Will a Toyota Prius make sense in Syracuse, NY?

I'd keep the car for now and once you experience the snow, you can determine a course of action. An SUV will get you AWD for some traction and some ground clearance. I can assume Syracuse is used to large quantities of snow and will have it cleared quickly. Do you need to travel in the snow at all hours of the day? Maybe I would have a vehicle for such an occasion. Do you have a job that you can WFH now? So have the luxury of not having to travel into the office.

I agree. I have relatives in New York State and they know how to handle the snow up there. Some cars are very good, if not better, than a SUV in the snow! Years ago when I had my '93 Chevy Caprice I never got stuck in the snow. During The Blizzard of '96 I was literally zooming down the highway at 40 and 50 MPH while people in their 4 wheel drive Jeeps and trucks were stuck on the road and by the side of the road! My '08 Grand Marquis is good in the snow too. Not as good as the Caprice was, but it's a close second in my opinion. Now my '94 Ford Escort Station Wagon with front wheel drive was horrible in the snow! One or two snowflakes and I'd be careening off the road! Wait and see what happens. Your car might suprise you! Hope that helps! Jim