Canadian winters can be harsh, especially in Fort Mac, so choosing a vehicle that will help you deal with those conditions is essential.
While power on all four wheels and good winter tires are helpful, our team at Summit GM also pays attention to other factors to determine the best GM vehicles for winter driving. For example, a heavier chassis helps to improve traction and break through snow easier, while ground clearance is also important when trying to avoid getting stuck under heavy snowfall.
With these factors in mind, trucks and SUVs are obviously top of mind, doubly so when you're considering the best option for a work vehicle. Our wide inventory of new trucks and SUVs offer not only AWD/4x4, but also more rugged power and features that enhance both luxury and comfort. Let's take a look at our top picks.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain allows you to tackle the Fort Mac winter in style and luxury without compromising on reliability and power.
Speaking of improved luxury, one of the best examples of this advancement is the new GMC Terrain. The design is far more modern and that grille really takes the spotlight, along with around 8 inches of ground clearance to keep you above even the worst snowbanks. On the inside, things are even better – bathed in great materials, spacious and very functional. There is enough space for adults in the rear, loads of storage space and a great infotainment system.
Of course, if you are buying the Terrain to deal with winter conditions, the AWD version is a must. In addition, the GMC Terrain has three engines available – 1.5 gas with 170 hp, 2.0 gas with 252 hp and a 1.6 diesel with 137 hp. All of them are turbocharged and give torque remarkably low in the rev range, which is great for winter driving.
Chevrolet Blazer
This sport mid-size SUV is a great option for Fort Mac drivers looking for a combination of high-tech infotainment and safety features to get them through those winter drives.
The new Chevrolet Blazer stands out as a solid choice for winter driving in Fort McMurray due to its combination of all-wheel drive capability and efficient engine options. Its available AWD system provides superior traction on snowy and icy roads, helps maintain stability and control, and reduces the risk of wheel slip, ensuring safer navigation through snow-covered roads and challenging winter driving conditions.
Additionally, the Blazer’s good ground clearance - around 7.5 inches - allows it to handle deeper snow without compromising the vehicle’s undercarriage. The vehicle also includes advanced safety features such as traction control, anti-lock braking system, and forward collision warning, critical for maintaining safety on slippery surfaces. Beyond its rugged capability, the Chevrolet Blazer offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel provide warmth during cold winter days.
GMC Yukon
With its heavyweight frame and towing capacity, the GMC Yukon is perfect for both running errands around town or hauling equipment for work and leisure.
The new GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that offers both massive interior space as well as powerful engine options - including the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 - that are guaranteed to keep you comfy and in control through even the worst of Fort Mac's weather. The Yukon (as well its XL variant) also offer a ground clearance of about 8 inches, with some models offering air suspension that can be adjusted to about 10 inches!
Moreover, the Yukon weighs around 5,500 lbs and offers up to 8,400 lbs of towing capacity, making it a perfect option if you need a heavy duty hauler for winter work in Fort Mac.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban lives up to its name, offering spacious seating for the whole family as well as an engine powerful enough to handle even the worst winter weather.
As the biggest model in the current Chevrolet lineup, the new Chevrolet Suburban offers the ideal combination of space and power, perfect for winter driving through Fort Mac. With 3 engine options and a ground clearance height of about 8 inches, you can trust the Suburban to plow through any amount of snow you might come across.
The Suburban is quiet, refined, and comfortable on the inside, offering seating for up to 9 passengers depending on the trim level. If you're looking for a reliable family vehicle for living up in Fort Mac, the Chevrolet Suburban is definitely one of the top picks among our team.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave's sleek design and ample storage space make it a perfect family vehicle for navigating Fort Mac winters.
The new Buick Enclave is the perfect example of modernization and versatility among the Buick lineup. Since its inception as a replacement for the Rainier, Rendezvous, and Terraza, the Enclave has been a top choice for its combination of reliability through even the worst of Alberta's winter, as well as its comfortable interior.
The interior features seven seats, active noise cancellation, a sleek design, and plenty of storage space. Getting into the third row is easier now, even with a bulky winter jacket on. Plus, with numerous trim levels and optional features, you can customize your Enclave to perfectly fit your winter driving needs.
Under the hood, the Enclave comes with a 3.6L V6 engine producing 310 hp. It offers both FWD and AWD options, but for snowy conditions, the AWD is the way to go. It powers all four wheels and includes an Intelligent AWD system with an active twin-clutch rear differential for enhanced traction in the snow.
Chevrolet Equinox
While it might have a more compact engine, the Equinox still packs a punch and can more than handle itself through a winter in Northern Alberta.
If you aren't in need of tanker-sized space but are still looking for a little bit more flexibility, the new Chevrolet Equinox is a great option. This vehicle is a prime example of the engine downsizing trend that brought us smaller, but more powerful and efficient engines.
The Chevrolet Equinox offers several engine options, including a 1.5L turbo with 170 hp, a 2.0L turbo with 252 hp, and a 1.6L diesel with 137 hp. Even the diesel, with its impressive torque available from just 2,000 RPM, delivers plenty of power for winter driving, helping you tackle slippery roads and inclines without the need for high revs that can cause wheel spin.
Beyond its capable performance, the Equinox shines with modern updates both inside and out, packed with features designed to make your winter drives more comfortable and confident. If you're looking for a vehicle of this size to handle the snowy season, the latest Equinox is definitely worth considering.
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
In addition to their shared design and build elements, both the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado have strong reputations as reliable work trucks for any season, including winter.
As GM's flagship pickup trucks, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado offer plenty of options to suit the needs of drivers here in Fort McMurray, with up to five different bed and cabin size combinations. Both come equipped with powerful engine choices, including a 4.3L V6 with 285 hp, a 5.3L V8 with 355 hp, and a 6.2L V8 with 420 hp, so hauling heavy loads through Fort McMurray’s snowy winters won’t be an issue.
While their interiors share many similarities, the Sierra steps it up a notch with more luxurious trim levels, especially the Denali, which really shines in terms of comfort and style.
When it comes to handling the tough winter conditions we face in Fort Mac, either the Silverado or Sierra will serve you well. But if you’re looking for top-tier luxury to go along with your winter driving confidence, the Sierra Denali is definitely the way to go.
Available Now at Summit GM
If you're interested in taking any of these vehicles for a test drive and making your next winter in Fort Mac a lot comfier and safer, swing by our dealership at 530 MacKenzie Boulevard today! We offer these options along with a wide selection of new and used makes and models, along with flexible financing options and specials to help you find the ride of your dreams without breaking the bank. Trust Summit GM for all your automotive needs.
