Subaru Models Built for Winter: Outback vs. Forester, Crosstrek Capability, Ascent in Snow & the AWD Legacy Sedan

When winter hits Central Illinois, having a vehicle that can handle snow, ice, slush and the unexpected becomes essential. At Uftring Subaru, we help Peoria-area drivers choose the Subaru model that fits their winter driving needs. Every Subaru SUV and sedan is engineered with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which means you really can’t go wrong.

Below, we break down how each Subaru performs in winter and which trims include winter-focused features to help you decide which Subaru is best for your family.

Outback vs. Forester: Which One Performs Best in Winter?

Both the Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester are well-known for winter capability, thanks to standard AWD and generous ground clearance. But each model brings something unique to the table.

Subaru Outback – All-Weather Versatility with SUV Capability

The Outback is one of the most trusted vehicles for winter driving because of its:

• Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

• Excellent ground clearance

• Smooth, stable handling on snowy or icy roads

• Available X-MODE and Dual-Function X-MODE on select trims

Both Premium, Limited, Wilderness and Touring trims offer heated seats, heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icers when equipped with the All-Weather Package.

The Outback is ideal for drivers who want extra cargo space, comfort and confident capability during harsh Illinois winters.

Subaru Forester – Practical, Good Handling & Ready for Snow

The Forester matches the Outback in AWD confidence and ground clearance but offers:

• A more compact, easy-to-drive build

• Excellent outward visibility

• Strong winter handling for everyday driving

Many Forester trims — including Premium, Sport, Limited and Wilderness — offer:

• X-MODE (with Dual-Function on Wilderness)

• Heated seats

• Heated mirrors & wiper de-icer

• Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

The Forester is a favorite among Peoria commuters who want SUV capability without the bulk.

Crosstrek: Small Size, Big Winter Capability

The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best compact SUVs for winter driving due to:

• Standard Symmetrical AWD

• Impressive ground clearance for its size

• Quick handling in snowy or tight city conditions

Trims offering winter-ready features include:

• Premium & Sport trims with X-MODE

• Sport and Limited with Dual-Function X-MODE

• Heated seats available on Premium and standard on Sport & Limited

• Backup camera standard across all trims

The Crosstrek is perfect for drivers who want winter capability in a smaller, more efficient package.

Ascent: Winter Confidence for Families & Big Adventures

The Subaru Ascent is the largest Subaru model — and one of the strongest performers in snow. Every Ascent includes:

• Standard AWD

• Balanced weight distribution

• Excellent ground clearance

• Strong stability in winter conditions

Most Ascent trims, including Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring, feature:

• X-MODE or Dual-Function X-MODE

• Heated seats

• Heated mirrors

• Available heated steering wheel

• Wiper de-icer

For families or drivers who need seating for up to 7 or 8 passengers, the Ascent delivers reliable all-weather capability with room for everyone.

Legacy AWD Sedan: All-Wheel Drive Meets Comfort and Efficiency

The Subaru Legacy is one of the few midsize sedans that offers standard AWD across every trim, making it an excellent winter-friendly alternative to an SUV.

Winter features available by trim include:

• X-MODE on Sport and Limited XT trims

• Heated front seats on Premium and above

• Heated steering wheel available on higher trims

• Backup camera standard on every Legacy

Drivers who prefer sedan handling but still need winter traction often find the Legacy to be the perfect match.

Ready for a Winter-Ready Subaru?

Whether you’re choosing a Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent or Legacy, every Subaru sold at Uftring Subaru is engineered to handle Peoria winters with confidence.