.
Image credit: Subaru
Subaru Crosstrek
It offers a 2.0-litre engine that delivers 152 hp and supports AWD with high ground clearance. Crosstrek offers mileage up to 27 city and 34 highway with standard functions for off-road capability. Sport specific interior and technology that ensure the best driving experience.
| Feature | Subaru Outback | Subaru Crosstrek |
| Engine Options | 2.5L (182 hp), 2.4L Turbo | 2.0L (152 hp), 2.5L (182 hp) |
| AWD System | Standard | Standard |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7–9.5 in. | 8.7 in., 9.3 in. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 26/32 (2.5L), 22/29 (2.4L-T) | Up to 27/34 |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Trim Levels available | 9 | 5 |
| Price | $41,710 | $33,795 |
When You Want To Go Off The Beaten Path: Jeep Wrangler / Toyota 4Runner
Rough paths on mountain driving can be challenging, prefer 4×4 system cars to run on steep hills and rocky grounds. Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner are a beast that is specially made to run out fluently from these challenges. They offer special gears for slow crawling and locks for the wheels. Ideal for rough mountain driving not paved or smooth routes. These cars are the best answer if you are wondering, what is the best car to drive in the mountains.
Jeep Wrangler Features
The Wrangler comes with a 3.6L V6 powerful engine to produce 285 hp and plug-in hybrid also available for impeccable off-road capability. It offers 4×4 drivetrain and 6-speed manual transmission for mountain rides. Advanced infotainment system, 85+ safety feature to ensure safe rides on roughly mountains. It offers off-road gear and interior comfort to make it ideal for long trips.
Image credit: jeep & Toyota
Toyota 4Runner Features
It offers a 2.4L turbo engine with 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is allowing this vehicle to be fluent on off-road. With locking rear differential and off-road cruise control, mountain riding will become easier for trained drivers. It also offers maximum cargo space and premium interior made with quality products, making it perfect for long journeys.
| Feature | Jeep Wrangler | Toyota 4Runner |
| Engine Options | V6, I-4 Turbo, V8, PHEV 4xe | 2.4L Turbo I-4 (278 hp), Hybrid |
| AWD/4WD System | Standard, multiple advanced types | Standard RWD, 4WD optional |
| Safety | Over 85 features; ADAS, airbags | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite |
| Interior Options | Leather, heated/ventilated seats | Leather, ventilation all rows |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs | varies by trim |
| Off-Road Gear | Class-leading, lockers, winch, 35″ tires | Lockers, stabilizer bars, crawl control |
| Price | $32,095 | $42,765 |
For Carving Twisty Mountain Roads: Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GR86
The lightweight sports car shines on twisty mountain roads. When people wonder about the best car for winding mountain roads, the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86 often come on top. They are balanced, small, and powerful letting you experience compact performance. It offers more speed and usually provides more fun in driving but also ensures a secure ride on tight mountain roads.
Mazda MX-5 Features
It offers a 2.0L engine that delivers 181 hp of power that drives you through twisty mountain roads with confidence. It offers transmission up to 6-speed manual/automantic with RWD feature. The lightweight Mazda MX-5 is designed for off-road ridings. It offers sport-tuned suspension, advanced safety functions, it costs you around $29,500.
Image credit: mazdausa & toyota
Toyota GR86 Features
It offers 2.4L engine to give your powerful speed with 6-speed transmission. It is also designed on RWD and provides safety with Vehicle Stability Control, seven airbags, hill start assist. Trim available for luxurious interior and it also included flexible cargo with folded seats. It cost around $30,000 but worth it for the best mountain driving experience.
| Feature | Mazda MX-5 | Toyota GR86 |
| Engine | 2.0L I-4, 181 hp | 2.4L Boxer-4, 228 hp |
| Transmission | 6MT / 6AT | 6MT / 6AT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Curb Weight | 2,340 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| Seats | 2 (convertible) | 2+2 coupe |
The Everyday, Family-Friendly Mountain Car: AWD Crossovers
What cars are good for mountains while planning for family trips. The modern AWD crossovers models like Mazda CX-50, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V offer a cargo space, comfortable cabin, and decent capability in poor weather. This is all you need for a fun and safe journey on mountains.
Image credit: Mazda, Toyota, Honda
| Feature | Mazda CX-50 | Toyota RAV4 | Honda CR-V |
| Engine Options | 2.5L / 2.5T / Hybrid | 2.5L / Hybrid / Plug-in | 1.5T / Hybrid |
| Power (hp) | 187-256 (gas) / 219 (hyb) | 203 (gas) / 302 (hybrid) | 190 (gas) / 204 (hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 28 (gas), 38 (hyb) | 30 (gas), 40 (hyb), 94 MPGe | 30 (gas), 40 (hyb) |
| Cargo Volume | 31.4/56.3 | 37.6/69.8 | 39.3/76.5 |
| Safety Suite | Full suite standard | TSS 2.5 standard | Honda Sensing standard |
| Price | $30,500 | $29,800 | $42,250 |
Conclusion
If you are wondering about what is the best car to drive in the mountains then there are a lot of options for you. First, think about your priorities and budget, it may help you to choose the right car for you. All these cars fitted to different roles — Subaru Outback or Crosstrek for snow roads, Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner for Rocky trails, and Mazda MX-5 for twisty paved roads but right tires are the most important part of these cars. Your mountain rides will be safer, comfortable, and enjoyable with these cars.
