When it comes to car shopping, most car shoppers hear the same old advice: “Get one that’s good on gas,” “Choose one that’s safe,” “Pick one that holds its value well.” And while all of that is true, there is one important factor that rarely gets the love it deserves: your geography.

Buying a car in Minnesota is not just about what you like, it’s about what works best for you, what works best for the environment, and what works best for your wallet.

Why Geography Matters More Than You Think

A car that’s perfect for Phoenix is not perfect for Buffalo, and that great deal on that used car from Florida is not such a great deal for Wisconsin.

The reason for this is that geography affects virtually every aspect of car ownership, from how your car performs to how fast it depreciates, what maintenance it needs, and what features actually make a difference.

Best Cars for Snow States

If you live in a snowy state, you already know what you need: traction, visibility, durability.

The Subaru Outback is still one of the best vehicles for snowy states, for example, because of its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which sends power to all four wheels for maximum traction on snowy, icy, or otherwise slick roadways.

Toyota RAV4 has a reliable AWD system with strong fuel efficiency – a plus when you’re idling to warm up or stuck in a lot of stop-and-go traffic.

Mazda CX-50 has a silky ride that’s unmatched in the AWD SUV segment. Its i-Activ AWD system checks road conditions 200 times a second and responds with power before you ever notice a problem.

Honda CR-V has consistently been one of the most reliable rides you can find. That’s a big deal when you need a car that will start when it’s -20 degrees outside.

What Snow State Buyers Should Prioritize

All-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive. Here’s a common misconception: AWD is better suited for snow-covered streets and will automatically adjust accordingly. 4WD is better suited for off-road use – you have to drive it like a car. If you’re a snow state commuter, AWD is the way to go.

Heated features. Heated seats and steering wheels are not luxury items if you live in a snow state – they’re necessities that allow you to drive safely as you wait for the car’s interior to warm up.

Ground clearance. If streets are unplowed, you’re stuck – literally – if you have low ground clearance. Look for a car with a clearance of 7-8 inches.

Rust resistance. Road salt is no joke. Look for galvanized steel, aluminum parts, and extra undercoating. If you’re buying a car from a snow state, check the car’s history to see where it’s been. A 5-year-old car from a snow state may have more rust damage than a 2-year-old car from a salt-free zone.

Best Cars for Sun States

Warm climate shoppers have to contend with heat, UV damage, and sometimes lengthy highway spins.

Toyota Camry is known for reliability and performing exceptionally well under heat.Light interior and good AC system make for sane driving through the summer heat. The hybrid model excels in stop-and-go heat.

Tesla Model 3 and other EVs do exceptionally well in warm climates. Batteries prefer moderate temps anyway, and you don’t have to worry about overheating when stuck in traffic. You can even pre-cool the interior when still plugged in.

Honda Accord is a longtime southern favorite for good reason. It’s reliable, efficient, and can take the heat without complaint.

Hyundai Tucson offers good value for the price with a full warranty. Good peace of mind when desert heat tries out all components under the hood.

What Sun State Buyers Should Prioritize

Quality AC System.While this may seem obvious, not all climate control systems are created equal. Look for dual-zone climate control and rear ventilation if you plan on ferrying passengers. Some vehicles now offer ventilated seats – a must-have for Arizonians.

UV-Resistant Interiors. Leather and dark-colored dashboards get scorching hot and wear out quickly when exposed to the sun. Look for UV-resistant interior components and light-colored interior.

Efficient Cooling Systems. In extreme heat conditions, an overworked cooling system can be a problem. Warm climate vehicles often have superior cooling systems with upgraded radiator and fans.

Tinted Windows. While factory-tinted windows are nice, some sun-state buyers opt for aftermarket ceramic tints. If you’re buying used, good quality tints already applied can be a bonus.