As winter approaches in the UAE, it's essential to choose a vehicle that handles the changing weather and provides the comfort, safety, and performance needed for a smooth driving experience.
In the UAE, owning the right SUV is crucial for both adventure and safety, especially when exploring the country’s diverse landscapes. Whether you're heading into the majestic desert for some dune bashing or navigating the winding roads of mountainous regions like Jebel Jais, a capable SUV can make all the difference.
The ideal winter SUV in the UAE is equipped not only for off-road adventures in rugged terrains but also for ensuring safe driving in cooler months, when road conditions can become unpredictable, especially in elevated areas prone to fog or rain.
The following SUVs combine robust 4WD systems for tackling sandy dunes or rocky mountains with advanced safety features to handle the changing climate. With powerful engines, high ground clearance, and technology like anti-lock braking systems and tire pressure monitors, they offer the perfect balance of thrill and protection, ensuring that you, your friends and your family can explore the UAE’s natural beauty confidently and comfortably year-round.
Essential Features for Winter Driving in the UAE
- 4WD Capability: Most of the top SUVs on this list offer advanced 4x4 systems, crucial for navigating both desert sand and wet winter roads.
- Safety Features: Modern SUVs come equipped with advanced safety technology like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation systems to ensure a secure drive.
- Spacious Interiors: Whether you’re taking the family on a long road trip or just driving around town, a spacious, comfortable interior is essential for those longer winter drives.
- Ground Clearance: High ground clearance ensures that the vehicle can easily navigate waterlogged roads or tricky off-road terrains.
2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Engine & Power: The 2024 G-Class is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 416 horsepower and 610 NM of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Its 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction on slick surfaces, whether in the city or off-road.
- Off-Road Tech: The G-Class excels in desert terrains, with its 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and three locking differentials that give it unmatched control over sand dunes. It has 9.5 inches of ground clearance, making it ideal for crossing uneven desert landscapes.
- City Features: Despite its rugged off-road abilities, it offers a luxurious and comfortable ride in urban settings. Its advanced suspension system, adaptive dampers, and precise steering make for a smooth and controlled ride. Heated seats, steering, and climate control systems make winter drives more comfortable.
2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV
- Engine & Power: With a tri-motor setup delivering 830 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque, the Hummer EV SUV offers exhilarating performance. Its electric powertrain and over 300-mile range are ideal for both city commutes and long desert trips.
- Off-Road Tech: The Hummer EV’s CrabWalk feature allows it to tackle the shifting sands of the desert with ease by moving diagonally. Its adaptive air suspension can raise the SUV by 6 inches, giving it the ground clearance needed for challenging off-road conditions. The Ultium battery system’s advanced thermal management ensures optimal performance in the UAE’s hot climate.
- City Features: Its regenerative braking system optimizes efficiency in urban traffic, even in wet conditions. The Hummer EV’s all-wheel steering ensures tight cornering, vital for narrow city roads.
2024 Land Rover Defender
- Engine & Power: The Defender’s 3.0L inline-6 mild-hybrid engine produces 395 horsepower and offers both power and efficiency, making it a versatile choice for UAE roads. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, offering smooth shifts in both city and off-road environments.
- Off-Road Tech: The Terrain Response 2 system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s settings to handle desert sand. Its ground clearance of 11.5 inches and wading depth of 35.4 inches ensure it can easily traverse dunes and even handle shallow water crossings in the desert wadis.
- City Features: In urban settings, the air suspension provides a plush ride, while its modern tech features like the Pivi Pro infotainment system keep you connected during city commutes.
2024 Ford Bronco
- Engine & Power: With a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 542 NM of torque, the Bronco is built for adventure. It offers both 10-speed automatic and 7-speed manual transmission options for drivers who prefer more control.
- Off-Road Tech: The Bronco’s G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes include a Sand mode, designed specifically for desert driving. Its 11.6 inches of ground clearance, combined with front and rear locking differentials, make it a capable off-roader for UAE’s desert landscapes.
- City Features: In the city, the Bronco’s independent front suspension ensures stability while it also features modern amenities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a sophisticated climate control system.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
- Engine & Power: The Land Cruiser’s 3.5L twin-turbo V6 delivers 409 horsepower and 650 NM of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifting, offering the versatility needed for city driving and desert trails.
- Off-Road Tech: Known for its legendary off-road capabilities, the Land Cruiser features Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, which adjust throttle and brake pressure for challenging desert conditions. With 9.1 inches of ground clearance, it can effortlessly traverse dunes.
- City Features: Its high driving position and excellent visibility make it a breeze to maneuver around city streets, even in winter. It comes with advanced driver-assist systems, including lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control.
2025 Nissan Patrol
- Engine & Power: The 2025 Nissan Patrol sports a 5.6L V8 engine, generating 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Its 7-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifts, and its Intelligent 4x4 system ensures consistent grip on wet roads.
- Off-Road Tech: The Patrol’s Intelligent 4x4 system, along with features like Hill Descent Control and a 9.3-inch ground clearance, make it well-equipped to handle UAE’s challenging desert environments. The Hydraulic Body Motion Control system enhances stability, even when navigating dunes.
- City Features: On city roads, the Patrol offers a comfortable ride with minimal body roll. The interior features plush materials, heated seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system, ensuring a luxurious experience in cooler weather. The Patrol’s smooth handling in city conditions makes it a great all-around SUV for UAE residents.
2024 Jeep Wrangler
- Engine & Power: The Wrangler offers multiple engine options, including a 2.0L turbocharged I4 that generates 270 horsepower and a 3.6L V6, known for its reliability. The plug-in hybrid 4xe version is also available for those looking for efficiency in city driving.
- Off-Road Tech: The Wrangler’s 4x4 systems (Command-Trac and Rock-Trac) are designed for off-road excellence. Its Selec-Terrain system adjusts to handle different types of desert sand and gravel, while its 10.8 inches of ground clearance allows it to conquer desert dunes with ease. Meanwhile, the front and rear locking differentials and sway bar disconnects allow for enhanced off-road performance.
- City Features: Despite its rugged design, the Wrangler offers a comfortable ride in urban environments. Heated seats, advanced safety systems, and a user-friendly infotainment system make it a versatile option for both city commutes and weekend adventures.
2024 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
- Engine & Power: The 2024 Mitsubishi Montero Sport comes with a 3.0L V6 engine that produces 215 horsepower and 285 NM of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering both smooth shifts and efficiency for city driving. The Super Select 4WD-II system allows drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD on the fly, making it versatile for both urban and off-road conditions.
- Off-Road Tech: The Montero Sport’s off-road prowess is enhanced by features such as Hill Descent Control and an 8.5-inch ground clearance, which make it capable of navigating through the challenging desert terrain of the UAE. The rugged body-on-frame construction provides durability when traversing sand dunes or rocky desert trails. The Active Stability and Traction Control system also ensures stability in loose sand, while the rear differential lock adds extra capability in tricky off-road situations.
- City Features: In urban settings, the Montero Sport shines with a comfortable ride, thanks to its independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension setup. Its high seating position offers great visibility in traffic, and features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it a practical choice for daily commutes.
2024 Toyota Fortuner
- Engine & Power: The 2024 Toyota Fortuner offers two engine options for different driving preferences. The 4.0L V6 engine generates 235 horsepower and 376 Nm of torque, providing robust performance for off-road adventures, while the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine delivers 164 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque, ideal for city driving and light off-roading. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth power delivery across various terrains.
- Off-Road Tech: With its part-time 4x4 drivetrain, the Fortuner is highly capable of handling the challenging desert landscapes of the UAE. The 4.0L V6 variant, with its higher torque output, excels in dune bashing and off-road navigation, thanks to features like active traction control and a rear differential lock. Its 8.9 inch ground clearance, along with the robust suspension system, allows it to glide over sandy terrains and rocky paths with ease. Hill Start Assist and Downhill Assist Control further enhance its performance in the desert by maintaining stability on steep ascents and descents.
- City Features: Despite its off-road prowess, the Fortuner is equally well-suited for urban environments. Its 7-seat configuration offers ample space for families, and the plush interior with leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and an advanced infotainment system ensures a comfortable ride.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Engine & Power: Offering a variety of engine options, including a 3.6L V6 (293 horsepower) and a 5.7L V8 (357 horsepower), the Grand Cherokee also comes in a 4xe plug-in hybrid version for those seeking efficiency in city driving.
- Off-Road Tech: The Quadra-Drive II 4WD system in the Grand Cherokee provides superior traction in desert conditions. Its Selec-Terrain system adjusts the drivetrain and suspension settings to optimize performance on mud, sand and rocky trails, while its 10.8-inch ground clearance helps with desert navigation.
- City Features: In urban environments, the Grand Cherokee’s adaptive air suspension provides a comfortable and composed ride. Its premium interior, combined with features like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof, makes it an excellent choice for city travel.
Conclusion:
These SUVs are not only perfect for navigating the urban landscapes of the UAE but are also equipped to handle the rugged desert terrains. Whether you’re commuting in the city or venturing out into the desert for a weekend adventure, each of these vehicles offers the power, technology, and comfort needed to handle both settings with ease.
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