AWD helps some in snow and icy days, but still can not run over heavy snow, the ground clearance is too low. A set of good tire should be OK for regular snows, as long as you drive carefully. If you do not have a SUV, an AWD may help you in some days.
My S80 was stuck on highway a couple of times due to a heavy snow and "old" tires. But after I changed to a set of good tires, feels better. But I will use SUV when there is a heave snow.