If you have good all season tires under most condtions you won't be required to put on chains if you have AWD. You are required/advised to carry chains tho. since there are times when all vehicles are required to have chains. Generally they close the roads

17 wheels with low profile tires are not designed for snow and don't fit chains very well. I think there may be some specilaized products available but if putting on the stock wheels is an option then it's probably a good idea.

In any case it's a good idea to research chains/cables before you need them and practise putting them on in the day when its dry and warm.

You only need one pair for most circumstances. The manual says to put them on the front.

I got Shur Grip Z (#SZ331) from Napa for around $60 last year. Can't say how they perform since I haven't used them yet.

Tim