Either the civic or prius hybrid should be able to make it through your daily commute ok.

Will you get 50mpg in the hills - maybe not. Will you get better economy than other cars - yep. Are the hybrids worth it - probably just in fuel $ if you really are at 20k miles/year or more. You would also do well with other fuel efficient non-hybrids.

If really concerned with traction, consider purchasing set of all season or snow tires versus the low rolling resistance OEM ones on the new car.