I have only needed 4WD two or three times in my many years of towing experience so it is really hard to justify, until you look at resale or trade-in value. I had a 2WD one ton a while back and took a little bit a of bath on it because no one wanted it. Yes, it is more money up front but you make it up on the back end. It doesn't seem reasonable since most folks never get out of 2WD but that's the way it is. For me, it is not a matter of need but a matter of economics. If you plan to keep it forever then it doesn't matter. I always say I'm buying this one for the long haul but somehow it never works out.