New Hampshire Buyer's Guide: Monadnock Hills, Lakes Region Shoulder Seasons and North Country Roads

Keene sits in the southwest corner among rolling hills, with Mount Monadnock close by and old town centers that were laid out long before cars existed. The roads are a mix of state routes, narrow village streets and dirt lanes that climb into the woods. Winters bring wet snow and ice rather than the deep cold of the north, and the Connecticut River valley is not far.

A compact crossover with four-wheel drive covers most of this well. The Jeep Compass starts at $29,990 MSRP before destination and includes four-wheel drive on every trim, with 200 hp and 8.6 inches of clearance. That is enough for icy hills and a plowed driveway, and it fits into a small village lot near the Keene State campus or the downtown square.

For homes on steep dirt roads, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk adds 9.0 inches of clearance and a two-speed transfer case, according to Jeep. Many Monadnock-area households heat with wood, so a vehicle that can handle a cord of firewood matters too. The Gladiator, with payload up to 1,720 pounds, handles the hauling better than a crossover. Check road conditions and any posted weight limits with your town in March and April, when frost leaves the ground.

The Lakes Region around Winnipesaukee, Squam and Newfound looks very different in April and November than it does in July. Docks are pulled, boats are hauled, and the quiet roads around Meredith, Wolfeboro and Laconia carry more trucks than convertibles. Many seasonal owners open and close their cottages in these shoulder months, which means trailers, plywood, shrink wrap and a lot of gear.

A vehicle that tows is the practical choice. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is rated by Jeep to tow up to 6,200 pounds and starts at $39,730, which covers many pontoon and runabout combinations once you confirm the actual trailer and boat weight. The Dodge Durango, from $43,875, goes higher with towing up to 8,700 pounds and seating for up to seven.

Boat ramps in cool weather can be slippery, and wet ramp surfaces test traction at the worst moment. Four-wheel drive and good tires help, but they do not replace slow, careful backing. Always check the tongue weight and the trailer's rating against the vehicle's limits using the owner's manual rather than rounding up. A rough rule: if the number on the trailer plate is close to the tow rating, move up a class.

North of the White Mountains, the state gets quiet and cold. Towns like Berlin, Colebrook and Pittsburg are far from a large city, and winter driving there means long stretches of snow-packed road, early dark and temperatures that stress batteries and fluids. Logging trucks share the highways, and moose are a real hazard at dusk.

Here durability and range count more than comfort features. The Ram 1500 starts at $42,575 and offers payload up to 2,340 pounds, and Ram's heavy-duty 2500 offers towing up to 20,000 pounds if your work needs it, starting at $48,040. For households that want an SUV, the Grand Cherokee's clearance of up to 11.4 inches helps in unplowed turnoffs.

Plan fuel stops, because stations can be thin in the far north. The Grand Cherokee is rated by Jeep at up to 26 mpg highway, while the larger Ram will use more fuel on the same stretch. Keep a winter kit in the vehicle: blanket, shovel, traction aid, warm layers and a charged phone. Cell coverage drops in the notches, so tell someone your route before you go.

The Manchester and Concord corridor along I-93 is where most of the state's population drives each day, and many residents also make frequent weekend trips to stores in neighboring states. That mix of commuting and cargo-hauling favors a roomy vehicle that rides comfortably.

The Chrysler Pacifica starts at $41,595 and Chrysler lists up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, plus 28 mpg highway. Families with kids and sports gear find it far more practical than a crossover. Those who prefer a taller seating position can look at the Durango, which Dodge lists with up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

For a daily commute where fuel cost matters, the Jeep Cherokee hybrid offers 210 hp combined with an estimated 37 mpg combined, according to Jeep. Parking in downtown Concord or Manchester is usually easy, so size is less of a concern than in Boston. Check the current state rules on registration, inspection and any local fees through the New Hampshire DMV and your town clerk; they change and vary by town.