Greetings - I am looking at the new 2023 models - XLE or Limited, and living in the New England area, we get snow. Any insight how this Prius handles in snow/slush with its updated AWD compared to the previous models which had a pitifully weak rear motor? In addition, any additional insights most appreciated of your experiences with this Prius. I currently have a 2020 Corolla Hybrid and like it, and a 2022 Nissan Leaf, but the Leaf is for mostly local travel and I'm considering selling the Corolla and using the funds towards the Prius. Thank you!
No one is going to be able to give you a good reply until we get into this winter. The first AWD models didn't reach owners until last winter was already over, especially since the first units went mostly to southern California and other coastal areas. I believe the new rear motor is 40hp compared to 8hp in the gen4. Or something close to that. I fully expect an AWD will be noticeably better than a FWD on the same tires, but I also suspect a FWD with great winter tires will be significantly better than an AWD with stock all-season tires. We won't know for certain until October or November-ish.
