Draw on September 1, 2026
Wednesday July 1st – our Sales Department will be open, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Only this department will be available. We look forward to seeing you!
Wednesday July 1st – our Sales Department will be open, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Only this department will be available. We look forward to seeing you!
The Quebec winter puts a vehicle to a harsh test. Snowy roads, black ice, intense cold, steep grades, storms, and road abrasives are part of daily life for many drivers.
Contrary to popular belief, the best SUV for winter is not necessarily the one with the biggest engine or the most complex all-wheel-drive system.
At Auto Durocher, we believe that an excellent winter SUV must offer a good balance between safety, traction, reliability, comfort, maintenance costs, and resale value.
An important reminder: no matter which vehicle you choose, winter tires remain the factor that most influences safety on Quebec roads.
Our ranking is based on:
In our opinion, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the best SUVs to face Quebec winters.
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system constantly analyzes multiple parameters, such as outside temperature, grip, accelerator position, steering, and windshield wiper usage to anticipate traction loss even before it occurs.
If you live in the Laurentians, Lanaudière, or any other region with harsh winters, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the best choices available.
The Toyota RAV4 has been a safe bet for several years.
If you want to keep your vehicle for 10 years or more, the Toyota RAV4 remains an excellent investment.
Subaru holds a well-deserved reputation when it comes to winter driving.
If you live on a country road, go to the cottage regularly, or practice outdoor activities, the Crosstrek is hard to beat.
The Honda CR-V remains an excellent family vehicle.
An excellent choice for families who drive a lot of kilometers each year.
The recent generations of the Nissan Rogue have become major players in this category.
For families looking for a recent vehicle without exceeding their budget, the Rogue represents an excellent option.
The Hyundai Tucson has evolved tremendously over the last few years.
The Tucson likely offers the best equipment level for its price.
Our recommendation:
Our recommendation:
Our recommendation:
Our recommendation:
Our recommendation:
No.
For the majority of drivers, good winter tires will have a greater impact on safety than an AWD system with all-season tires.
However, if you live in a region where roads are frequently snowy or mountainous, all-wheel drive remains a major advantage.
In our experience:
These models offer an excellent reliability history.
The Mazda CX-5 stands out thanks to its precise steering, stability, and its i-Activ AWD system, which provides an excellent sense of confidence on snowy roads.
The Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-5 are two excellent choices thanks to their efficient all-wheel drive and ground clearance suited to winter conditions.
Not necessarily.
Safety primarily depends on:
There is no single best SUV for every driver.
Your choice depends on your needs, budget, and usage.
At Auto Durocher, we always remind our clients that an excellent winter vehicle begins with four quality winter tires, regular maintenance, and driving adapted to the conditions. Even the best SUV on the market cannot compensate for worn tires or excessive speed on an icy road.
We often hear clients tell us:
“I’m going to buy a 4×4, so I’ll be fine in winter.”
In reality, it’s not that simple.
An all-wheel-drive system (AWD or 4×4) mainly helps the vehicle get moving better and maintain its traction when the road is slippery.
However, when it’s time to brake or avoid an obstacle, your tires do nearly all the work.
In other words, a Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, or Subaru Crosstrek equipped with worn or poorly suited tires will often take longer to come to a stop than a simple front-wheel-drive car equipped with quality winter tires.
That’s why we always tell our clients:
Never assume your 4×4 will do all the work.
Winter tires remain the most important element for your safety.
Choosing a winter tire should never come down to buying the cheapest or the most expensive one.
The best tire depends on your reality.
For example, we won’t necessarily recommend the same tires to a client living in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Mont-Tremblant, or Val-David as to someone driving primarily in Laval, Montreal, or Longueuil.
The roads are often more demanding.
You will have to deal with:
Under these conditions, a premium winter tire is often an excellent investment.
You will generally benefit from:
If you reside in Laval, Montreal, or another large city and your travels are mostly urban, it is not always necessary to buy the most expensive tire on the market.
The roads are generally plowed quickly.
An entry-level or mid-range winter tire can meet your needs perfectly, especially if you mostly do short trips.
Not at all.
They are very well-suited for drivers who:
Their main compromise is generally faster wear and slightly less grip on ice compared to premium tires.
The best winter SUV is not just the one with the best all-wheel-drive system.
It is the one equipped with good winter tires adapted to your region, that is well-maintained, and driven carefully.
At Auto Durocher, we always take the time to discuss real usage with our clients to recommend tires best suited to their lifestyle. A driver living in Montreal does not have the same needs as a family navigating the snowy roads of the Laurentians every day.
Enjoy exclusive discounts from November 14th to 30th
Preferential interest rate throughout the promotion.
$500 Visa card with the purchase of mechanical protection.
| Sales | Mechanical service / parts | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 3 | Regular schedule (9 AM – 8 PM) | Regular schedule (Closed at noon) |
| Saturday, April 4 | Regular schedule (9 AM – 3 PM) | Closed |
| Sunday, April 5 | Closed | Closed |
| Monday, April 6 | Regular schedule (9 AM – 8 PM) | Closed |
Enjoy exclusive discounts from November 14th to 30th
Preferential interest rate throughout the promotion.
$500 Visa card with the purchase of mechanical protection.
This payment estimation tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a credit offer within the meaning of the Consumer Protection Act (CQLR c. P-40.1). The amounts displayed are estimates only and may differ from the actual terms that will apply to the credit contract.
The selling price, credit rate, and actual payments will be determined at the time a written contract is concluded in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Any financing offer is subject to credit approval by a third-party financial institution, in accordance with applicable lending criteria. The consumer may not qualify for the estimated credit rate displayed.
The displayed price is based on the base price established by Auto Durocher. It excludes, among other things:
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information, errors may occur. Consumers are encouraged to contact Auto Durocher directly for complete and up-to-date information.
The credit rates displayed are provided for information purposes only. The actual annual percentage rate (APR) will be disclosed in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act in the credit contract.
The applicable rate will depend, among other factors, on:
Not all consumers will qualify for the lowest available rates. Certain conditions, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply.
The estimated payment represents an approximation of periodic payments (principal and cost of credit) for an instalment credit contract relating to a used vehicle.
The actual payments will be set out in a written contract specifying, in particular:
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.
The displayed amounts do not include certain fees, including administration fees, security registration fees, and other fees permitted by law.
Weekly payments are calculated based on the equivalent monthly payments using an annualization method, divided over fifty-two (52) weeks. This method is provided for estimation purposes only and may differ from the method used in the final contract.
Consumers are encouraged to consult Auto Durocher to obtain full disclosure in compliance with legal requirements before entering into any agreement.
Buy your vehicle and get a chance
From Friday to Monday only
Draw on September 1, 2026
Contest rules are available on our website or
at the Auto Durocher reception desk.