If you get good snow or all-terrain tires and have chains ready, would the Maverick hybrid work well in the snow? I’m not planning anything extreme but wondering if it’s fine for trips to places like Lake Tahoe.
Yep, good winter tires make a big difference. Keep chains or cables under the rear seat for emergencies or chain mandates.
I’ve got 25k miles on stock tires and just crossed Snoqualmie Pass in a foot of snow. It slipped a bit, but I felt in control the whole time. Very easy to correct if it starts sliding.
Payne said:
I’ve got 25k miles on stock tires and just crossed Snoqualmie Pass in a foot of snow. It slipped a bit, but I felt in control the whole time. Very easy to correct if it starts sliding.
Thanks for sharing! I’m holding off on snow tires for now because I want to test the stock ones in snow first.
@Zen
I drive a hybrid and used to have a Prius. Stock all-terrain tires work but snow tires are much better. I live in an area that gets 90 inches of snow yearly, and after trying all-terrains on ice, I booked an appointment for snow tires. Chains are okay for emergencies, but if snow is regular, go for snow tires. It’s worth the safety.
@Auden
We get about 60 inches here, but the last few winters haven’t been bad. Snow tires with rims cost about $1,000 where I am. They’re not required here, and chains are usually fine. It’s snow country by some definitions, but I’m not sure it’s worth it yet.
@Zen
We did the math and skipped rims, just swapping tires each season instead. Back in the day, I’d switch them myself, but after injuring my back, I have a shop handle it now.
Payne said:
I’ve got 25k miles on stock tires and just crossed Snoqualmie Pass in a foot of snow. It slipped a bit, but I felt in control the whole time. Very easy to correct if it starts sliding.
Was that a foot of snow actually on the road or just leftover snow after it was plowed?
@Avery
It was a full foot on the road. We hit it before the plows came through. A few miles past the summit, we saw a convoy of plows heading west.
I’ve driven in Wisconsin winters my whole life. Key things for snow driving:
- Traction control is life-saving and keeps improving.
- Snow tires are great, but I stick to all-seasons since they work well enough for me.
- Use your head—drifting in snow might look fun, but it’s risky. If you do it, make sure no one’s around and take it slow. Better yet, just don’t do it.
@Vanya
Great advice. I’d add that being gentle on the gas and brake pedals is key. It’s crazy how many people lose control just by flooring it off a stop.
@Vanya
I accidentally drifted my buddy’s Ram 4x4 once in Mammoth. Hit a red light and started sliding. Looked around, saw no cars, and just finished the drift safely. Not fun in the moment but funny afterward.
Snow tires should be enough for most situations. I’m in Canada and have only ever needed winter tires for my hybrid. If the snow’s too deep, just don’t go out—it’s not worth the risk. For emergencies, some good chains from a local logging supply company are a great backup. They’ll have higher-quality options than the generic ones you find elsewhere.
@Paris
What about people on call for emergencies? Staying home isn’t an option for us. That’s why I chose AWD.
Avery said:
@Paris
What about people on call for emergencies? Staying home isn’t an option for us. That’s why I chose AWD.
Fair point, but that’s not the usual case. Emergency responders have unique challenges, but most of us don’t have to deal with that.
@Paris
It’s not just first responders. Millions of people—like those in power companies, hospitals, and municipalities—work during bad weather to keep everything running. I reset switch gear during snowstorms so your furnace works, and comments like yours show how much people take for granted.
@Avery
Wow, that escalated fast. I wasn’t trying to dismiss your work. Take care of yourself and have a good day.
Front-wheel drive is great in snow because the weight is over the drive wheels. I used a front-wheel-drive Focus ST for six winters in Canada with winter tires, never got stuck, and never needed chains.
I drove through 30cm of fresh snow last night to get to work. Winter tires did the job perfectly. Chains are helpful but not always necessary. My hybrid even switched to electric briefly while plowing through it. Didn’t last long, but it tried!
The Maverick has a 60/40 weight distribution like most FWD cars. It should handle similar to whatever car you had before.