Winter in Ontario brings unique driving challenges—from sudden snowfalls on Highway 404 to icy morning commutes through Newmarket's residential streets. When temperatures drop and road conditions become unpredictable, having the right vehicle can make all the difference between confident travel and white-knuckle driving.
Kia's Sportage and Seltos address these seasonal concerns with available all-wheel-drive systems designed to enhance traction and control when you need it most. Both models offer AWD configurations that help drivers navigate slippery surfaces, maintain stability during cornering, and handle the varied terrain that defines Canadian winter driving.
Understanding All-Wheel Drive for Winter Conditions
All-wheel-drive technology distributes power to all four wheels rather than just the front or rear pair. This distribution becomes particularly valuable when road surfaces lose grip due to snow, ice, or slush.
In winter driving scenarios, AWD systems help in several key ways:
- Improved Traction During Acceleration: When starting from a stop on snow-covered roads, AWD reduces wheel spin by sending power to the wheels with the most grip. This helps you pull away smoothly from intersections or driveways without losing momentum.
- Enhanced Stability During Cornering: AWD systems continuously monitor wheel speeds and adjust power distribution to maintain balanced handling when navigating curves or changing lanes on slippery surfaces.
- Better Control on Varied Terrain: Winter roads rarely offer consistent conditions—you might encounter clear pavement, packed snow, and icy patches within a single commute. AWD adapts to these changing surfaces more effectively than two-wheel-drive configurations.
Kia Sportage: Terrain-Specific Winter Performance
The 2026 Kia Sportage offers AWD across multiple configurations, with the X-Line Limited trim featuring an Active All-Wheel Drive System paired with Terrain Mode functionality. This system includes three distinct settings designed for challenging conditions:
- Snow Mode: Optimizes traction force distribution to prevent wheel slippage when driving on snowy or slippery roads. The system adjusts power delivery to maintain forward momentum without excessive wheelspin.
- Mud Mode: Ideal for soft or unpaved roads—common during spring thaw or when navigating unplowed parking areas.
- Sand Mode: Addresses loose surface conditions that can occur on gravel roads or when traction is compromised by granular materials mixed with ice.
The Sportage's AWD system works in conjunction with the vehicle's 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 187 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination provides sufficient torque for confident winter driving while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency.
Practical Winter Driving Features
Beyond the AWD system itself, the Sportage includes features that support winter safety:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle direction during sudden maneuvers on slippery surfaces.
- Hill-Assist Control (HAC): Prevents rollback when starting on inclined surfaces covered in snow or ice.
- Downhill Brake Control (DBC): Maintains controlled descent speeds on steep, slippery grades.
- Trailer Stability Assist (TSA): Provides additional stability when towing in winter conditions.
The X-Line Limited also comes equipped with 19-inch wheels fitted with all-season tires, though dedicated winter tires remain the recommended choice for optimal cold-weather performance.
Kia Seltos: Compact AWD Capability
The 2026 Kia Seltos provides AWD options across its EX AWD, EX Premium, SX, and X-Line trims. The Seltos pairs its AWD system with two engine choices depending on trim level:
- LX and EX trims: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
- SX and X-Line trims: 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 195 hp and 195 lb-ft, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The turbocharged option provides notably stronger low-end torque, which translates to better pulling power when accelerating from stops on snow-covered roads or climbing slippery inclines.
Winter-Ready Safety Systems
The Seltos includes comprehensive safety technologies that complement its AWD capability:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Helps detect potential collisions and can apply brakes if necessary—particularly useful when stopping distances increase on icy roads.
- Lane Follow Assist: Maintains lane positioning even when road markings become obscured by snow.
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Monitors adjacent lanes and can apply braking if approaching vehicles are detected—valuable when visibility is reduced by snow or slush spray.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist: Detects approaching traffic when reversing from parking spots with limited visibility.
The Seltos also features Downhill Brake Control and Hill-Assist Control, providing additional confidence when navigating Ontario's varied topography during winter months.
AWD Maintenance Considerations for Winter
Maintaining AWD systems properly ensures reliable performance throughout winter:
- Tire Management: AWD systems require all four tires to be the same size, type, and tread depth. Mismatched tires can affect system performance and potentially cause mechanical issues. Regular tire rotation helps maintain even wear.
- Fluid Checks: Cold temperatures can affect fluid viscosity. Following manufacturer-recommended service intervals becomes particularly important during winter months.
- System Monitoring: Modern AWD systems include warning indicators. Address any illuminated warnings promptly to maintain full system functionality.
Comparing Sportage and Seltos for Winter Driving
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Feature
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Sportage (X-Line Limited)
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Seltos (AWD Trims)
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AWD System
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Active AWD with Terrain Mode
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Standard AWD
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Terrain Mode Options
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Snow, Mud, Sand
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Drive Mode Select (no dedicated terrain modes)
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Engine Options
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2.5 L 4-cylinder (187 hp)
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2.0 L 4-cylinder (147 hp) or 1.6 L turbo (195 hp)
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Ground Clearance
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Higher profile SUV
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Compact crossover profile
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Cargo Space
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Larger capacity
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1,778 litres (rear seats folded)
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The Sportage offers more sophisticated terrain management through its dedicated modes, making it well-suited for drivers who regularly encounter varied winter conditions or venture onto less-maintained roads. The Seltos provides capable AWD performance in a more compact, maneuverable package that works well for urban and suburban winter driving.
Making AWD Work for You This Winter
AWD enhances winter driving capability, but it doesn't replace fundamental winter driving practices:
- Winter Tires Remain Essential: AWD improves acceleration and stability but doesn't significantly improve stopping distances. Dedicated winter tires provide the grip needed for braking and cornering on ice and snow.
- Adjust Driving Behavior: AWD allows for more confident acceleration, but speed should still be reduced for conditions. Maintain greater following distances and anticipate stops earlier than in dry conditions.
- Understand System Limitations: AWD helps maintain traction during acceleration and cornering but cannot overcome the laws of physics. Ice remains slippery regardless of drivetrain configuration.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your AWD system serviced according to manufacturer recommendations to ensure reliable performance when you need it most.
Experience Kia's AWD Capability at Kia of Newmarket
Winter driving in Ontario demands vehicles that can handle unpredictable conditions with confidence. The Sportage and Seltos offer AWD systems designed to enhance traction and control when roads become challenging.
Visit Kia of Newmarket in Newmarket to explore how these models' AWD capabilities can support your winter driving needs. Our team can demonstrate the terrain mode features, explain maintenance considerations, and help you determine which model best fits your seasonal driving patterns.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Sportage, visit Kia.ca
