Snow + Prius = ???

Testing the 4th generation Prius in some seriously slippery conditions.

[TheMaster]

A lot of useful information in this video. Its obvious that the prius is not meant to be a snow beast, but with snow tires I think it would do a fine job.

[margscheffee]

I've had a Prius c for 4 years now with no trouble in he winter. This is the first year I put snow tires on. I live in central Ontario so lots of snow

[gorazdvahen]

Why haven't you changed to a set of winter tires? Stock lo-resistance tires are a suicide waiting to happen.

[philharmon]

Last winter in 4 inches of snow my Prius V did fantastic in the snow. Down hills my Prius did not slide like the other cars did crashing into one another. I was told that in snow you are better off with the traction control off which I did.

[stephanyortiz]

Any hills you can't climb you need to turn the traction control off. Especially in the older model Prius so I always recommend to Prius owners to learn how to deactivate since its a start sequence that must be learned.

[samuelzurita]

Ive driven through all snowstorms since 2016 in NYC and I have had 0 problems with it. Im a taxi driver and the little prius had no problems. I will recommend having proper tires winter/snow. Those eco tires well, are eco. Other than that toyota missed out by not putting a hand break so I could have fun in the snow lol

[itsalgud]

Thanks for the excellent video! It will help me decide what to do about tires next winter? 👍

[Powrstroke]

My wife's prius is great in snow. We have Michelin defenders on them, and as long as you are out of power it has no problems handling in snow. Drop it into eco mode, and it is even more controllable in snow.

[victorcocut]

Well, I still love this beautiful hybrid!Look great on snow!

[MrShankwheat]

I don't think this is a valid test without snow tires. Any vehicle without them in that kind of weather is going to handle poorly.

[police]

Great video. I love the new Prius and rent it often. I found when talking to Prius owners that they all have snow tires. They say it is a must because the eco tires are no good in snow. They are ok in an inch or less but anymore than that sucks. Also you can use the B mode to help brake and slow you without loosing traction.

[rdvqc]

I can not yet speak to the Gen4, with decent tires (X-Ice) the Gen3 is a superb snow vehicle. It is well balanced with the batteries in the back and the engine and MG's in the front. The CVT is excellent for smooth starts. I look forward to see how my Prime will do this winter.

[justingudvangen]

This is a great video. I would really like to see what the tires were doing during the hard braking and traction control activation. I agree that the ABS and TCS in this car is aggressive. When I have tested the ABS in dry and damp conditions, you barely hear any tire squeal, just the clunking of the motor. In most cars there is at least some tire "chatter" during ABS braking.

[Peppermint]

All weather tires have half the adherence on snow compared to dry pavement. Why would someone take such a risk, not to mention driving so slow to keep it safe? Winter tires get perhaps 50% more adherence and make for a very safe driving in almost all but the most extreme conditions. All weather tires is a big lie when it comes to snow conditions, no matter the temperature. I'm shocked hearing americans about "how does this car drive in snow" wearing all season tires. It's not the car that drives in snow, it's the tire. Evaluating any car in snow with all season tires is pointless.

[acerockollaa]

Jettlash: loving these videos. I started watching your videos before I bought my used second generation prius and now I like your videos even more!

[gerrymiles]

putting your car on eco mode will take away that fast torque feel. and using engine brake before coming to a stop helps traction. plus new winter tires makes my prius feel like driving a 4x4 car.

[justingudvangen]

After moving from South Carolina to Washington State, I had the opportunity to put the 2016 Prius to test this winter. I had just learned about these things called "snow tires" but had not had a chance to get any. I had to drive from Seattle to Spokane across the state and through mountain passes during some harsh conditions after a statwide snow storm in Feb. No roads were plowed on the Western part of the state so the car was essentially doubling as a snow plow as well through 8+ inches of snow. I had chains in the trunk in case I needed them, but I never did. I never got stuck, never lost control. The ABS and traction control we're really working hard at times though. A lot of people got stranded or spun out. This car was the best.

[powershin]

For Japanese Market[Hokkaido] they have 4WD version of Prius

[mss]

Just wondering how snow tires effect (a) traction and (b) fuel economy? I can't imagine regenerative breaking plays much of a role on snow so why not make the change?

[saganandroid]

You may want to add the YEAR of your Prius instead of just the Generation. Just as important, are the TIRES used. Low rolling resistance should have little to do with ABS activation or grip. You said they're stock tires. In the winter, if your region gets snow, you are best off if you use snow tires.