Which Toyota Truck Is Best For Winter Driving In New Hampshire?
Locating the best Toyota truck for snow is quite simple, thanks to the diverse range of sturdy, durable models you can find in our inventory at McGee Toyota of Epping. Keep in mind that to endure the winters in New England, you'll want a pickup with the most comfortable temperature control, high ground clearance, and access to all-terrain tires. Thankfully, both the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra offer a myriad of options for the discerning driver wanting to conquer challenging snowy weather. Let's dive into the trims that you should consider as we prepare for winter weather.
Best Toyota Truck for Snow, at a Glance
- The best Toyota models for snow include the TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, and trims with high-end features (like the 1794 Edition).
- Between the Tacoma and Tundra, the Tacoma has a more diverse suite of features and higher ground clearance, while the Tundra provides higher-end benefits such as heated rear seats.
- Multi-Terrain Monitors, Multi-Terrain Select, dual-zone climate control, and easy access to temperature control give you confidence and comfort when driving in snow.
- Compared to other models in the business, Toyota vehicles are noteworthy for their thoughtful features, like a heated steering wheel and seats.
- You can find the best Toyota truck for snow at McGee Toyota of Epping.
Toyota Trucks: Winter Driving Trims To Look Out For
While Toyota trucks are well-known for their freeing ground clearance and 4x4 functionality, you'll want to shop for specific levels in our new Toyota trucks for sale to conquer flurries or snowstorms in New Hampshire.
- Best Toyota Tacoma Trim for Snow: Out of all available Toyota Tacoma trims, nothing beats the TRD Pro. This trim provides 465 pound-feet of torque, Multi-Terrain Select (with Snow Mode), crawl control, heated front seats, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor to make it easy to stay aware of obstacles below you. The front and rear stabilizers from the off-road model help support you during potential spinouts. A close runner-up is the TRD Off-Road, which has most of the great features of the TRD Pro, but lacks some comfort and ground clearance.
- Best Toyota Tundra Trim for Snow: Similarly, the best Tundra level for snow is the TRD Pro. However, unlike the Tacoma, this one isn't as obvious. It has a lower running clearance at 9 inches, which is lower than options like the 1794 edition. But, if you factor in the Multi-Terrain Select and monitor, the TRD Pro is narrowly the best option. If you don't need to dig through heavy snow and want more ground clearance or luxury features, look through our new inventory of Toyota Tundra trucks and test-drive one of our 1794 or Limited pickups.
Tacoma vs. Tundra in Snow: Side-By-Side Comparison
So, how does the Toyota Tundra snow performance look alongside its sibling? Both models can keep you safe and help plow during intense snowstorms, but certain trims have unique advantages that enable them to be more reliable and easier to handle in tougher conditions.
| Models | Tacoma TRD Off-Road | Tacoma TRD Pro | Tundra 1794 Edition | Tundra TRD Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 278 | 326 | 389 | 437 |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft | 583 lb-ft |
| Running Ground Clearance | 11 in | 11.5 in | 9.4 in | 9 in |
| Multi-Terrain Select | Standard | Standard | Available | Standard |
| Custom Driving Mode | Unavailable | Unavailable | Available | Unavailable |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | Available | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Available | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Rear Seats | Unavailable | Unavailable | Standard | Unavailable |
| Stability Control | Front and Rear Stabilizer | Front and Rear Stabilizer | Standard | Standard |
| Multi-Terrain Monitor | Available | Standard | Available | Standard |
The Toyota Tacoma snow performance can be stronger than the Tundra if you're in deep snow, thanks to its 11.5-inch maximum ground clearance. That TRD Pro trim gives you Multi-Terrain Select, too, so you'll stay grounded when maneuvering over ice patches. The Tundra, meanwhile, has a heavier build, making it a more effective plowing truck. Additionally, it also serves better if you use it as a family truck, with high-end trims (like the 1794 Edition) offering rear-seat heating.
Are Toyota Trucks Some of the Best Pickup Trucks for Snow?
So, how does that experience compare to another model, like the Ford F-150? Generally, you can expect the following pros:
- Excellent Ground Clearance: With a running ground clearance of over 9 inches across the board, Toyota trucks are less likely to get their bumpers stuck in sidewalk beds in New England.
- Creature Comforts: High-end features are normalized across the Toyota lineup. The Tundra, for instance, can have a heated steering wheel as early as the second-level SR5. The F-150 has its first heated steering wheel on the fourth-level Lariat.
- Multi-Terrain Select: Many truck models use a drive mode select to handle slippery terrain. Multi-Terrain Select adds similar functionality, ensuring you stay sturdy -- even on slippery surfaces like ice or sleet.
- Engaging Suspension: The Tacoma TRD series adds an elegant series of front and rear suspension options. Get firm stabilizers to keep your ride secure, even if you have to plow a lot of snow.
Recommended Packages for Toyota 4WD Trucks in Snow
Let's say you'd prefer a different trim level for your Toyota truck and want to know what available packages you can take to match the features of the TRD Pro. The most significant add-ons you'll want are ones with Multi-Terrain Select, improved heating features (such as dual-zone climate control), and upgraded suspension and lift elements.
- TRD Off-Road Premium Package: Heated steering wheel, Multi-Terrain Monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control
- TRD Off-Road Upgrade Package: Heated steering wheel
- TRD Sport Premium Package: Heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cold Weather Package: Heated front seats, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control
- Advanced Off-Road Technology Package: Multi-Terrain Monitor
- TRD Off-Road Package: Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control
Explore Toyota Truck Traction in Winter at McGee Toyota of Epping
Ready to try out these excellent features yourself? You can climb behind the wheel of any TRD model in our new inventory of Toyota Tacoma trucks and see how easy Multi-Terrain Select is to use around and in New Hampshire when you take a test drive. Discuss our trucks with our team, or learn how to customize your own winter-ready Tundra or Tacoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What winter driving features should I look for in a Toyota truck?
Winter features you should look for in a Toyota truck include heated seats and steering wheels, specialized tires for low-traction environments, and a competent 4WD system for navigating deeper snow. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is an excellent example of a truck ready for winter weather, featuring a heated steering wheel, boasting 11.5 inches of ground clearance, and utilizing Goodyear® Territory tires.
How do Toyota Trucks compare to Toyota SUVs in snow?
Toyota trucks and SUVs have different advantages when driving in snow. Trucks have a 4WD system, which functions better in deeper snow, while the AWD of Toyota SUVs is preferable for less deep but slippery terrain, like ice. Toyota SUVs offer more versatile drive modes, such as Snow or Sand, but Toyota trucks tend to have higher ground clearance, improved traction, and sturdier suspension.
Is 4WD superior to AWD when it comes to deep snow?
Both 4WD and AWD have advantages and disadvantages in deep snow. The 4WD drivetrain you see on most trucks is better suited for off-road situations, making it more viable when snow is deep or the roads are unplowed. However, it lacks the seamless distribution of weight that AWD has, so AWD has an advantage on slippery terrain. If you plan on carrying a plow, 4WD is typically more useful.
