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All-wheel drive helps a Subaru get going on snow, but it doesn’t help you stop, and it won’t get you home with a dead battery or a car stuck in a snowbank. A small kit in the cargo area covers most winter problems. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.
Quick Picks
• Best ice scraper: AstroAI 27-inch snow brush and ice scraper, 4.6 stars from 32,000+ reviews
• Best for dead batteries: NOCO Boost GB40 jump starter, 4.6 stars from 130,000+ reviews
• Best for digging out: Rhino USA folding survival shovel, 4.7 stars from 11,000+ reviews
• Best for getting stuck: BUNKER INDUST traction boards, 4.7 stars from 1,400+ reviews
• Best budget add-on: Swiss Safe emergency blankets, 4.7 stars from 17,000+ reviews
Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
Keep this one inside the car. If it’s buried in the cargo area, you’ll be scraping with a credit card. A 27-inch brush reaches across the windshield of an Outback or Forester without leaning on the paint. Take the AstroAI 27-inch snow brush and ice scraper, for example.
Traction Boards
A pair of boards slides under a spinning wheel on ice or soft snow. They’re bulky, so store them flat against the back of the rear seat. The BUNKER INDUST traction boards come as a pair, with a built-in jack base.
Jump Starter
Cold weather is hard on batteries, and a jump starter means you don’t need another car or a stranger. Charge it every few months so it’s ready. The NOCO Boost GB40 jump starter has more than 130,000 ratings at 4.6 stars.
Shovel
A folding shovel digs out wheels and clears a parking spot. The Rhino USA folding shovel folds flat, so it fits beside a spare or in a cargo bin.
Blankets, Light, and Snacks
If you’re stuck waiting, warmth matters most. Mylar blankets like these Swiss Safe emergency blankets fold small. Add a headlamp, a power bank, water and a few snacks, and you’re covered.
Where to Pack It
Put the scraper and gloves in the cabin door pocket. Pack the shovel and boards low against the rear seat, where they won’t slide, and keep the rest in one small bin by the hatch. Our cargo area setup guide shows how to organize the rest of the space.
FAQs
What should I keep in a Subaru in winter?
A scraper and brush, traction boards or sand, a jump starter, a shovel, blankets, a light, a power bank, water and snacks.
Does all-wheel drive mean I don’t need a kit?
No. AWD helps you accelerate, not stop, and it can’t fix a dead battery or a buried car.
Do winter tires matter more than a kit?
Yes. Tires are the biggest winter safety factor, and a kit is the backup.
Should I clear snow off a roof box?
Yes. Snow and ice can slide off at speed, so clear the roof and any rack or box before you drive.
Final Thoughts
A winter kit costs less than a tow, and it takes ten minutes to pack. Start with a scraper, a jump starter and traction boards, then add blankets and a shovel. Check your tires and battery before the first freeze.
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