Use-case guide · 2026
Most crossovers and SUVs are sold on winter capability, and most of that capability is AWD — which helps you accelerate and says nothing about stopping or turning. The winter prep list for an SUV is about the things the drivetrain doesn't cover: a battery that starts a V6 at 5°F, a legal chain that fits a tight wheel well, a broom that reaches the middle of a tall roof, and the kit that keeps a family warm if it all goes wrong.
Jump starter size
1,000A (4-cyl) · 2,000A (V6 / cold)
Must-haves
Class S chains, 49"+ broom, winter wipers
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Headroom for a V6 on a cold morning, and the spark-proof clamps mean anyone in the family can use it safely. Four-cylinder crossover in a mild climate: the GB40 is enough.
~$200 typical price
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Class S cable chains that fit the tight wheel wells of most crossovers, install in minutes, and self-tension. Check the SZ size band for your exact tire.
~$81 typical price
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An 18" foam head on a pole that extends to ~49" clears a crossover or mid-size SUV roof from one side without scratching.
~$26 typical price
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Beam blades that don't ice up — and with the right -25°F+ washer fluid, the highway slush problem goes away. Buy the matching passenger length.
~$32 typical price
Buy on AmazonOften yes. Chain-control rules in most mountain states require AWD/4WD vehicles to carry chains and to fit them at the highest level. And AWD only helps you go — it doesn't help you stop or steer on ice, which is what chains (and winter tires) are for.
Usually not. Most crossovers have limited clearance between the tire and suspension and specify Class S traction devices. Use a cable chain like the Super Z6, a low-profile self-tensioning chain like the König XG-12 Pro, or AutoSocks — and verify the size on the manufacturer's chart.