The most dangerous cars to drive in winter have been ranked and the models that made the list may surprise you. Law firm MNH Injury Lawyers analyzed accident data and presented its conclusions in a report about the most risky vehicles on the roads in icy conditions.
Winter driving involves risks that some vehicles can’t handle
There are challenges involved in driving in winter, especially considering that some vehicles are not as well equipped to handle icy conditions as others. MNH Injury Lawyers’ study examined crash data, safety systems, and protection ratings and came up with a list of the most dangerous vehicles to drive in winter conditions. Surprisingly, several trucks and sedans occupy top spots in the rankings, with various shortcomings noted depending on their unique designs.
The models were assigned a composite score that was calculated by considering key factors such as fatal accident rates, the effectiveness of the safety system, and occupant protection for children and adults. Cars were also evaluated according to how well they protect pedestrians and other road users. These elements were weighted and then scored, with the overall score providing a measure of a vehicle’s safety and reliability in risky winter conditions.
Pickup trucks are popular but dangerous, according to crash data
Pickup trucks are more popular in the United States than anywhere else in the world. The Ford F series and the Chevy Silverado are two of the most popular models in the country, yet they’ve made the list of most dangerous vehicles.
Pickups are designed for utility and strength with work-oriented and front-heavy frames, which don’t always do well in icy weather. The two models below both have significant
Two of the top five most dangerous winter vehicles are pickups, each with considerable deficiencies evident by their crash statistics and safety metrics.
There’s a way to get around one of the irritations of winter weather. A clever lady dropped a hack to prevent a car’s windscreen from freezing up, and it appears to be a much better plan than at least most of the other so-called solutions out there.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup scored the lowest on the winter safety rankings. A total of 127 fatal crashes were noted for every 100,000 units sold, which is the highest of all the vehicles surveyed.
The Silverado’s safety system was given a rating of 76% and a composite score of 88, which reflect the shortcomings in winter driving. The heavy frame and potentially slower braking system make the large working vehicle more difficult to handle in icy conditions.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150, a model that’s also been topping sales for decades, comes in as the second-most dangerous pickup to drive. Its score is slightly better than the Silverado’s, but it still presents notable risks in winter. A total of 70 fatal crashes were recorded per 100,000 vehicles sold and the F-150’s composite score was 63.
Despite a child occupant safety rating of 82%, the F-150 didn’t do well in terms of pedestrian safety with a score of 70% when considering vulnerable road user protection.
Sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and crossovers have their own risks
Sedans and hatchbacks tend to weigh less and be more agile than pickups, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they perform better in winter. They have a lower ground clearance and rely on smaller tires, factors that make them vulnerable to icy and snowy conditions.
SUVs and crossover designs have weaknesses in extreme winter conditions even though they are frequently marketed as all-weather vehicles. On average, these vehicle types’ safety system rating is below than that of trucks or compact vehicles. However, the category also involves the lowest fatal crash figures of any body type on the list.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is ranked among the most dangerous cars in winter weather. The Accord recorded 69 fatal crashes per 100,000 vehicles sold despite its reputation as a reliable sedan. It scored just 54% in terms of vulnerable road user safety and a composite score of 62, highlighting risks from more than one direction.
Ford Escape
The second Ford model on the list is the Ford Escape. A total of 41 fatal crashes were noted per 100,000 vehicles sold and its composite score worked out to 44. Its safety system rating of 73% is average.
Mazda CX-5
Last on this list is the Mazda CX-5, which received the lowest composite score of 37. It scored high in terms of occupant protection, but the safety system rating of 59% is the lowest out of all the models rated. A lack of advanced safety features makes the CX-5 less capable of handling icy conditions despite its appeal as a crossover.
No vehicle is completely immune to the difficulties of driving in winter. Drivers should invest in winter tires, conduct regular maintenance, and maintain cautious driving habits to lower the dangers of driving on wintery roads.
Another vehicles ranking was compiled according to an analysis of the top five SUVs to avoid buying in 2025, and the data is insightful if you are considering buying a sports utility vehicle.