Hi

I believe the consensus is that a "regular" Prius of the generation you're considering will behave similar to most other front-drive cars in light snow---OK, not remarkably well or poorly. It doesn't have enough clearance to deal with snow much more than 4" or so deep.

 

Mine seemed to navigate 6" of snow well enough to get through it without any issues. BTW, this was with 17" all-season tires.

 

hi! where is herndon?

 

ah, thanks. unusual for only one city in the u.s., it will handle that snow just fine.

 

There's good news and there's bad news, yes the Prius handles slippery surfaces as good or better then any other front wheel drive car, possibly better, much less oil use age.
The bad news, undefeatable traction control, studs are great, or at least snipes (Michelin) if you have an unusual amount of slippery product. With studs its bar none the best possible winter vehicle, because of the mpg's, the 5.7" clearance is plenty, if you live 35 miles up a mt, get a helicopter, but the question is how much ice do you drive on, if any , studs...

 

thanks!

 

Hi Herndon , I know where you are - Lots of prior discussions but bottom line Prius does quite good in snow with some caveats. I am using All Seasons (Continental True Contacts - see TireRack.com) but All Season tires are not the best, people in cold climates go with real winter tires in winter (you can see the types in prior discussions here). I am not aware of too many in our area doing that though. Nokian may be the best All Season but we seem to be to far south to have Nokian dealers here.

PS- Toyota coming out with new 4WD but not in USA for 2016 maybe 2017 we hope but no guarantees.