I assume that you have a Touring model with 16" wheels. You might consider getting snow tires in the 185/65-R15 size along with steel 15" wheels. These are narrower than your 16" size so they should do better in the snow. Also the 15" tires should be less expensive as you'll have a greater selection of tire models to choose from. The only problem with getting different wheels for your winter tires is that your tire pressure monitoring system won't be working in the winter...
With snows, i found a day vs night difference, but I respect that some people don't feel they need them.
I have a Priius Touring, and I'm running 15" winter wheels & tires -- just as Patrick Wong suggested and for the reasons he gave. As I check the tire pressure periodically myself, the missing TPMS system isn't a problem for me during winter.
I live in California bay area and we get rain not snow in winter. The integrity tires on the car new were just plain scary. I drove on them for a year and finally gave up on them and bought some Michelin X tires. What a difference...I could not believe that tires could have such a profound difference. Now the car feels sure footed and even nimble compared to before slowing to 10 MPH around a wet curve for fear of the car spinning out. The integrity tires are absolute ****. Do yourself a favor and buy some Nokians or Michelin and you will not beleive the difference. -Paul R. Haller-
