Thielen Motors – Does the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer handle winter roads better than the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek around Brainerd, MN?
When winter sets in across the Northwoods, traction, visibility, and driver confidence matter as much as ground clearance. Many shoppers ask a simple question: which small SUV feels more composed when conditions turn slick? In this focused look at winter performance, we compare drivetrains, traction tools, and cold-weather conveniences to help you decide between these two capable crossovers.
Both models bring well-known strengths to winter driving. One offers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the other pairs available AWD with selectable drive modes and a turbocharged engine option that supplies midrange torque right where you need it. Cabin tech also plays a role—clear, quick-to-use interfaces reduce distraction when visibility falls. Below, we break down core winter attributes and how they translate to day-to-day confidence on snow-packed city streets and slushy county roads around Brainerd, MN.
- AWD Tuning: Standard vs. available AWD both deliver four-corner traction, but calibration and drive modes shape how each vehicle digs in when surfaces change mid-corner.
- Low-End Torque: A turbocharged option provides confident pull from lower rpm, which helps when rolling into traffic from a glazed side street or climbing a plowed incline.
- Drive Modes: Multiple selectable modes tailor throttle and shift behavior for snow, slush, or dry patches, smoothing transitions in mixed conditions.
- Visibility Aids: Strong headlamp performance and automatic high-beams reduce fatigue on dark rural stretches; an HD backup camera helps with piles and frozen ruts.
- Cold-Weather Comforts: A heated, wrapped steering wheel and remote start convenience encourage proper warm-up and comfortable control in bulky gloves.
Interior practicality can also reduce winter hassles. A hands-free liftgate makes it easier to load groceries and salt bags without setting items on a wet bumper. A fold-flat front passenger seat allows skis or ice-fishing gear to slide in fully enclosed, keeping snow spray out of the cabin. And standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ mean you can launch navigation and storm updates without fussing with cables in stiff mittens.
From a safety-tech perspective, both SUVs equip advanced driver-assistance suites. Look for features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Auto High Beam Assist. The key distinction is how naturally the safety tech integrates with the infotainment system—when menus are intuitive and screens are crisp, it takes fewer steps to adjust settings as conditions change.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which SUV feels more confident when accelerating from a stop on packed snow?
A model with a turbocharged engine tends to generate stronger low-end torque, providing a smoother, more decisive launch. Combine that with well-tuned AWD and drive modes, and you get consistent takeoffs at plow berms and intersections.
Do I need specific drive modes for winter, or will AWD alone suffice?
AWD is a great start, but selectable drive modes can further refine throttle mapping and shift strategy. That helps maintain stability as you transition between plowed, polished, and powdery surfaces in a single commute.
How important is the infotainment layout in winter driving?
Very. A large, responsive screen and straightforward menus reduce eyes-off-road time when you’re adjusting defrost settings or checking a storm route. Thoughtful design becomes a safety plus in bad weather.
Are cold-weather features like a heated steering wheel and remote start worthwhile?
Yes. Keeping hands warm improves grip and control, and remote start can precondition the cabin so windows clear faster. Those minutes saved matter on icy mornings.
If you’re narrowing your choice with winter in mind, look closely at low-end torque, drive-mode breadth, and ease of use for both safety tech and infotainment. Small differences in calibration and cabin convenience create a big advantage on icy commutes and snowy weekends. Thielen Motors is serving Red Lake, Brainerd, and Grand Rapids with informed test drives that let you feel these distinctions for yourself—on the roads you use every day.
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