Snow

Just buy a set of dedicated wheels for real snow tires and you're set. ThePriusdoes very well in the snow when properly equipped. Those negative reports are likely written by morons who don't understand the importance of proper winter tires. It's like wearing high heels to a track meet.

 

We live in Indiana and usually don't get the big snows. So far this year the biggest was a 4" snow and our V had no problems. Never spun a tire.

It came with LRR all season tires. I had the same concerns, but after driving it in the snow those concerns are gone. In fact we plan to forgo the snow tires for now. But always have that option if needed.

Go for it. I think you will be surprised at how well it goes in the snow.

 

Well... not really. The Priuses went thru the generations listed at Prius Wiki (we need to add info about the v wagon and c).

The Prius v wagon I guess can be best described as a variant of the Gen 3 (ZVW30). It uses the same powertrain as the ZVW30 but w/the final drive ratio adjusted, is larger inside and out, has rear sliding seats, a different interior and some unique features (e.g. panaromic view moonroof). You can read about it at Toyota | Prius v Expands Iconic Hybrid 'Family' of Vehicles.

It's really too bad that Toyota isn't offering the 7 seat version (http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...s-v-toyota-s-first-hybrid-mpv-cnbc-video.html) here in the US. It has a small li-ion battery in the center console (instead of a larger NiMH in the back) to make way for the 3rd row of seats. If I had a large family, I'd want a 7-seater Prius v or a hybrid minivan. They'd beat the pants off of minivans and midsized and beyond SUVs in mileage.

Agree w/F8L's advice. Most folks who say the Gen 2 and Gen 3 Prius are great in the snow use a dedicated set of snow tires.

 

See my location. We get snow.

I have a Gen 3 Prius liftback rather than a v, but the extra weight and improved handling of a v should help it grip better than a Prius liftback.

I got through a fairly nasty winter on the crappy Yokohamas and that took more care and patience . Now I have Michelin X-Ice snow tires. No problem so far, although this has been a mild winter with little snow.

The Prius traction control is very ready to kick in because it does double-duty in protecting the drivetrain as well as you, but the Eco mode gives you more precise throttle control when you need it (assuming you don't use it all the time).

If/when you get winter tires focus on ones that are good in your conditions. Different brands have different strengths. Driving on main roads, as I do, I focused more on dry-wet-snow performance rather than ice. You may actually deal with more slush and ice than I do.

 

Likewise we get snow. In a normal winter we get about 10 feet; a record setting year will be twice that. I have a later Gen II Prius (2006) which has improved traction control. The early Gen II had very sensitive traction control and shipped with terrible tires. The combination produced a car that didn't do well in snow.

Our 2006 is much better. It is very stable in snow, with improved traction control, stability control (VSC), and great ABS brakes. We also switched to real winter tires the very first year. The combination makes for a car that is very easy to drive in snow and ice. I prefer it over our Jeep TJ, assuming the conditions are not so severe as to require the Jeep's high ground clearance and powerful gearing.

There are three caveats for Prius winter driving:

1) Get good tires. All cars are bad in the winter when they lack good tires. If you have ice and can run studded, these are the best. There are several threads on PriusChat that discuss winter tires in detail.

2) Ground clearance. The Prius has average ground clearance for a front wheel drive car. Don't expect it to wade through deep snow. It won't do that any better than any other normal car. If you need to do that, drive a Jeep or Subaru.

3) Traction Control. All Prius have traction control which cannot be disabled in normal operation (there are special ways, but never intended for normal driving). Traction control has been improved since my 2006 was made, so it will be even better in the Prius v. However, and this is a big however, you will have trouble going uphill on loose surfaces. If you have to climb steep snow covered roads, or climb steep gravel roads, the Prius may not be the car for you. If this type of driving is part of your routine, don't buy a Prius until you test it under your normal conditions.

Otherwise the Prius is a great winter car that I highly recommend.

Tom

 

Got snow?

So do we on occasions.

 

It's been a below average snow for us in southern Wisconsin but I drove during the 2 worst road days this year and didn't' experience anything unusual with all season tires.

That being said, I fully intend to get a set of steel rims and tires before next winter. I replaced enough alloy rims on my old Mazda as a result of the potholes that our winters create, I don't need to be repeating that on the Prius.

 

I live in Northern Ontario Canada. I have had my Prius V for less than a week and have driven in 2 very heavy snowfalls with alot of snow on the road.

The Michelin Ice winter tires on the car make winter driving a breeze. So in my humble opinion driving a Prius with winter tires is of no concern and handles incredibly well.

 

No problems driving in bad winter conditions in Syracuse NY a hand full of times this winter with origional tires.

I did get stuck on my inclined driveway with light snow once because I was going too slow and I made an ice spot under the tires. I fully believe that if I didn't have the traction control and spun my tires to get up the driveway, I would have a good chance of sliding sideways off my driveway, or if the wheeles caught I would catapult towards the garage with potential catastrophic results.

I read people think that the traction controll is too sensitive (protecting the drive train), but I think it is just good protection for the driver.

In any case I backed down the driveway and tried again, just a little faster, and it crawled up the driveway no problem.

 

Yeay

 

Good luck and I wish you the best deal possible.

 

I guess living in the "snow belt" for to many years has gotten me accustomed to driving in the stuff. I got my 2010 in may 2010. We had one of the worst blizzards and an all around bad (or good if you like snow) winter and I did not have anymore trouble than I had with anyother normal car I've owned in over 30 years.. ok, 40 years (plus?)...

Now, I admit that after the blizzard I was stranded for a day and half waiting for plows, but so was my neighbors who had big old pickup truck and minivan...

I would think the V would be better since it's wider and heavier..