[Puffster]

As above, tyres make the biggest difference. My XC70 came with some (admittedly rather good/sticky) road tyres as it spent its life going up/down M11 for the police. However, last year's snow and despite AWD it could not even get up the slight incline away from my house. Switched them out for all-weather M&S and this year absolutely no problem in the snow, as much grip as needed and I was driving up much steeper hills without slipping.