Nissan Leaf
Yes, the range of an EV is reduced when it’s cold out. Batteries don’t like cold weather. But neither do gas engines. Even gas cars take a mileage hit when the mercury drops. Even more of a hit if you’re using a remote starter or letting the car idle to warm up.
Electric cars have a winter trick though. They can warm up while they are still plugged in. The Leaf can run the heater and the heated seats while it’s still plugged into the house. You come out to a warm car but still have a fully charged battery. Take that, winter.
BMW 230i xDrive
Ok, maybe the BMW 230i isn’t cheap, but the lease deals that BMW offers can make it surprisingly affordable. And the xDrive means BMW’s excellent all-wheel-drive system.
The 2 is what the 3 series used to be. It’s the one for drivers. It has BMW’s twin-turbo four that makes 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. Perfect for dashing through the snow.
Dodge Charger
OK, we get it. The Dodge Charger probably isn’t the most sensible car for winter driving. Well, at least not for safe winter driving. The Dodge Charger is one of the cheapest ways to get a V8, if you want some old-fashioned sideways snowy fun.
Of course, you can also get a V6 and all-wheel drive. That makes for better driving in the snow. Plus the 3.7-liter V6 still offers 292 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic. Call this one a full-size sleigh. One with room for lots of people and lots of stuff in the trunk.
