8 popular vehicles you’ll see at a ski resort

One could argue that the most popular car at a ski resort is simply the one that gets you there for first tracks. It got you through a pre-dawn drive and snowstorm, didn’t it? But if you got stuck at the bottom of the canyon in your rear-wheel drive sedan, you’ll need something with a little more oomph — something with all-wheel or four-wheel drive capabilities. KSL Cars looks at vehicles that will reliably get you there. 

Getting all your gear to the slopes requires ample cargo space.

1. Honda Passport

This one has been called an athletic vehicle, perfect for the downhill quad-busting day come rain, shine or snowpocalypse types. Listed as one of the best midsize SUVs out there, the Honda Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive and all-terrain tires. The newest model provides additional traction while off-roading, perfect for rugged conditions. 

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2. Kia Telluride

This 3-row midsize SUV has earned an Edmunds Top Rated award every year since its debut in 2020. The Kia Telluride is comfortable and spacious, perfect for carpooling to your favorite ski resort(s). Even with all three rows of seating occupied, you still have 21 cubic feet of storage behind the seats for ski boots and helmets. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. 

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It's easier to carpool to resorts in a vehicle with 3-row seating.

3. Subaru Outback

This is the evergreen vehicle of Utah — relevant year after year and always up in the mountains amidst adventure. The Subaru Outback, an all-wheel drive station wagon with SUV capabilities, still has enough ground clearance to get over little parking lot snow drifts. The accessibility of the roof racks makes it easy to mount snow gear and the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology keeps you within the curvy canyon lanes. 

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4. Toyota Rav4

This is the loyal companion that’ll get you through each and every one of life’s seasons. The Toyota Rav4 is consistently a top-selling SUV with spacious back seats and plenty of cargo room. With standard all-wheel drive, you’ll feel confident driving in winter conditions. It’s also rumored the RAV4 will shift to completely hybrid, eliminating gasoline options come 2025.  

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Hatchbacks make accessing roof racks a lot easier.

5. Chevrolet Colorado

Small but mighty in the realm of trucks, this midsize pickup is easy to maneuver. The newest Chevrolet Colorado has improved features making it a Top Rated truck for 2024. The four-wheel drive and towing capacity make it ready for adventure not just in winter but year-round. And who knows, with all that hauling power maybe you’ll be the good Samaritan that pulls someone’s rear-wheel drive sedan out of a snow bank.  

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6. Ford F-150

Still want to navigate winter roads in a sedan? Hey, more power to ya! If not, the power that comes with a Ford F-150 could be the reason it’s the most popular vehicle in Utah. The all- and four-wheel drive trims and drive settings for slippery and deep snow conditions make navigating the Wasatch Front a breeze. This full-size can even go fully electric, breaking the stereotype that trucks are gas guzzlers.

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7. Toyota Tacoma

If you’ve never seen a Toyota Tacoma decked out with gear, you’ve never driven through Utah. If you have a rugged personality and are built for rough conditions, welcome to the family because you’re sure to see one (or fifty) of these midsize pickups in the parking lot. Load everyone’s ski gear in the 6-foot bed and remember to switch to 4H when the white stuff starts coming down. 

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Trucks are popular for winter driving because of their power and truck bed space.

8. Kia EV-9 GT-Line

What do beginner electric drivers and beginner skiers have in common? They are both going green. There are more hybrid or electric vehicles than ever, including the Kia EV-9 GT-Line, voted best AWD electric SUV on the market. Just turn on the seat warmers and snow mode and you’re set. 

Search for a Kia EV-9 GT-Line on KSL Cars

Looking to buy a new SUV or truck that will safely get you to the ski lifts? Browse KSL Cars to find the right one today. Check our Resources page to read reviews and learn more about buying and selling vehicles.