Do I need all-wheel drive in the snow?

Not always. AWD helps you accelerate and get moving on slick roads, but it doesn't help you stop or turn, and those matter most for safety. Good winter tires on a front-wheel-drive car often outperform AWD with all-season tires. If you face steep, unplowed roads or deep snow regularly, AWD is a real benefit. Either way, winter tires are the single biggest upgrade for snowy climates.