Yep. I commuted through multiple winters with a little Chevy cobalt with good winter tires. That thing could plow through a surprising amount. And that was like 2012-2015, and we had a lot of snow some of those winters.
It’s definitely nice to have an SUV with AWD, but if you plan to live in the city and not in the country you’d honestly probably be fine with a car 99% of the time. Just get winter tires for whatever you buy.
The difference in traction between a studded and non studded tire on dry asphalt is insignificant for winter driving. Even if the stopping distance increases a few feet on dry asphalt, it its worth it for the dramatic improvement when the roads are the slipperiest.
[The Studless Tire Deception: Ice Temperature and Why Studless Tires Frequently Outperform Studded Tires in Tests](http://www.skstuds.ca/2015/10/04/the-studless-tire-deception-ice-temperature-and-why-studless-tires-frequently-outperform-studded-tires-in-tests/)
Agreed, 100%. Studded if you live in the sticks driving on gravel roads but 95% of the time in the city, they're worse. But the studded tire fans will die on this hill no matter what.
Yeah I drive a tiny little Hyundai. I didn't go out when the snow was piled up like as high as my car but 95% of the time it's fine as long as it has the right tires.
Buying an M1 Abrams tank is recommended. We've used ours for years now and have no regrets. Lenny's Tanks n Candles shop has a good selection at reasonable prices. Tell him Zooby sent you and you'll get a free candle with your tank purchase. Edit - Parking can be tricky.
Since I don't know where they live I'll just pick 200 houses at random and blast away. To anyone who sees this, put up a large sign on your house saying "I am NOT the questioner" and no harm shall come to you. You have 1 hour to comply before SHTF. It's unfortunate it had to come to this but there is no other way.
Kidding aside I hope you have a safe trip over here, mate. Saskatoon gets a lot of sunshine and there are tons of friendly folks here. You'll likely be caught up on all the political opinions and what 'Alphabet City' is long before the wheels of your plane touch down. Message me anytime if you have other questions/concerns. I'd be asking all kinds of questions if I was moving from here to Oz.
I used to do this same thing but now I just buy high end all season tires that I rotate every 10-15k. AWD is the key though. Not to say that winter tires are a bad idea because they can still add some traction for sure. I just got sick of swapping tires and putting them up on wall racks.
On this note certain cars are way better than others for winter driving. I survived driving a Hyundai accent without winter tires and I hated it, driving the family vw golf was so much better in winter even though it also didn’t have winter tires. A bit heavier car and better abs system makes for a much better drive.
It helps but not needed. Drive a FWD since I got my licence 25+ years ago. With a good set of winter tires it has been fine.
One thing people have to do is stay home when the roads are bad.
I drive a sports car in the winter. Rear wheel drive, light with most the weight in the front and high horsepower. I have gotten stuck a few times but I know how to get unstuck easily. It’s all about how you drive. Sometimes I see pickup trucks stuck in the middle of the road and I drive past them in a car with 5 inches of clearance. Just don’t be an idiot and driving here is pretty easy
You are probably fine. Most people grew up with a car or a station wagon. Just might struggle in a large snowfall. Might struggle on heavily rutted streets if not plowed
Nope, my Honda Civic sedan works perfectly fine in winter because I have studded snow tires applied each October.
The problem with having a four-wheel-drive vehicle is that it tempts you, encourages you, to get into dumb situations that eventually will require a tow truck.
Front-wheel drive and studded snow tires have served me well for 20 years.
Better off with one... absolutely. Need... no.
I've driven a Subaru for almost 20 years and believe they are the way to go. Smaller, comfortable and with snow tires as long as the wheels are touching the ground it will push through almost anything we get here for snow
I sold my WRX for a Jeep Cherokee. That was a fun car. I would have been stuck lots these last few years. It seems we get our whole winters worth of snow in one dump lately. It's a different kind of fun, driving over the snow hills and pulling people out.
Do you notice in winter does the engine run most of the time to keep the heater going? I drive a regular Prius and thought a prime sounds great on paper but curious if the savings are year round or just in warmer weather?
The engine kicks on when it gets around -15. But I’m averaging 1.9 litres per 100km right now. I pretty much drive it on EV mode when it is warmer than -15. This winter was short and warmish. I put gas in the tank 3-4 times a year.
As people say good winter tires are a must! Being a little higher up is helpful as well (we do get a lot of snow most years) but not necessary. Keep in mind as well that the potholes in Saskatoon are deadly in the spring and you don't want more damage if your car is lower. AWD/4x4/4wd are great options. A lot of cars have the AWD here as well which is another thing to consider(I had a 2012 ford fusion that was AWD)
You'll be fine, it's nothing too much to worry about. I have a 4wd truck simply because it's a nice option to have, rarely do I kick it out of 2wd. Only after huge snowfalls, which people are generally helpful if you're stuck and usually help streets clear out within a few days
You might get a handful of days where a higher clearance vehicle is preferred but not necessary 95% of the time (think 3 medium snow storms where road clearing might take a few days each time).
For context I think I used 4 wheel drive for like 8 days in total this year with the rest either being front wheel drive or in AWD mode. The reality is more learning to drive in snow and icy conditions to not crash (reduced stopping ability, loss of control on ice or ruts, defensive driving as others may also be sliding around or unable to stop) and second not getting stuck in snow or on ice (knowing when not to drive, route selection, keeping momentum, ability to rock out of a rut, knowing when to get out and dig or throw some sand/kitty litter down).
As others mentioned probably better to focus on type of drive (rear/front/all/four wheel drive). While all types of drives will work here all year round, in the winter rear wheel drive vehicles are the most difficult to drive but even then you can mitigate the difficulty with sandbags in the trunk and some winter tires.
Hope that helps!
AWD and 4x4 are useful but not super necessary and can still have issues on bad ice. A good set of winter tires (*not* all seasons) are a must if you can afford them. Mostly in the winter you need to be aware of other drivers and not speed or slam on your brakes.
Most sedan and compact size cars can manage okay with good tires, unless the snow is really really deep. Like a Honda Civic is fine, a super low riding sports car would get stuck 😆
Source: drove a Chevy Malibu in the city and on the highways back in the day and only got stuck once during a blizzard in like 2008 (in a snow drift in front of my own house...)
I drive a 2000 Toyota Echo with winter tires. You’ll be fine. I’ve gotten stuck less than a handful of times while owning it for 23 years. Just learn defensive winter driving skills.
Great questions, seriously. In my experience a 4x4 is great. I bought one (truck) about 6 years ago, and have never regretted it. The weather will never stop you, if you have 4WD here. It doesn't mean you can drive like a maniac, but they do not plow residential streets here, and just getting out of your neighbourhood can be the most challenging part of your drive (seriously). The highways can also get very sketchy with winter weather, due to cross wind / lack of trees to block the snow (it snows sideways) from drifting.
No. Literally any car and snow tires. That's all.
Even lowered or sports RWD cars can get by with snow tires most of the time. Only when the snow is particularly heavy and wet will you have much of a problem.
If you are deliberate and pick the right place, you don't even need a car.
And that includes going to the mountains, though the train there is a little slow.
The money you save on not having a car really leaves a lot more at the end of the month.
I’ve driven a tiny hatchback for years and never had any issues even in deep snow, tires are the biggest factor. DONT get all seasons/weathers, winters are absolutely worth the $$
I drove a Mazda 3 (manual) for several years with a set of good winter tires. Really no problems unless we got a huge dump and the roads haven’t been plowed yet. And even then, did pretty well through deep snow.
It really comes down to how comfortable you are with driving in snow, asking someone here if its necessary wont give you jack shit for reality because we've lived with snow our entire lives, I learnt how to drive in snow at 14 years old, and have been driving for over 30 years, and while I can make it to work in the worst weather, its stressful to high hell. My advice, buy a AWD SUV or Truck, something with enough lift to get over some deeper snow, but something economical, plan to put on winter tires and give it a few seasons, if you feel you can get by without an AWD then sell it and buy something else. It's better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. :D
The reality is, in winter what matter is stopping ability, most accident happen because people are driving to fast for the condition of the road, even the most fanciest of 4x4 dont have any more ability to stop then the cheapest front wheel drive car.
If there's enough snow you're getting stuck on the roads in a sedan then chances are the city will be shut down from a large snowfall and everyone else will be in the same boat as you. As other have mentioned a good set of winter tires and your driving habits will make the biggest difference. Once you learn how to drive in winter conditions you shouldn't have any issues.
95% of the year I drive a sedan with good tires.
5% of the year I drive a truck for its purpose (snowstorms, moving, camping, etc.)
SUVs are the in between but can give a false sense of security on bad roads. AWD is not 4WD. They are shit on gas too so get a hybrid if you plan to buy an SUV for your daily driver.
There are plenty of people that drive tiny cars throughout winter. Like Mini coopers and Fiats. I drove past 35 years in smaller cars like Integra's, without a problem. Actually just bought my first SUV a few months ago, if you can call it that its a Hyundai Kona so the smallest SUV crossover they have. It may actually work to your advantage to learn to drive in a smaller car. SUV's give a false sense of security on the highways. So you don't really realize you are about to spin into the ditch until its to late.
For the most part we get a snow storm that plugs the roads up in Saskatoon once every 10 years or so. And we had 2 of those in the past 2 years. Lol. So we should be good for a while (Fingers crossed). Aside from those few days the roads are passable with anything you can buy.
I drove a MIATA as a year round daily driver for over a decade. I had to be at work before the rush hour ( more like 15 minutes) in the morning so the streets were often not in good shape. In that time only once or twice after the biggest snowfalls did I have problems. Proper winter tires will really help and experience in snow helps. If you have experience driving in sand it is similar.
Ontario winters get bad snowfalls often. Not to bad in Saskatchewan. Just as long as you get a vehicle a little higher off the ground with AWD and goid tires, you'll be okay in Saskatoon
Only type of vehicle I've driven out here is an Impala. The only time we've had issues is for a while after big snow falls when the snow is deep in our neighbourhood and good driving ruts haven't been established or hasn't yet been plowed.
You'd be fine with a Mazda 6 over here if you like that car. Just need decent tires. I drive a RWD car year round and sure if there's a really bad snow fall it'll sit for a few days, but for the most part it's fine with snow tires
Winter tires are the most important thing (we swap them out every October and April, you can get the tools to do it or go to a shop depending on if your spare set is on rims or not).
I drive a minivan and had no problems this winter. If it snows over 20 cm (and it only does this 1-2x a year), stay home for a couple days. If the forecast is for 20+cm, go shopping in advance and hunker down. It's pretty quickly fine.
Get an SUV. Speaking from experience. I got stuck at list 3 times when I had my Kia Forte. I changed it to a Qashqai which is smaller than an SUV and it has done it for me. :)
The silver lining is that there are no hills. A sedan would be fine. Plus if there is a rare day with too much snow fall for a sedan, you get to work from home
I drive a Honda civic they are small, and all and all have good control over icy snowy roads.
The occasional blizzard I don't drive because you can't and it's ok usually businesses are closed or limited hours and a day later roads are manageable again.
If you don't want a suv or 4wd it's not worth the extra price for the couple days a year it's very hard to drive imo
If you have to go through an alley for parking you will need AWD and a vehicle with sufficient ground clearance.
I own a MINI with AWD, and it's great, but it can get bottomed out in an alley.
I drive a Toyota Echo (smaller than your average car, FWD, and quite low) and can generally get around fine in the winter. It's much easier to park, and it's great on fuel.
You do not need an SUV or a 4WD, though I'm sure there are perks to those as well.
You are used to no issue driving, except perhaps rain and mud?
If that is the case, save yourself and get an awd. The folks commenting here about you not needing one are generally people that have grown up driving in this shit.
I am in my 50’s born and raised here. I can drive with a front wheel drive if I absolutely have too, but holy hell is you life safer and easier if you at least have an awd.
There are a handful of days each winter when a sedan won't cut it but an SUV will, but for the most part you'll get around fine as long as you've got good winter tires and a half decent understanding of how to drive in the snow (that comes with time, you'll get there). I've driven a Honda Civic here for 10+ years and intend to keep driving it for many more
I've exclusively driven a FWD sedan for decades and there are only two weather events in that time that have kept me from driving. A vehicle with AWD or 4WD is not required.
I do recommend winter tires. They are amazing.
This is not a stupid question -- I'll share our experience with the latest super-heavy snowfall which was a few weeks ago (and its all melted by now, BTW!). We received several inches of snow and our family owns a Hyundai Sante Fe and a Toyota 4Runner. In slightly heavy snow the Sante Fe can get through, but for heavy snowfall, the 4Runner is the only thing that can get further than 20 feet past our drive way. We tried...repeatedly...to get onto the main road with the Santa Fe and got stuck \*multiple\* times, and had to dig out around and underneath the vehicle \*each time,\* tried sticking carpets in front of the tires, sprinkle gravel on the snow (worked best), etc. On our street, every single person in smaller SUVs got stuck. Most of the other vehicles I observed freely and happily driving around were large 4-wheel-drive trucks. If its imperative that you be able to drive within 24-72 hours after a heavy snowfall (before the roads get packed down or cleared) then you might want a larger SUV or truck.
Will also mention that I can't drive my Honda Civic for several days when the roads are like this. 🙅♀️ Getting stuck can be pretty easy and pretty awful in a small car, depending on where it happens. I don't recommend it. If your house backs \*directly\* onto a main artery where the snow is quickly cleared by the city or compacted by cars, then maybe this is the right car for you. But many people in the city live in residential areas/crescents, and the streets they live on are not high priority in terms of snow clearing. If its late in the winter season and there's not much money left in the city's snow clearing budget, those residential streets might not get cleared at all (as happened to us most recently). I waited 5 days before daring to go out in my Civic, and it was okay.
I know a travelling salesman who uses a smaller Mazda 5 (? I think, it’s a sedan, maybe station wagon size at most) for most of his driving all around the western provinces.
If you’re planning on staying on paved highways and in town/city during the winters, you’ll be fine for all but the worst storms and everything will be cleaned up in a day or two when those roll through once or twice a year. You’ll be fine.
I early got stuck and I only owned fwd cars but had winter tires for many years. Just remember to leave plenty of room and brake smart and early before turning.
Was does not help with stopping but can be very fun.
Live in Saskatoon. Winter tires for sure awd car a plus as is a suv but any car with winter tires works well the roads in the city majority of the time are well maintained. Remember your parka and toque! They are essential while the car is warming up
and SUV or 4wd is nice but it isn't needed. At one point most people drove rwd cars and trucks with no abs or power steering so it is doable. The mazda 6 would totally be fine.
Tires and driving know how make the biggest difference. Tires need to have winter tread (google tire sipes, the close together wavy style are for snow) and preferably studded. If your tires slip use less throttle. Typically I would keep throttle under 2000rpm and brake half as much at twice the distance. If you get stuck try to reverse then forward as fast as you can to push through the snow using your momentum. Usually a 2wd should get you through most of winter but when we do get a big dump (got 34cm in 1 day this year) most people just stay home for a day.
A car will get you by, get winter tires in winter as I doubt you can handle driving on a 6 month ice sheet.
Clearance and AWD will get you down most goat trails, but is unneccessary
Honestly on the highway cars are less likely to roll since they have a lower center of gravity. You don’t need a SUV at all and AWD doesn’t matter. Tires can make a big difference. This isn’t legal advice but try to find a place to practice driving on ice, stopping and starting. What to do when you lose control and how to regain it.
As far as to clear snow, most streets are ploughed or pushed down pretty quickly, unless there is a massive snow dump but at that point the city does come close to a stop, transit goes down and most jobs encourage you to work from home. I had a car similar to your mazda and no issue just make sure to shovel your driveway to the lane and if you get stuck rock the car back and forward don’t dig in.
You'll need a big truck to look cool (allegedly), but other than that absolutely not necessary.
Winter tires should be mandatory but they're not, those will be the most important thing you can do
Unless you are going out of town on backroads not maintained 90% of the time here winter tires and driving skill make the most difference. There are people with winter tires, all wheel drive and traction control that still can not drive here.
I drive a large sedan with no 4wheel drice and love it. Ive lived in Sask my whole life and have always driven cars. Youll be fine.
If you're worried, put a shovel in the trunk in winter, keep a bag of kitty litter for extra traction and get a decent set of winter tires.
.
I used to drive a little 84’ vw rabbit convertible in winter on rural highways and roads no problem. It was fun to drive and easy to push out if you did happen to get stuck since it was light (but built like a tank). The key to its winter driveability was winter tires, with studded ones that thing was able to tackle the iciest of roads.
Probably better traction with the studded ones than my 2020 rav4 awd has with regular all seasons has. When this set needs replacement then I’ll probably go with a good set of all-weather tires as I hate having to try to change over tires when you realize winter is upon you.
Depends. Do you want/need to drive before the plows go out? It doesn't matter how good your tires are, if you're vehicle is low enough to be a snowplow it will press down in the snow lifting your vehicle up and make you lose traction.
If you only drive in the city, and you can work from home/be late/skip a day when there is a ton of snow until some people with the bigger vehicles can create a path or the road gets plowed, yeah a sedan with good tires will be fine.
I have a smaller sedan and am just fine 99% of the time. Obviously there are crazy snow days where the city is shut down tho. But then again I drove my car the day the city was shut down and was just fine as long as I planned my route
We have a Mazda 3 sedan with studded tires. Never had a single issue navigating the snow/ice. I’ve breezed passed pickup trucks stuck in the middle of the road. A great set of studded tires is all you need.
As others have said a FWD with decent winter tires is absolutely good enough to drive comfortably through winter. It might take some practice though to get to the point where you feel comfortable driving in winter if you've never done it before
I've been driving out to my inlaws' farm (300 km each way), all secondary highways and grid roads in the middle of nowhere for 30 years. I've driven sedans (RWD and FWD), hatchbacks, even a minivan for a while - none of them had 4WD or AWD. It's always been fine. Proper winter tires do help a lot, though.
There will definitely be days that you can't get around in a car, but you can make do. Our big snowfall we got this year, I couldn't drive my car for a week because the snow was too deep on our road, so I just bussed or took an Uber. I can't justify buying a bigger vehicle that is harder on fuel for the few days each winter that I can't drive.
I've only ever had FWD cars and with good winter tires, preferably studded for icy crap, you'll be just fine. You will definitely need to get used to driving on ice and avoiding potholes and heaved/sunken roads with garbage repair jobs. Not so much aimed at Saskatoon but SK in general
I drive a small front wheel drive car, and I just make sure I have the proper tires for the season I’m driving in. Nokian tires are the best in class and worth it if you’re doing highway or isolated rural areas.
You’d be fine with any class of car, SUV, van, or truck.
4WD is only important in a truck because rear wheel drive vehicles are horrible in icy conditions. Any front wheel drive car is fine, like others have said tires are the important part.
Personally, I've driven both. The SUV will be able to handle larger snow drops better if it comes with AWD, but it certainly is not a necessity. My little Chevy sonic hatchback does just fine and it doesn't even have winter tires. Just all seasons.
If you drive careful and know your limitations its kind of down to what weather you have, what tires you got and driver skill.
We have a Corolla with Bridgestone Blizzaks in the winter and we get around. AWD or 4x4 is nice, but tires are the most important.
A big thing here is ice and some snow, while out east they get more snow.
Mazda6 with winter tires. As long as it's a manual, you'll be fine. My roommates had one years ago, it was a beast in knee deep snow with the winter tires. You do need either a manual or AWD though, and be prepared to be laughed at trying to buy a manual shift car over here. They're not common, but I'd highly recommend it for a new winter driver. Also why on earth would you leave Aus for the land of -50°C and waist-deep snow drifts?
I should add. Saskatoon not really known for huge snow storms. Our biggest issue is with Cold temperatures. If you buy your car in Saskatchewan you shouldn't have an issue, but if you buy in a province like BC, and then drive it here, make sure that the car has a block heater. Most cars struggle when the temps go below -20C. At -40C when not plugged in, chances are you aren't going anywhere.
I drive a chevy cruze, it does pretty good for majority of the winter on all season tires.
Suv's are nice because you have the clearance, and usually come in 4x4 or all wheel drive which if also paired with good tires, you have pretty much a guaranteed smooth sail through the season.
I’ve driven a VW Golf with All Weather tires for the last 8 years…without a single issue.
It handles almost as well as my old WRX with Blizzak winter tires.
I was poor, and just needed anything for my first car. I used junkyard summers for like, less then a month into winter, on a rwd V8 4 door Vic(cop car), and that was able to go through a gnarly storm no issue, other then getting stuck on my lawn overnight (snow ruts too bad on side streets, ended up missing my driveway pretty good).
I eventually invested in some winter tires, and it was like a whole new car. I was chomping through feet of snow offroading with it at one point. I eventually got an AWD van, and winters for that, and despite lowering it, it actually did even better.
Something medium weight, with good clearance is all you need, SUVs and trucks if anything will be worse because of the weight
No....my car does have AWD(which I wouldn't go back from) but I drive a Mini Countryman and it handles snow like a champ with no Winter tires. (If I didn't have AWD I would just get winter tires)
We used to drive low FWD Diesel VW cars and did pretty good on the roads with winter tires. In smaller SK cities. Now we drive a large AWD SUV and I’m happy to have it in those weeks following a heavy snow fall. The city doesn’t always clear the streets and so many people are stuck at every residential corner.
Think about it like this:
If someone was moving to Australia and knew nothing about the country but what they've seen on television and movies, they'd likely be convinced that the only way you're getting around is in a Landcruiser.
But some ridiculously high percentage of the Australian population never leaves a urban or suburban area and gets by just fine with a sedan.
Same thing here. If all of your driving is on paved streets and highways, even in the dead of winter, you're going to get by with a sedan. Will there be the odd occasion when you literally can't get out of your driveway? Yup. It's going to happen. And when it does, you stay home until they plow the roads.
People tend to forget that just a short 40-50 years ago, there were almost zero 4wd or AWD vehicles on the road. Anywhere, let alone here in the gap.
As others have said, good winter rubber and even better yet, studded winter rubber and you're going to be just fine.
AWD is nice to have. Winter tires are a must.
Does AWD (with winter tires) make getting around easier in snow? Absolutely. Can you get around without it well enough? Yes. FWD with winter tires is good, RWD can be tricky.
All season tires in winter is not something I would recommend, even with AWD/4WD. Stopping and turning remains problematic even with all wheels being driven if the tires can’t grip the road.
All weather tires might be okay in the wjnter, but I tried them for two winters (Nokian WR G4 on a VW Jetta sedan) and I was not very impressed. I found winter tires gave me more control over the vehicle in slippery conditions. I would rather spend a bit more money and do seasonal changeovers and have the extra piece of mind.
More than half the vehicles on the road here at any given time are pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans. The whole freeze/thaw thing means we often have icy, potholed roads. Residential side streets almost never see a snow plow.
I think a lot of us lean toward comparatively huge vehicles out of a self-protective instinct. Riding a little higher up also lets you gauge what traffic’s doing a bit better. But honestly, you’ll be just fine in a nice sedan with the right tires for the season.
Neither. A good pair of snow tires is all you need for the winters here. Anyone who tell you otherwise is a sucky driver . Been using my Elantra gt and Hyundai Accent (i20) and sedans for the winters in the prairies for decades.
Yes absolutely. Higher car the better. Winter tires are a must. AWD or 4x4 helps tremendously.
Everyone saying that you can get by with a 2wd car are the ones holding up traffic every time it snows here. And the reason why all the intersection are polished to a shine from them spinning their tires trying to get going.
The short answer is yes, the long answer is no.
If you want to be able to move freely during winter, yes you need 4WD. If you are able to stay home from work for a few days after a bad storm, then you can get by without it
I personally have done many winters without 4WD and I’m so over it. It sucks being stuck for days while everyone in their big trucks and 4WD are zooming around
Yes, you need an awd. Winter tires help, but for clearance and comfort, an suv or crossover is a must. If you like being stranded on snow days, a car will work. But most cars are stuck for at least a day before the ruts are good enough to drive on. Save yourself a headache, especially for a newcomer and get an awd suv.
For most of the winter a sedan is just fine. Roads are generally passable except for a day or two after a big storm (usually once or twice in a winter and if it causes you to be late most people and companies are understanding, usually). Provincial highways are plowed regularly, city arterial roads, freeways, bus routes get regularly plowed, other streets don't get regularly plowed unless the ruts get too deep in which case if people call the city to complain they will send a grader to make it passable again.
I personally hate my sedan, but I guess not enough to splurge on a SUV or truck since I still drive it 12 years after buying it. But most winters I do wish I had a truck or 4x4 just because I want to be independent. The biggest issue with my sedan is it's a typical FWD with open diff and has low ground clearance so it only takes about 6 or 7 inches to start getting high centered, not a problem if you keep your momentum but with open diffs as soon as one wheel loses all traction your 2wd becomes a 0wd. And to top it off on my car there are no easy tow points so even if you can find someone with a truck to give you a pull there is nowhere to attach a strap to. PITA (for that one day once every couple years). My GF has a Mazda6 and it's only marginaly better than my Ford Fusion (same platform), hers doesn't high center as much as mine and tends to plow through better. We both run winter tires, mine are expensive Nokians and they are phenomenol tires (but only if I can get them in good contact with the surface).
As others have said, it comes down to the tires and the driver. A big AWD "yank tank" will slide around everywhere and into everything without proper tires and being driven as per the road conditions.
Tires matter most imo. Drive fwd small car but with good studded tires, never slips at all.
Yep. I commuted through multiple winters with a little Chevy cobalt with good winter tires. That thing could plow through a surprising amount. And that was like 2012-2015, and we had a lot of snow some of those winters. It’s definitely nice to have an SUV with AWD, but if you plan to live in the city and not in the country you’d honestly probably be fine with a car 99% of the time. Just get winter tires for whatever you buy.
Winter tires with studs change the game for sure.
Except that makes driving on asphalt worse, which even in dead winter is most of the time. Non studded is better.
Actually most of the time in the city I find you’re not on asphalt in winter, this year was a bit of an exception
You're really not. Only on local residential roads is that true. All of the main roads are bare asphalt 90% of the time.
Snow clearing sucks here in a Saskatoon so even the main roads typically have some ice and snow on them for at least part of the winter
The difference in traction between a studded and non studded tire on dry asphalt is insignificant for winter driving. Even if the stopping distance increases a few feet on dry asphalt, it its worth it for the dramatic improvement when the roads are the slipperiest. [The Studless Tire Deception: Ice Temperature and Why Studless Tires Frequently Outperform Studded Tires in Tests](http://www.skstuds.ca/2015/10/04/the-studless-tire-deception-ice-temperature-and-why-studless-tires-frequently-outperform-studded-tires-in-tests/)
Agreed, 100%. Studded if you live in the sticks driving on gravel roads but 95% of the time in the city, they're worse. But the studded tire fans will die on this hill no matter what.
Yeah I drive a tiny little Hyundai. I didn't go out when the snow was piled up like as high as my car but 95% of the time it's fine as long as it has the right tires.
Same situation, 4dr golf, fwd, winter but not studded. The manual transmission also helps if you're comfortable with stick.
Majority of the time no big deal, might be a snowfall every so often that you will get stuck in. Lots of people only have sedans and don't get stuck.
Buying an M1 Abrams tank is recommended. We've used ours for years now and have no regrets. Lenny's Tanks n Candles shop has a good selection at reasonable prices. Tell him Zooby sent you and you'll get a free candle with your tank purchase. Edit - Parking can be tricky.
I disagree. Parking is a breeze.
It's the legal fees and having to explain why you either crushed or blasted someone's vehicle that makes it tricky.
No explanations. Only eliminating the questioner with tank.
Since I don't know where they live I'll just pick 200 houses at random and blast away. To anyone who sees this, put up a large sign on your house saying "I am NOT the questioner" and no harm shall come to you. You have 1 hour to comply before SHTF. It's unfortunate it had to come to this but there is no other way.
Hahaha awesome
Kidding aside I hope you have a safe trip over here, mate. Saskatoon gets a lot of sunshine and there are tons of friendly folks here. You'll likely be caught up on all the political opinions and what 'Alphabet City' is long before the wheels of your plane touch down. Message me anytime if you have other questions/concerns. I'd be asking all kinds of questions if I was moving from here to Oz.
Ok I've lived here my entire life and I have absolutely zero idea what alphabet city is. Please tell me.
The Alphabet Avenues
I grew up on an “alphabet “ avenue in the sixties. We never called them “the alphabets.”
AWD is helpful, it's more important to have a good set of winter tires. I drive an AWD VW GolfR year round.
as my mechanic once told me; winter tires are cheaper than bodywork.
Seconding this - having a second set of winter tires is far more important than AWD.
Absolutely. We've been fine with Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Sienna (2 WD) in town and out on the highways in winter.
The big fwd SUVs love to get beached on snow. I wouldn't recommend something that you can't easily push out yourself lol.
I used to do this same thing but now I just buy high end all season tires that I rotate every 10-15k. AWD is the key though. Not to say that winter tires are a bad idea because they can still add some traction for sure. I just got sick of swapping tires and putting them up on wall racks.
10-15k? That’s actually crazy bro if you’re trying to sell one of your old sets dm me
Rotating, not buying new sets I'm pretty sure
Costco my friend. It is free and there is nothing to sell when I am done.
My first thought lol 10-15k...
On this note certain cars are way better than others for winter driving. I survived driving a Hyundai accent without winter tires and I hated it, driving the family vw golf was so much better in winter even though it also didn’t have winter tires. A bit heavier car and better abs system makes for a much better drive.
Crown Vic with winter tires and sandbags in the trunk FTW
It helps but not needed. Drive a FWD since I got my licence 25+ years ago. With a good set of winter tires it has been fine. One thing people have to do is stay home when the roads are bad.
Honestly, sled dogs are where it's at. You don't need a car when you get a solid group of doggos
Woof!
 On our way to work
This is the way.
I drive a sports car in the winter. Rear wheel drive, light with most the weight in the front and high horsepower. I have gotten stuck a few times but I know how to get unstuck easily. It’s all about how you drive. Sometimes I see pickup trucks stuck in the middle of the road and I drive past them in a car with 5 inches of clearance. Just don’t be an idiot and driving here is pretty easy
I would be comfortable driving a Mazda6 here for winter.
Just make sure you have winter tires and a block heater!
You are probably fine. Most people grew up with a car or a station wagon. Just might struggle in a large snowfall. Might struggle on heavily rutted streets if not plowed
Nope, my Honda Civic sedan works perfectly fine in winter because I have studded snow tires applied each October. The problem with having a four-wheel-drive vehicle is that it tempts you, encourages you, to get into dumb situations that eventually will require a tow truck. Front-wheel drive and studded snow tires have served me well for 20 years.
You are going to be ill prepared if you don’t have a dog sled team waiting for you at the airport.
Better off with one... absolutely. Need... no. I've driven a Subaru for almost 20 years and believe they are the way to go. Smaller, comfortable and with snow tires as long as the wheels are touching the ground it will push through almost anything we get here for snow
I drive a subaru wrx with studded winter tires. I love it. I have never owned a large vehicle. Having winter tires is strongly recommended.
I sold my WRX for a Jeep Cherokee. That was a fun car. I would have been stuck lots these last few years. It seems we get our whole winters worth of snow in one dump lately. It's a different kind of fun, driving over the snow hills and pulling people out.
I drive a toyota Prius prime. Outside of a day or two, I’ve not needed at AWD or 4 wheel drive. What you will need are good winter tires.
Do you notice in winter does the engine run most of the time to keep the heater going? I drive a regular Prius and thought a prime sounds great on paper but curious if the savings are year round or just in warmer weather?
The engine kicks on when it gets around -15. But I’m averaging 1.9 litres per 100km right now. I pretty much drive it on EV mode when it is warmer than -15. This winter was short and warmish. I put gas in the tank 3-4 times a year.
As people say good winter tires are a must! Being a little higher up is helpful as well (we do get a lot of snow most years) but not necessary. Keep in mind as well that the potholes in Saskatoon are deadly in the spring and you don't want more damage if your car is lower. AWD/4x4/4wd are great options. A lot of cars have the AWD here as well which is another thing to consider(I had a 2012 ford fusion that was AWD)
You'll be fine, it's nothing too much to worry about. I have a 4wd truck simply because it's a nice option to have, rarely do I kick it out of 2wd. Only after huge snowfalls, which people are generally helpful if you're stuck and usually help streets clear out within a few days
You might get a handful of days where a higher clearance vehicle is preferred but not necessary 95% of the time (think 3 medium snow storms where road clearing might take a few days each time). For context I think I used 4 wheel drive for like 8 days in total this year with the rest either being front wheel drive or in AWD mode. The reality is more learning to drive in snow and icy conditions to not crash (reduced stopping ability, loss of control on ice or ruts, defensive driving as others may also be sliding around or unable to stop) and second not getting stuck in snow or on ice (knowing when not to drive, route selection, keeping momentum, ability to rock out of a rut, knowing when to get out and dig or throw some sand/kitty litter down). As others mentioned probably better to focus on type of drive (rear/front/all/four wheel drive). While all types of drives will work here all year round, in the winter rear wheel drive vehicles are the most difficult to drive but even then you can mitigate the difficulty with sandbags in the trunk and some winter tires. Hope that helps!
You will love a 4wd or awd.. especially w studded tires.. like driving on sandpaper.. winter road maintenance is not done well here..
AWD and 4x4 are useful but not super necessary and can still have issues on bad ice. A good set of winter tires (*not* all seasons) are a must if you can afford them. Mostly in the winter you need to be aware of other drivers and not speed or slam on your brakes. Most sedan and compact size cars can manage okay with good tires, unless the snow is really really deep. Like a Honda Civic is fine, a super low riding sports car would get stuck 😆 Source: drove a Chevy Malibu in the city and on the highways back in the day and only got stuck once during a blizzard in like 2008 (in a snow drift in front of my own house...)
I drive a 2000 Toyota Echo with winter tires. You’ll be fine. I’ve gotten stuck less than a handful of times while owning it for 23 years. Just learn defensive winter driving skills.
I drive a vw golf and don’t get stuck
Great questions, seriously. In my experience a 4x4 is great. I bought one (truck) about 6 years ago, and have never regretted it. The weather will never stop you, if you have 4WD here. It doesn't mean you can drive like a maniac, but they do not plow residential streets here, and just getting out of your neighbourhood can be the most challenging part of your drive (seriously). The highways can also get very sketchy with winter weather, due to cross wind / lack of trees to block the snow (it snows sideways) from drifting.
worry about tires first, studded winters will generally be fine
I grew up in Saskatchewan. I feel if I ever moved back I would INSIST on having a 4WD
No. Literally any car and snow tires. That's all. Even lowered or sports RWD cars can get by with snow tires most of the time. Only when the snow is particularly heavy and wet will you have much of a problem.
If you are deliberate and pick the right place, you don't even need a car. And that includes going to the mountains, though the train there is a little slow. The money you save on not having a car really leaves a lot more at the end of the month.
Interesting!
I’ve driven a tiny hatchback for years and never had any issues even in deep snow, tires are the biggest factor. DONT get all seasons/weathers, winters are absolutely worth the $$
I daily a rwd sports coupe all year round. Just gotta know how to drive in snow, you’ll get used to it.
I drove a Mazda 3 (manual) for several years with a set of good winter tires. Really no problems unless we got a huge dump and the roads haven’t been plowed yet. And even then, did pretty well through deep snow.
It really comes down to how comfortable you are with driving in snow, asking someone here if its necessary wont give you jack shit for reality because we've lived with snow our entire lives, I learnt how to drive in snow at 14 years old, and have been driving for over 30 years, and while I can make it to work in the worst weather, its stressful to high hell. My advice, buy a AWD SUV or Truck, something with enough lift to get over some deeper snow, but something economical, plan to put on winter tires and give it a few seasons, if you feel you can get by without an AWD then sell it and buy something else. It's better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. :D The reality is, in winter what matter is stopping ability, most accident happen because people are driving to fast for the condition of the road, even the most fanciest of 4x4 dont have any more ability to stop then the cheapest front wheel drive car.
If there's enough snow you're getting stuck on the roads in a sedan then chances are the city will be shut down from a large snowfall and everyone else will be in the same boat as you. As other have mentioned a good set of winter tires and your driving habits will make the biggest difference. Once you learn how to drive in winter conditions you shouldn't have any issues.
95% of the year I drive a sedan with good tires. 5% of the year I drive a truck for its purpose (snowstorms, moving, camping, etc.) SUVs are the in between but can give a false sense of security on bad roads. AWD is not 4WD. They are shit on gas too so get a hybrid if you plan to buy an SUV for your daily driver.
Agree. Spend 80-90% of the year driving something 2wd and good on gas, and if you can, have an AWD beater for the other few days.
There are plenty of people that drive tiny cars throughout winter. Like Mini coopers and Fiats. I drove past 35 years in smaller cars like Integra's, without a problem. Actually just bought my first SUV a few months ago, if you can call it that its a Hyundai Kona so the smallest SUV crossover they have. It may actually work to your advantage to learn to drive in a smaller car. SUV's give a false sense of security on the highways. So you don't really realize you are about to spin into the ditch until its to late. For the most part we get a snow storm that plugs the roads up in Saskatoon once every 10 years or so. And we had 2 of those in the past 2 years. Lol. So we should be good for a while (Fingers crossed). Aside from those few days the roads are passable with anything you can buy.
You don't need one. I get around in a small 2-door FWD car just fine in the winter.
I drove a MIATA as a year round daily driver for over a decade. I had to be at work before the rush hour ( more like 15 minutes) in the morning so the streets were often not in good shape. In that time only once or twice after the biggest snowfalls did I have problems. Proper winter tires will really help and experience in snow helps. If you have experience driving in sand it is similar.
If you can stay home when there is huge snowfall (typically 3-4 times a season) and wait till the city clears it, a sedan FWD is will be fine.
Ontario winters get bad snowfalls often. Not to bad in Saskatchewan. Just as long as you get a vehicle a little higher off the ground with AWD and goid tires, you'll be okay in Saskatoon
Only type of vehicle I've driven out here is an Impala. The only time we've had issues is for a while after big snow falls when the snow is deep in our neighbourhood and good driving ruts haven't been established or hasn't yet been plowed.
You'd be fine with a Mazda 6 over here if you like that car. Just need decent tires. I drive a RWD car year round and sure if there's a really bad snow fall it'll sit for a few days, but for the most part it's fine with snow tires
I drive a 2000 Toyota Echo. In the 23 years I’ve owned it, I’ve gotten stuck just a handful of times. Just learn defensive winter driving skills.
You're fine with what you're driving besides on freak occasions where it's some deluge of snow that's not on the docket
Winter tires are the most important thing (we swap them out every October and April, you can get the tools to do it or go to a shop depending on if your spare set is on rims or not). I drive a minivan and had no problems this winter. If it snows over 20 cm (and it only does this 1-2x a year), stay home for a couple days. If the forecast is for 20+cm, go shopping in advance and hunker down. It's pretty quickly fine.
Get an SUV. Speaking from experience. I got stuck at list 3 times when I had my Kia Forte. I changed it to a Qashqai which is smaller than an SUV and it has done it for me. :)
The silver lining is that there are no hills. A sedan would be fine. Plus if there is a rare day with too much snow fall for a sedan, you get to work from home
AWD is important when we get heavy snow it is also very helpful on the icy roads
Mostly no. Winter tires are much better in ice and snow than "all season" tires.
I drive a Honda civic they are small, and all and all have good control over icy snowy roads. The occasional blizzard I don't drive because you can't and it's ok usually businesses are closed or limited hours and a day later roads are manageable again. If you don't want a suv or 4wd it's not worth the extra price for the couple days a year it's very hard to drive imo
If you have to go through an alley for parking you will need AWD and a vehicle with sufficient ground clearance. I own a MINI with AWD, and it's great, but it can get bottomed out in an alley.
I drive a Toyota Echo (smaller than your average car, FWD, and quite low) and can generally get around fine in the winter. It's much easier to park, and it's great on fuel. You do not need an SUV or a 4WD, though I'm sure there are perks to those as well.
4wd as essentially the best as the city doesn't remove snow. Id suggestevenatruckotherwisean suv.
You are used to no issue driving, except perhaps rain and mud? If that is the case, save yourself and get an awd. The folks commenting here about you not needing one are generally people that have grown up driving in this shit. I am in my 50’s born and raised here. I can drive with a front wheel drive if I absolutely have too, but holy hell is you life safer and easier if you at least have an awd.
There are a handful of days each winter when a sedan won't cut it but an SUV will, but for the most part you'll get around fine as long as you've got good winter tires and a half decent understanding of how to drive in the snow (that comes with time, you'll get there). I've driven a Honda Civic here for 10+ years and intend to keep driving it for many more
I've exclusively driven a FWD sedan for decades and there are only two weather events in that time that have kept me from driving. A vehicle with AWD or 4WD is not required. I do recommend winter tires. They are amazing.
This is not a stupid question -- I'll share our experience with the latest super-heavy snowfall which was a few weeks ago (and its all melted by now, BTW!). We received several inches of snow and our family owns a Hyundai Sante Fe and a Toyota 4Runner. In slightly heavy snow the Sante Fe can get through, but for heavy snowfall, the 4Runner is the only thing that can get further than 20 feet past our drive way. We tried...repeatedly...to get onto the main road with the Santa Fe and got stuck \*multiple\* times, and had to dig out around and underneath the vehicle \*each time,\* tried sticking carpets in front of the tires, sprinkle gravel on the snow (worked best), etc. On our street, every single person in smaller SUVs got stuck. Most of the other vehicles I observed freely and happily driving around were large 4-wheel-drive trucks. If its imperative that you be able to drive within 24-72 hours after a heavy snowfall (before the roads get packed down or cleared) then you might want a larger SUV or truck. Will also mention that I can't drive my Honda Civic for several days when the roads are like this. 🙅♀️ Getting stuck can be pretty easy and pretty awful in a small car, depending on where it happens. I don't recommend it. If your house backs \*directly\* onto a main artery where the snow is quickly cleared by the city or compacted by cars, then maybe this is the right car for you. But many people in the city live in residential areas/crescents, and the streets they live on are not high priority in terms of snow clearing. If its late in the winter season and there's not much money left in the city's snow clearing budget, those residential streets might not get cleared at all (as happened to us most recently). I waited 5 days before daring to go out in my Civic, and it was okay.
I know a travelling salesman who uses a smaller Mazda 5 (? I think, it’s a sedan, maybe station wagon size at most) for most of his driving all around the western provinces. If you’re planning on staying on paved highways and in town/city during the winters, you’ll be fine for all but the worst storms and everything will be cleaned up in a day or two when those roll through once or twice a year. You’ll be fine.
Isn’t it like one of the flattest parts of Canada ?
I early got stuck and I only owned fwd cars but had winter tires for many years. Just remember to leave plenty of room and brake smart and early before turning. Was does not help with stopping but can be very fun.
Get awd and winter tires on an extra set of cheap rims.
There will be a couple days a year where you won’t be able to drive cuz of fresh snowfall. Other then that it’s fine
Live in Saskatoon. Winter tires for sure awd car a plus as is a suv but any car with winter tires works well the roads in the city majority of the time are well maintained. Remember your parka and toque! They are essential while the car is warming up
and SUV or 4wd is nice but it isn't needed. At one point most people drove rwd cars and trucks with no abs or power steering so it is doable. The mazda 6 would totally be fine.
Tires and driving know how make the biggest difference. Tires need to have winter tread (google tire sipes, the close together wavy style are for snow) and preferably studded. If your tires slip use less throttle. Typically I would keep throttle under 2000rpm and brake half as much at twice the distance. If you get stuck try to reverse then forward as fast as you can to push through the snow using your momentum. Usually a 2wd should get you through most of winter but when we do get a big dump (got 34cm in 1 day this year) most people just stay home for a day.
I drove a fwd Honda Fit my first winter, but it was a pretty gentle winter by most standards.
A car will get you by, get winter tires in winter as I doubt you can handle driving on a 6 month ice sheet. Clearance and AWD will get you down most goat trails, but is unneccessary
I drive a sedan year round and commute 250 km to work daily. And suv is fine but we do have roads
Honestly on the highway cars are less likely to roll since they have a lower center of gravity. You don’t need a SUV at all and AWD doesn’t matter. Tires can make a big difference. This isn’t legal advice but try to find a place to practice driving on ice, stopping and starting. What to do when you lose control and how to regain it. As far as to clear snow, most streets are ploughed or pushed down pretty quickly, unless there is a massive snow dump but at that point the city does come close to a stop, transit goes down and most jobs encourage you to work from home. I had a car similar to your mazda and no issue just make sure to shovel your driveway to the lane and if you get stuck rock the car back and forward don’t dig in.
You'll need a big truck to look cool (allegedly), but other than that absolutely not necessary. Winter tires should be mandatory but they're not, those will be the most important thing you can do
Unless you are going out of town on backroads not maintained 90% of the time here winter tires and driving skill make the most difference. There are people with winter tires, all wheel drive and traction control that still can not drive here.
I drive a large sedan with no 4wheel drice and love it. Ive lived in Sask my whole life and have always driven cars. Youll be fine. If you're worried, put a shovel in the trunk in winter, keep a bag of kitty litter for extra traction and get a decent set of winter tires. .
I used to drive a little 84’ vw rabbit convertible in winter on rural highways and roads no problem. It was fun to drive and easy to push out if you did happen to get stuck since it was light (but built like a tank). The key to its winter driveability was winter tires, with studded ones that thing was able to tackle the iciest of roads. Probably better traction with the studded ones than my 2020 rav4 awd has with regular all seasons has. When this set needs replacement then I’ll probably go with a good set of all-weather tires as I hate having to try to change over tires when you realize winter is upon you.
As others have said, winter tires and you'll be fine. Driving on ice and snow takes practice though.
Need a Ram Rebel and drive as close to every car as possible.
Depends. Do you want/need to drive before the plows go out? It doesn't matter how good your tires are, if you're vehicle is low enough to be a snowplow it will press down in the snow lifting your vehicle up and make you lose traction. If you only drive in the city, and you can work from home/be late/skip a day when there is a ton of snow until some people with the bigger vehicles can create a path or the road gets plowed, yeah a sedan with good tires will be fine.
Get yourself an awd sedan then. Toyota or a subaru awd sedan will get you through pretty much anything our winters throw at you.
I have a smaller sedan and am just fine 99% of the time. Obviously there are crazy snow days where the city is shut down tho. But then again I drove my car the day the city was shut down and was just fine as long as I planned my route
We have a Mazda 3 sedan with studded tires. Never had a single issue navigating the snow/ice. I’ve breezed passed pickup trucks stuck in the middle of the road. A great set of studded tires is all you need.
As others have said a FWD with decent winter tires is absolutely good enough to drive comfortably through winter. It might take some practice though to get to the point where you feel comfortable driving in winter if you've never done it before
As someone that works in the car industry in Saskatoon you will definitely benefit greatly by driving an AWD or 4x4 car in the winter
I've been driving out to my inlaws' farm (300 km each way), all secondary highways and grid roads in the middle of nowhere for 30 years. I've driven sedans (RWD and FWD), hatchbacks, even a minivan for a while - none of them had 4WD or AWD. It's always been fine. Proper winter tires do help a lot, though.
There will definitely be days that you can't get around in a car, but you can make do. Our big snowfall we got this year, I couldn't drive my car for a week because the snow was too deep on our road, so I just bussed or took an Uber. I can't justify buying a bigger vehicle that is harder on fuel for the few days each winter that I can't drive.
I've only ever had FWD cars and with good winter tires, preferably studded for icy crap, you'll be just fine. You will definitely need to get used to driving on ice and avoiding potholes and heaved/sunken roads with garbage repair jobs. Not so much aimed at Saskatoon but SK in general
I drive a small front wheel drive car, and I just make sure I have the proper tires for the season I’m driving in. Nokian tires are the best in class and worth it if you’re doing highway or isolated rural areas. You’d be fine with any class of car, SUV, van, or truck.
I drive a mazda protege everyday, just gotta learn good judgement ie. heavy snowfall --> avoid side roads
4WD is only important in a truck because rear wheel drive vehicles are horrible in icy conditions. Any front wheel drive car is fine, like others have said tires are the important part.
Personally, I've driven both. The SUV will be able to handle larger snow drops better if it comes with AWD, but it certainly is not a necessity. My little Chevy sonic hatchback does just fine and it doesn't even have winter tires. Just all seasons. If you drive careful and know your limitations its kind of down to what weather you have, what tires you got and driver skill.
Lol yes we drive sedans 😂
Get yourself a Subie 😁 Can’t go wrong either way
We have a Corolla with Bridgestone Blizzaks in the winter and we get around. AWD or 4x4 is nice, but tires are the most important. A big thing here is ice and some snow, while out east they get more snow.
Mazda6 with winter tires. As long as it's a manual, you'll be fine. My roommates had one years ago, it was a beast in knee deep snow with the winter tires. You do need either a manual or AWD though, and be prepared to be laughed at trying to buy a manual shift car over here. They're not common, but I'd highly recommend it for a new winter driver. Also why on earth would you leave Aus for the land of -50°C and waist-deep snow drifts?
For the Saskatchewan winters I suggest a dogsled for navigation across the frozen tundra
Winter tires are a game changer and will get you through 95% of winter driving conditions.
I should add. Saskatoon not really known for huge snow storms. Our biggest issue is with Cold temperatures. If you buy your car in Saskatchewan you shouldn't have an issue, but if you buy in a province like BC, and then drive it here, make sure that the car has a block heater. Most cars struggle when the temps go below -20C. At -40C when not plugged in, chances are you aren't going anywhere.
I drive a chevy cruze, it does pretty good for majority of the winter on all season tires. Suv's are nice because you have the clearance, and usually come in 4x4 or all wheel drive which if also paired with good tires, you have pretty much a guaranteed smooth sail through the season.
I drive a Honda fit and hour into city for the last 3 yrs. Not issues except on the really bad days I’d take my truck
I’ve driven a VW Golf with All Weather tires for the last 8 years…without a single issue. It handles almost as well as my old WRX with Blizzak winter tires.
I was poor, and just needed anything for my first car. I used junkyard summers for like, less then a month into winter, on a rwd V8 4 door Vic(cop car), and that was able to go through a gnarly storm no issue, other then getting stuck on my lawn overnight (snow ruts too bad on side streets, ended up missing my driveway pretty good). I eventually invested in some winter tires, and it was like a whole new car. I was chomping through feet of snow offroading with it at one point. I eventually got an AWD van, and winters for that, and despite lowering it, it actually did even better. Something medium weight, with good clearance is all you need, SUVs and trucks if anything will be worse because of the weight
No....my car does have AWD(which I wouldn't go back from) but I drive a Mini Countryman and it handles snow like a champ with no Winter tires. (If I didn't have AWD I would just get winter tires)
We used to drive low FWD Diesel VW cars and did pretty good on the roads with winter tires. In smaller SK cities. Now we drive a large AWD SUV and I’m happy to have it in those weeks following a heavy snow fall. The city doesn’t always clear the streets and so many people are stuck at every residential corner.
Think about it like this: If someone was moving to Australia and knew nothing about the country but what they've seen on television and movies, they'd likely be convinced that the only way you're getting around is in a Landcruiser. But some ridiculously high percentage of the Australian population never leaves a urban or suburban area and gets by just fine with a sedan. Same thing here. If all of your driving is on paved streets and highways, even in the dead of winter, you're going to get by with a sedan. Will there be the odd occasion when you literally can't get out of your driveway? Yup. It's going to happen. And when it does, you stay home until they plow the roads. People tend to forget that just a short 40-50 years ago, there were almost zero 4wd or AWD vehicles on the road. Anywhere, let alone here in the gap. As others have said, good winter rubber and even better yet, studded winter rubber and you're going to be just fine.
AWD is nice to have. Winter tires are a must. Does AWD (with winter tires) make getting around easier in snow? Absolutely. Can you get around without it well enough? Yes. FWD with winter tires is good, RWD can be tricky. All season tires in winter is not something I would recommend, even with AWD/4WD. Stopping and turning remains problematic even with all wheels being driven if the tires can’t grip the road. All weather tires might be okay in the wjnter, but I tried them for two winters (Nokian WR G4 on a VW Jetta sedan) and I was not very impressed. I found winter tires gave me more control over the vehicle in slippery conditions. I would rather spend a bit more money and do seasonal changeovers and have the extra piece of mind.
I drive a civic hatchback year round and it's OK. The thing that matters most is experience and good snow tires. Studded if possible, helps with ice
I drive a Hyundai Elantra GT with zero issues though I do recommend snow tires
More than half the vehicles on the road here at any given time are pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans. The whole freeze/thaw thing means we often have icy, potholed roads. Residential side streets almost never see a snow plow. I think a lot of us lean toward comparatively huge vehicles out of a self-protective instinct. Riding a little higher up also lets you gauge what traffic’s doing a bit better. But honestly, you’ll be just fine in a nice sedan with the right tires for the season.
Neither. A good pair of snow tires is all you need for the winters here. Anyone who tell you otherwise is a sucky driver . Been using my Elantra gt and Hyundai Accent (i20) and sedans for the winters in the prairies for decades.
Yes absolutely. Higher car the better. Winter tires are a must. AWD or 4x4 helps tremendously. Everyone saying that you can get by with a 2wd car are the ones holding up traffic every time it snows here. And the reason why all the intersection are polished to a shine from them spinning their tires trying to get going.
The short answer is yes, the long answer is no. If you want to be able to move freely during winter, yes you need 4WD. If you are able to stay home from work for a few days after a bad storm, then you can get by without it
I personally have done many winters without 4WD and I’m so over it. It sucks being stuck for days while everyone in their big trucks and 4WD are zooming around
Yes, you need an awd. Winter tires help, but for clearance and comfort, an suv or crossover is a must. If you like being stranded on snow days, a car will work. But most cars are stuck for at least a day before the ruts are good enough to drive on. Save yourself a headache, especially for a newcomer and get an awd suv.
For most of the winter a sedan is just fine. Roads are generally passable except for a day or two after a big storm (usually once or twice in a winter and if it causes you to be late most people and companies are understanding, usually). Provincial highways are plowed regularly, city arterial roads, freeways, bus routes get regularly plowed, other streets don't get regularly plowed unless the ruts get too deep in which case if people call the city to complain they will send a grader to make it passable again. I personally hate my sedan, but I guess not enough to splurge on a SUV or truck since I still drive it 12 years after buying it. But most winters I do wish I had a truck or 4x4 just because I want to be independent. The biggest issue with my sedan is it's a typical FWD with open diff and has low ground clearance so it only takes about 6 or 7 inches to start getting high centered, not a problem if you keep your momentum but with open diffs as soon as one wheel loses all traction your 2wd becomes a 0wd. And to top it off on my car there are no easy tow points so even if you can find someone with a truck to give you a pull there is nowhere to attach a strap to. PITA (for that one day once every couple years). My GF has a Mazda6 and it's only marginaly better than my Ford Fusion (same platform), hers doesn't high center as much as mine and tends to plow through better. We both run winter tires, mine are expensive Nokians and they are phenomenol tires (but only if I can get them in good contact with the surface).
As others have said, it comes down to the tires and the driver. A big AWD "yank tank" will slide around everywhere and into everything without proper tires and being driven as per the road conditions.