I use my 4x4 capabilities at least once a month...well worth the money...Coming from a guy who had a 4x2 Xterra, and never in my entire Life thought that I would end up trading up to a 4x4 Xterra (my first 4x4 Vehicle)...I would end up loving it...the first week I got it, I got stuck in a Ditch while Turning around to go to the opposite side of the Street, and put that sucker in 4Hi, and got out like a champ...if I didn't have 4x4 capabilties, I would have spent some money on a Tow Truck...having 4x4 is fun, and it is not that much more on the payments vs my 4x2 Xterra...I would really recommend getting the 4x4...having 4x4 capabities is like Insurance...you never know when you need it...but Hey...Get whatever floats your Boat...It is going to be your Vehicle, not anybody elses...just my opinion..