Best Chevy and GMC Vehicles for Wisconsin Winters | Wheelers

November 4th, 2026 by
Buyer’s Guide

From icy county roads to unplowed driveways, here are the Chevy and GMC models that handle a Wisconsin winter best.

Our picks by need: crossovers, family haulers, trucks, big SUVs, and EVs.

By the Wheelers Team  |  Wheelers Chevrolet GMC of Marshfield

The Quick Answer

For Wisconsin winters, look for all-wheel or four-wheel drive, good ground clearance, and heated features. Popular choices include the Chevy Equinox, Traverse, and Blazer and the GMC Terrain and Acadia for crossovers, the Chevy Silverado and Colorado and GMC Sierra and Canyon for trucks, and the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon for big SUVs.

What to Look for in a Winter Vehicle

A winter-ready vehicle is more than just a drivetrain, but the drivetrain is a good place to start. Here is what we tell customers to look at:

✓AWD or 4WD. It helps you get moving on snow and ice and handle unplowed driveways. It does not help you stop faster, so careful driving still matters.
✓Ground clearance. A little extra height helps when the plow leaves a ridge at the end of the driveway.
✓Heated features. Heated seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and remote start make cold mornings easier.
✓Drive modes and stability control. Features like Snow/Ice mode, traction control, and StabiliTrak help keep you in control on slippery roads.
✓Good tires. They matter more than anything else on this list.

Not sure how to get the most from your vehicle in winter? See our posts on more winter driving tips and getting your tires winter-ready.

Our Picks, by What You Need

Crossovers and Compact SUVs

Everyday Winter Commuters

ChevyEquinox: Available AWD on the LT, ACTIV, and RS trims, with a smooth ride and room for the family. A solid all-around choice.
ChevyTrailblazer: A smaller, budget-friendly option with available AWD on every trim.
ChevyBlazer: A sportier midsize SUV with available AWD on the 2LT, 3LT, and RS trims.
GMCTerrain: AWD is standard on the AT4 and Denali and available on other trims. Heated front seats and steering wheel come standard on the Elevation. The AT4 adds all-terrain tires.
Three-Row Family Haulers

Room for Everyone, Plus the Gear

ChevyTraverse: Available AWD on the LT, High Country, and RS. The Z71 is AWD only, with a rugged look and added capability.
GMCAcadia: Seats up to eight. The AT4 comes with AWD standard, and its lifted ride height gives 7.7 inches of ground clearance. Heated seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and remote start are all standard on every trim.
Full-Size Trucks

Hauling, Towing, and Plowing Through

ChevySilverado 1500: Available 4WD across the lineup. The ZR2 is 4WD only for serious off-road and snow-covered capability.
GMCSierra 1500: The AT4 and AT4X come with 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, plus heated and ventilated front seats and Hill Descent Control.

Not sure which truck is right for you? Our team can help you compare trims and engines.

Midsize Trucks

Capable and Easier to Park

ChevyColorado: 4WD is available on the WT, Custom, and LT trims. The Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 all come with 4WD.
GMCCanyon: The AT4 and AT4X come with 4WD, a two-speed transfer case, and Hill Descent Control. A good fit if you want something sturdy but smaller than a full-size truck.
Full-Size SUVs

Big Families and Big Trips

ChevyTahoe and Suburban: 4WD is available on all trims. The Z71 comes with 4WD standard. The Suburban adds even more room behind the third row.
GMCYukon and Yukon XL: Roomy, powerful, and available with 4WD. Seats up to eight depending on configuration, and the Yukon XL adds extra third-row legroom and cargo space.
Electric Vehicles

Winter-Ready EVs

ChevyEquinox EV: Available AWD adds a rear motor for extra traction.
ChevyBlazer EV: Available AWD on the LT and RS, and standard on the SS.
ChevySilverado EV: 4WD comes standard on every trim.

Cold weather reduces range for any EV, so it helps to precondition the vehicle while plugged in. AWD versions also have a somewhat lower EPA range than the rear-drive versions.

Quick Reference: Winter Drivetrains

Here is a simple look at what is available. Drivetrain options can vary by trim and model year, so check with our team on specific vehicles.

Model Winter Drivetrain
ChevyTrailblazer AWD available
ChevyEquinox AWD available
ChevyBlazer AWD available
ChevyTraverse AWD available; Z71 is AWD only
ChevyColorado 4WD available; Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 are 4WD
ChevySilverado 1500 4WD available; ZR2 is 4WD only
ChevyTahoe and Suburban 4WD available; Z71 is 4WD
ChevyEquinox EV and Blazer EV AWD available
ChevySilverado EV 4WD standard
GMCTerrain AWD standard on AT4 and Denali, available on others
GMCAcadia AWD available; AT4 is AWD
GMCCanyon AT4 and AT4X are 4WD
GMCSierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X are 4WD
GMCYukon and Yukon XL 4WD available

Don’t Forget the Tires

Whichever vehicle you choose, it can only grip the road through its tires. AWD and 4WD help you accelerate, but they do not help you brake or corner any better. If you drive a lot in snow and ice, consider a set of winter tires, and keep up with pressure checks, rotations, and tread inspections.

Common Questions

Is AWD or 4WD better for winter?

Both help you get going in snow. AWD is typically automatic and great for everyday driving on slick roads. 4WD is often found on trucks and big SUVs and can offer more capability on deep snow or unplowed roads. Either one works well with good tires.

Do I need AWD in Wisconsin?

Not everyone does. Many drivers do fine with front-wheel drive and good winter tires, especially in town. If you live on a rural road, have a steep driveway, or just want more confidence, AWD or 4WD is worth considering.

What is the best Chevy or GMC for snow?

It depends on how you drive. A crossover like the Equinox or Terrain with AWD is a great everyday pick, a truck like the Silverado or Sierra with 4WD is the choice for hauling and rougher roads, and a big SUV like the Tahoe or Yukon covers large families.

Are EVs good in Wisconsin winters?

They can be, especially with AWD and preconditioning. Cold weather does reduce range, so it is worth planning ahead for charging.

Find Your Winter-Ready Chevy or GMC

Our team at Wheelers Chevrolet GMC of Marshfield will help you find the right vehicle for how you drive. Local and family owned since 1964, with a relaxed, no-pressure buying experience.

Shop Our InventoryCall (715) 387-1200

Drivetrain availability and features are based on 2026 model-year information and vary by model, trim, and equipment. AWD and 4WD do not improve braking or cornering on slippery surfaces. Please confirm details for any specific vehicle with a Wheelers sales or service advisor.

Posted in Auto News