VSC is very worth it, especially in winter conditions. I would think gravel roads, too. It's so fast (the 'correction' of stability, braking and killing power to wheels) that you'd only notice if the light comes on on the dash. It's a great safety system that I knew nothing about before my Prius, but now can't see why one would NOT want it. To maintain control of your vehicle is pretty important to your safety and other drivers. If you've ever had that sliding/can't control feeling when hitting black ice or loose road surface (gravel or dirt on top of pavement, etc.) then you know it's a helpless feeling. This VSC system automatically adjusts things to straighten you and keep you from spinning or continue sliding. Simply amazing...tried it in a parking lot full of 3 inches of snow (with ice underneath). I could not get the car to go out of control. I was sold. In traffic, I've swerved once or twice in icy/snowy conditions and did not get the "omygod" feeling, just a brief, faster than I could blink, control of brakes and power and I was going straight. Get the VSC.

'04 Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear warn system, compass mirror, EV mode button, 8" subwoofer in right rear cubby & 6" subs under seats, power lumbar in the front seats, Coastaletech hitch w/ Aspen bike/snowboard rack. iPod2car, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, and DVD video, solid 47 MPG @ 70000 miles.