When your 4x4 sits a lot higher, it makes a big difference on the hwy because you catch a lot more air under the vehicle. Tires can make a lot of difference, too. Now on the grocery getters that you can't even tell have 4wd by looking, maybe not so much. Most manufacturers show a 1-2 mpg difference on the stickers.

I look at having 4x4 like insurance. Most of the time you don't need it but when you do, it is really nice to have. But we like to vacation in the mountains and get off the beaten paths. so we take the truck on 4 wheel drive trails, pitch a tent up and camp out by ourselves. Lots more fun that way.

Plus it's fun to help others at times when they get stuck rather it be a boat ramp, snow/ice, or mud.

If you know that you will never venture into a situation that will require 4WD, ie.. ranch work, off roading, construction sites, then there is absolutely no need for 4WD. If primitive boat ramps is your only concern, then 2 wheel drive with a LOCKER rear end is your best option. I don't ranch, off road or do construction. I fish and haul a boat. And with my locking rear diff, I have never gotten stuck on any boat ramp primitive or otherwise.
4WD has it's place and if I ever thought I was going to get into a situation where I needed it, I'd have one.

But 4x4 generally don't depreciate like 4x2's do. I was in the same quandry a little more than a year ago. I bought a diesel and I am absolutely completely pleased with the fact that I bought a 4x4, but then diesels get stuck on wet grass,

My current truck will be my last 4wd unless I move. I have no need for it, I have owned the truck for 5 years and put it in 4wd twice.

I would be willing to bet that at least 1/2 of the 4x4s in Texas never get in to an off road situation that requires 4x4.

prob more like 3/4 of them.
4wd usually is just used to make up for lack of driving skills.
Don't get me wrong, some folks need 4x4 a lot. Oil field workers, farmers, ranchers, SOME hunters, but most of the time it is just not needed.

The big difference between a 4 wheel drive vs the 2wd is that the 4wd will get you stuck a little farther out than the 2wd will

while you're discussing 4x4 or 2x4 you might as well address the issue of Ford or Chevy while you're at it.
going to get about the same amount of usefull info !!! hahaha

That is funny! Made my day

I've got a 2wd now, and have pulled out a lot of 4wd trucks. If you don't have great tires and clearance 4wd doesn't buy as much as many people think it does. Seen a lot of factory ties spinning in barely wet patches, and a lot, and I mean a lot, of SUVs on ruts.

What is that brace on SUVs now, the one that goes from mid-frame down to the bottom of the wheel? Runs down below the axle.

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I will admit that a 4x4 holds resale a little better. A good running 4x4 will bring $1500 no matter what shape the rest of the truck is in. Good running 2wd can not claim that.

Just depends on your situation and if you are going to actually use it. Consider rear lockers.

2wd is fine for me, and slippery ramps are no problem either, just know how to work the gas pedal.

One less thing to break down, fix and maintain, add a better MPG on 2wd.

But that is just me, if you need it and will use it, go for it, nothing wrong with that.

4x4 only means u get twice as far out there before u get stuck, lol.

I could have stirred the pot even more and asked about diesel!

personally my 2wd super duty limited slip is all i need, no advantage in a 4x4 for me, if i go off road i go on my king quad, see lots of 4x4's on the highway , just wonder if the differece in mileage between a 2 and a 4 is offset by the advantages of there occasional use