Are Jeep Wranglers Good in the Snow?

When unexpected ice storms hit Dallas-Fort Worth or your travel plans include snow-packed mountain passes, you want a vehicle that can traverse snow as easily as asphalt. So while the Jeep Wrangler is a go-to off-roader, you may be wondering how it handles snow, and you're not alone. Let's delve into the specific features, actual owner experiences, and practical tips that make Wranglers surprisingly good winter companions, so you can determine if this rugged off-roader is the winter car for you.

Key Features That Make Wranglers Snow-Capable

A jeep with rooftop tent in snowy mountains. by Thomas Tucker is licensed with Unsplash License

The Wrangler glides over snowy roads thanks to its Command-Trac four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. This allows you to switch between two-wheel drive and 4WD at speeds of up to 55 mph. With its 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and 50/50 front/rear torque split, the Jeep Wrangler is the perfect choice for navigating icy highways and trails alike.

Despite the 2024 and 2025 models scoring a three-star rollover rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Jeep Wrangler remains a reliable and solidly built vehicle. Its high stance and solid axle design let you see over drifts and push through road conditions that would stop lower cars in their tracks. To top it all off, electronic stability control and antilock brakes help you maintain control when the road feels like a skating rink.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Building off the standard Wrangler model, the Rubicon trim also includes the Rock-Trac 4WD system. It features a 4:1 low-range gear ratio for slow-speed traction, Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials in both the front and rear, and an electronic sway bar disconnect that allows the wheels to move freely in deep snow.

Off-road cruise control maintains steady speeds in 4L Mode on icy slopes, while traction control works in conjunction with the 4WD to prevent wheel spin on slick surfaces. The high ground clearance already allows it to plow through deep snow, but many owners also add a Rubicon Express 2.5-inch lift kit.

All-Terrain vs. Winter Tires

Most Wranglers come with all-terrain tires that strike a balance between daily comfort and off-road ability, thanks to their deep treads and open shoulder designs. They perform decently in light snow but don't hold up well against heavy snow or ice.

Winter tires, meanwhile, utilize a specialized rubber compound that remains soft at temperatures below 40°F. Winter tires have wider, deeper tread patterns that push snow and water away, providing better ice and snow control than all-terrain tires. Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, which indicates that your tires meet specific safety and performance requirements for winter conditions.

Tire Sizes and Snowy Conditions

Tire size matters when you're driving in snow. Skinnier tires concentrate your Jeep's weight into smaller areas, cutting through snow to solid ground underneath, unlike wider tires that float on top of the snow. Good tires can go a long way toward improving your gas mileage during the colder months.

Real-World Snow Driving Experience

Jeep Wranglers tackle snowy roads thanks to the solid 4WD systems, high ground clearance, and innovative safety tech. But don't just take our word for it.

Jeep Wrangler owners report that they love using 4H Mode on slushy roads and swear by the Rock-Trac system to crush heavy snowfall. A 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited owner described his ride as "an absolute beast in the snow," which feels "unstoppable" in Snow Mode, while achieving 24-27 mpg on highways, even in Minnesota's winters. Another driver took his 2021 Wrangler Sahara on a 5,000-mile road trip through snowy mountains, averaging 20 mpg despite oversized tires and a 2-inch lift.

Wranglers hold their own for daily driving as well. You'll find some forum posts about challenges with confident tire choices or extreme conditions, but most owners agree that properly equipped Wranglers are excellent winter vehicles.

Winter Accessories for Your Wrangler

Start with proper winter tires — genuine cold-weather rubber, not all-season tires. Add lift kits for clearing deeper snow, upgrade the suspension for better movement, and grab LED lights for early winter sunsets. Winches may save you when things get dicey, while skid plates protect vital parts from rocks and ice chunks hiding under snow.

Wrangler owners love proven winter mods. The SuperLift suspension earns praise for its durability in harsh weather conditions. Many prefer the Nitto Ridge Grappler or Toyo Open Country A/T III for snow, mud, and rocky grip. Plate steel bumpers protect while mounting recovery gear, and the Baja Designs LP6 Pods slice through winter darkness. Adding a manufacturer 3-inch lift, aftermarket wheels, tires, and running boards could transform your Wrangler into a total brute for off-road and winter conditions.

Winter Maintenance Tips

While your Jeep may be durable and made for the outdoors, proper maintenance can keep your Jeep running smoothly all winter long:

• Check your battery first — the cold can quickly drain batteries.
• Verify the fluid levels.
• Inspect the tire tread and pressure.
• Pack emergency kits with essentials such as ice scrapers, flashlights, warm clothing, and snacks.
• Check the transfer case and differential fluids.
• Wash salt off the undercarriage often.
• Rotate the tires on schedule.
• Test the 4WD system before the first snow.

How Wranglers Compare to Other Winter Vehicles

When it comes to winter performance, the Jeep Wrangler remains a standout among 4WD SUVs. Competitors such as the Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, and Ford Explorer Timberline handle snow well, but the Wrangler excels in traction and control. With solid axles, locking differentials, and actual low-range gears, the Wrangler offers unmatched stability on icy terrain.

Key factors, including all-terrain tires, an 8.5-inch minimum ground clearance, and hill-descent control, give you the confidence to drive in harsh conditions. While others boast advanced systems, the Wrangler's balance of durability, capability, and year-round versatility makes it the premier choice for winter adventures.

Your Winter-Ready Wrangler Awaits

If you want the confidence to take on the rare but nasty Texas winter storm or are planning trips to snowy locales, Wranglers offer the flexibility few other vehicles can match. The combination of proven 4WD tech, rugged construction, and mod-friendly design creates a car that grows with your needs and handles whatever winter throws your way. To get started, stop by Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Lewisville to check out our Wrangler lineup. Or contact our team to schedule a test drive and see why so many drivers trust Jeep Wranglers when the snow starts falling.