Nobody really requires snow tires. My Dad had a small Toyota that he never put snow tires on because he enjoyed the challenge. But I would highly recommend studded snow tires for any car especially if you’re not use to winter weather or Maine roads.

Same question from the Midwest

Depends on if you want to drive safely in a snow storm, or just rely on hopes and prayers.

EDIT: AWD only helps you accelerate, which is arguably the least important main function of a car. AWD does effectively nothing to improve turning or stopping. This is where snow tires come in. They have significantly more lateral grip, and drastically reduce stopping distances in snow/ice conditions.

If you can change your schedule to not drive in the storms, you'll probably be okay with all-seasons. But if you have a job or other commitments than require you to be somewhere no matter what, snow tires are the right answer.

Snow tires can go on any vehicle. They not required although they greatly increase traction and handling in the snow. If you plan to drive during a snowstorm (go to work, etc) then it's recommended to have them. Otherwise, you won't need them

Also, if you live near a main road then you might be ok since they are plowed regularly. If you live on a road that gets little traffic then good luck getting out during a storm. You'll have to wait until a plow truck goes by and hope they scrape enough to get decent traction. I live on one of those roads. I've pulled many vehicles out of the snow near my home with my 4WD truck.