I got a 4x4 because my parents live in central Pa, which usually get's a decent amount of snow. I go to school in Frostburg, MD which is like another world when it comes to snow. I live in west virginia up a mountain. I also have a young daughter and I wanted the security of knowing that I would be able to get her to the hospital in any weather. I have nothing against 4x2, but there have been a few times that I would have gotten stuck without 4 wheel drive. One time I pulled into a friends yard with a steep decline. WHen I tried to back up, I couldn't get enought traction on the pavement to pull out...so for me 4x4 is the thing. And I do a little off roading.....and by the way, does anyone have an extra driver's side step rail (for XE) they'd be willing to sell? I crushed it on a rencent rock crawling trip. I plan to get sliders, but at this time I can't really afford them.