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I'm not sure what the stock summer size is for the AWD, but I would probably use that for the snows also, given the AWD's abilities. Usually, the recommended size for snows is down an inch on wheel diameter, and a narrower tread with higher aspect ratio to give it a smaller footprint with more pressure per inch of tread. For example, my 855T runs stock 205/50-16 summers and 195/60-15's for snows. For really tough conditions, those snows might go down to 185/65-15's. However, for our XC70 AWD, the basic traction and balance are so good that I have opted to stay with summer sizes to maximize the overall handling while adding snow treads. The AWD does sap some of the handling already, so this seems to be a great compromise for us. Better snow traction on a car that already has great traction and balance, without hurting the overall handling in dry, etc. as much as smaller snows do. For the XC we run 205/65-15 Michelin Pilot Alpine's (same as summer size) and nothing will stop in in northern NE winters while it still retains similar handling to summer.
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Mike Sullivan ('91 745 (184k), '95 855T (70k), '98 V70XC (83k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k), '93 965 (147k) .
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