Depends on where you drive... I use my 4wd all the time - in Ohio. My parents were out of town during the major snow we had last year- I went to their place to feed the dog daily and my explorer drove through over a foot of snow uphill with no problem! I love it! My sister's awd lexus got stuck so I pulled her out, pulled my wife's fwd car out numerous times, and convinced my brother in law to buy a 4wd explorer as well. When you get in some wet grass to pull that trailer out you will wish you had it! At the very least make sure if it is 2wd you have a limited slip differential.