The 2027 Chevrolet Equinox AWD is the best all-around Chevrolet SUV for Ohio winter driving, combining about 8 inches of ground clearance, a selectable Snow/Ice drive mode, and a 1.5L Turbo engine producing 203 lb-ft of torque. For larger families requiring three rows of seating, the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse AWD serves as the top recommendation, delivering superior highway stability with its 2.5L Turbo engine and 5,000 lbs max towing capacity.
Navigating frozen morning commutes around Wooster demands a vehicle that balances underbody height, responsive throttle control, and rapid cabin warming. The redesigned Equinox meets these demands directly by offering driver-selectable modes that tailor traction control thresholds before wheels start to spin on icy asphalt. Inside, standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Chevy Safety Assist driver-assistance suite provide practical reassurance during unpredictable lake-effect snow squalls.
Selecting the right winter vehicle also involves evaluating how easily you can load cargo or sports equipment when roads are covered in slush. Compact crossovers like the Equinox feature low liftover heights and accessible rear hatches, making quick work of loading snow gear or grocery runs. If you want to experience how these features operate in person, you can get directions to our Wooster showroom or give our sales team a quick call at (330) 439-4949 to confirm current availability.
Which Chevrolet Lineup Models Offer All-Wheel Drive and What Does AWD Cost?
Chevrolet offers available all-wheel drive across almost its entire crossover and SUV lineup—including the Trailblazer, Equinox, Blazer, Traverse, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV—with optioning AWD typically adding between $1,500 and $2,000 to the vehicle's starting price compared to front-wheel-drive configurations. The entry-level Chevrolet Trax remains strictly front-wheel drive across all trim levels.
When comparing trim levels on popular gasoline models like the Equinox, adding all-wheel drive enhances total engine torque in addition to sending power to the rear wheels. Front-wheel-drive Equinox models utilize a continuously variable transmission, while all-wheel-drive configurations upgrade to a Hydra-Matic 8-speed automatic transmission that handles increased torque output for pulling out of deep snowdrifts.
For outdoor enthusiasts who frequently handle heavy snow or dirt roads, the outdoor-focused ACTIV trim pairs all-wheel drive with standard all-terrain tires and tuned suspension hardware. You can browse our new Chevrolet inventory to compare current trim levels side-by-side, or explore our pre-owned vehicle lineup for excellent value on low-mileage winter-ready SUVs.
Pricing
Pricing by trim
| Feature | ACTIV 1.5T | AWD ACTIV 1.5T | AWD LT 1.5T | AWD RS 1.5T | LT 1.5T | RS 1.5T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $33,900 | $35,900 | $31,000 | $35,900 | $29,000 | $33,900 |
| Destination charge | $1,995 | $1,995 | $1,995 | $1,995 | $1,995 | $1,995 |
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Feature | ACTIV 1.5T | AWD ACTIV 1.5T | AWD LT 1.5T | AWD RS 1.5T | LT 1.5T | RS 1.5T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L | 1.5L | 1.5L | 1.5L | 1.5L | 1.5L |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic | Hydra-Matic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
How Does Chevrolet AWD Transfer Power and Compare to 4WD or Subaru Systems?
Chevrolet all-wheel-drive systems rely on electronic wheel-speed sensors and internal clutch packs to monitor road traction hundreds of times per second, automatically directing torque to the rear wheels the moment front tire slip occurs. Drivers can track this dynamic torque split directly through the vehicle's digital Driver Information Center, which displays a real-world graphic showing live power distribution between the front and rear axles.
Understanding how Chevrolet AWD compares to alternative drivetrain designs helps clarify which setup best fits your daily driving habits:
- Chevrolet AWD vs. Traditional 4WD: Systems like the available four-wheel drive on the full-size 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD feature a dedicated transfer case with selectable low-range gearing. Traditional 4WD is engineered for severe off-road driving, unpaved agricultural land, or heavy trailering. Chevrolet AWD operates automatically on paved surfaces without driver intervention, eliminating driveline bind during tight parking maneuvers.
- Chevrolet AWD vs. Subaru Symmetrical AWD: Subaru uses a full-time continuous system that sends power to all four wheels constantly. Chevrolet switchable AWD allows drivers to disengage the rear axle entirely on dry pavement to conserve fuel, while allowing drivers to leave AWD mode engaged all winter long without damaging mechanical components.
Driving across rural routes around Smithville during winter storms often means encountering sudden transitions from clear pavement to drifted snow. Having a system that seamlessly engages rear-wheel torque without mechanical binding keeps the vehicle composed when crossing slick bridges or turning onto unplowed township roads. If you plan to trade in your current vehicle for a winter-ready crossover, you can value your trade-in online in just a few minutes.
How Do Dual-Motor Chevrolet Electric AWD Models Handle Ohio Winters?
Dual-motor electric models like the 2027 Chevrolet Equinox EV AWD provide exceptional winter capability by mounting separate electric motors on the front and rear axles, allowing independent computer control of torque delivery at each wheel without mechanical driveshafts. This dual-motor layout generates 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, delivering instant low-end traction that prevents wheel spin on icy inclines.
Electric vehicles handle severe cold differently than traditional internal combustion engines. Here is what owners should keep in mind during freezing weather:
- Real-World Winter Range: Severe sub-freezing temperatures cause a temporary cold-weather range drop between 15% and 30% due to battery chemistry and cabin heating demands. The Equinox EV AWD starts with an EPA-estimated 307 miles of driving range (rated at 103 MPGe combined), leaving plenty of buffer for long winter commutes.
- Preconditioning Benefits: Using grid power to warm the battery pack and cabin interior while the EV remains plugged in at home preserves total driving range for the road ahead.
- Instant Cabin Heat: Electric heaters generate warm air instantly upon starting, avoiding the cold idling period required by gasoline engines.
If you are ready to evaluate purchase options for an electric or gasoline AWD model, you can prequalify for financing online to review personalized payment terms.
Are Winter Tires Still Necessary When Driving an AWD Chevrolet SUV?
While all-wheel-drive systems significantly improve acceleration grip on snow and slush, winter tires remain vital for reducing stopping distances and maintaining lateral cornering control on packed ice. All-wheel drive distributes engine power to four tires instead of two, but it cannot create additional friction when braking or steering on low-grip surfaces.
Maintaining peak tire performance throughout the winter season requires regular attention to cold inflation pressures:
- Temperature Pressure Loss: Ambient tire pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in outside temperature.
- Monthly Checks: Tire safety guidelines recommend checking pressures monthly when tires are cold, inflating them to the exact specification listed on the driver's door-jamb placard.
- Tread Selection: Trim levels like the gasoline Equinox ACTIV come equipped with factory all-terrain tires, offering deeper tread channels that clear away heavy mud and slush more effectively than standard highway tires.
Combining Chevrolet AWD technology with proper tire maintenance gives drivers the ultimate combination of forward propulsion, cornering control, and stopping confidence on slick roads.
Common Questions About AWD Chevrolet Models for Ohio Drivers
Q: Can you leave a Chevrolet vehicle in AWD mode all winter long?
Yes, leaving switchable Chevrolet all-wheel drive engaged throughout the entire winter season causes zero mechanical strain or drivetrain damage. The system continuously monitors traction conditions and seamlessly manages power delivery so extra grip is immediately available whenever you encounter unplowed roads or sudden patches of ice.
Q: What is the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Equinox AWD for unplowed snow?
The gasoline 2027 Chevrolet Equinox AWD provides approximately 8.08 inches of ground clearance. This underbody clearance helps the vehicle travel over unplowed neighborhood streets, packed snowdrifts, and icy ruts without scraping or getting high-centered.
Q: Does the Chevrolet Trax offer All-Wheel Drive for winter driving?
No, the Chevrolet Trax is exclusively built with front-wheel drive across all trim levels. Shoppers seeking compact dimensions with all-wheel-drive capability should consider the Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD or the 2027 Chevrolet Equinox AWD.
Q: How do drivers know when Chevrolet AWD is actively transferring power to the wheels?
On equipped Chevrolet crossover and SUV models, drivers can navigate to the AWD power distribution screen inside the digital Driver Information Center. This live graphic dynamically illustrates the percentage of engine torque being sent to the front and rear wheels in real time as road grip changes.
Q: What tire maintenance tips help maintain AWD traction during freezing weather?
Check tire inflation levels when the tires are cold, especially after sudden temperature drops. Ohio winter swings can reduce tire pressure by roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F drop, leading to underinflation that reduces tire contact area, compromises tread stability, and increases tire wear.