here is a great example of why you need 4x4. check out the photos on the www.4x4parts.com under xterra and just scroll down untill you see a photo of a bulldozer and a black xterra 4x2 stuck deep in mexico. I am man enough to admit that is me...........and thank god a bulldozer was near by to pull me out.. other wise i would have been bandido meat....