Winter in North Idaho is nothing short of spectacular. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains in a landscape dotted with picturesque lakes, Idahoans find that the season brings endless opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, and cold-weather exploring. But navigating North Idaho roads in these conditions requires a vehicle built for capability, traction, and confidence.
At Mike White Ford in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, we know what North Idaho drivers face each winter, and Ford’s lineup offers some of the best models for tackling snow, ice, and rugged terrain. If you’re planning winter adventures—or just want a dependable vehicle for daily winter commuting—here are several top models available from Ford designed to shine when temperatures drop.
1. Ford F-150: A Winter Workhorse with Real Capability
It’s no surprise that the Ford F-150 remains a winter favorite. With available 4x4 capability, selectable drive modes, and advanced traction control, the F-150 handles snowy highways and rough backroads with ease.
For winter adventures, features like FX4 Off-Road Package, Snow Plow Prep Package, and Ford’s available locking rear differential provide added confidence. Whether you’re hauling gear to a ski cabin or navigating deep snow on one of North Idaho’s back roads, the F-150 delivers capability you can count on.
2. Ford Bronco: Built for Rugged Winter Exploration
The Ford Bronco was engineered for real adventure, and winter is when it truly shines. With G.O.A.T. Modes™, available Sasquatch Package, and exceptional ground clearance, the Bronco thrives on snowy forest roads, mountain passes, and unplowed trails.
Its advanced 4x4 system and available 35-inch tires help maintain stability on ice and snow, making the Bronco one of the best winter adventure vehicles in the region.
3. Ford Bronco Sport: Compact, Capable, and Winter-Ready
Not everyone needs a full-size off-roader, and that’s where the Bronco Sport excels. It offers impressive traction and stability with its standard 4x4 system, plus the available Badlands™ trim adds rugged hardware for deeper snow and uneven terrain.
With excellent cargo space for skis, snowboards, or snowshoes, the Bronco Sport is perfect for weekend adventures while remaining ideal for daily driving performance and convenience.
4. Ford Explorer: Comfort Meets Winter Performance
If you need a family-friendly SUV that doesn’t compromise on winter recreational capabilities, the Ford Explorer delivers. Its Intelligent 4WD, Terrain Management System, and towing power make it ideal for winter road trips or hauling a snowmobile trailer.
The roomy interior, heated seats, and smooth ride help keep the whole family comfortable even on long trips to Lookout Pass, Schweitzer, or Silver Mountain.
5. Ford Expedition: For Big Families and Big Adventures
For those who need more space for passengers and gear, the Ford Expedition offers serious capability with full-size comfort. Its 3.5L EcoBoost® engine, optional FX4 Off-Road Package, and advanced traction settings make it one of the best large SUVs for winter driving.
If your adventures involve towing, large groups, or long winter road trips, the Expedition is a reliable and powerful companion.
6. Ford Maverick: A Versatile Option for Everyday Winter Driving
The compact Ford Maverick surprises many drivers with how capable it is in winter conditions, especially in AWD configurations. With a practical bed with plenty of room to hold gear, excellent fuel economy, and available drive modes designed for snow, the Maverick is a great choice for those who want adventure-ready capability in a smaller, more affordable package.
Find the Right Ford for Your Winter Lifestyle
North Idahoans love winter adventures, so North Idaho winters demand a vehicle that can do more than handle a daily commute; a vehicle that offers reliability, traction, and confidence on every kind of terrain.
At Mike White Ford in Coeur d’Alene, our team can help you compare features, test drive winter-ready models, and choose the Ford that fits your needs, whether you’re heading to the mountains, exploring backroads, or simply navigating the winter commute.
Contact us today or visit one of our showrooms in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint to explore Ford’s full lineup and get equipped for every winter adventure the region has to offer.