Harvard,
Your travel profile could be the same as ours. I've learned in flying airplanes you don't go hunting for icing just because your airplane is equipped for it. My rancher, college roommate always told me "tire chains are for getting you out." Thus, I'm hunting for safe, secure travel not some winter wonderland off-road adventure.
We have kids in Laramie and Albuquerque. Our normal travel plan is to drive from our home to Laramie and then south to Albuquerque and then home by a more southern route. We like the idea of having everything on board, so we don't have to stray outside in winter travel, except to refuel and visit to occasional restaurant or market.
The 4x4 is because we're seniors and I like to be bored when I'm driving. I'm well past enjoying excitement on the road.
Bill