Ok, to the smartass anon above I can agree to there being validity in owning an AWD/4WD vehicle in some instances and yours sounds like one of them. I would say your choice of vehicles is a waaay better one than the multitudes of idiots out there buyin any American made versions in this ilk too. Then again, unless you're in need of the additional ground clearance the 4Runner gives ya a Subbie AWD wagon would be a great choice and offer improved mileage over the 4Runner.

As a flatlander livin in the land of "no snow" I know the need for these is almost non-existant here though they are certainly a common sight just the same. There's 2 hard facts about AWD/4WD vehicles that have always kept me shied away from any of 'em except as hot rods/pleasure vehicles and that is they eat 2 very expensive commodoties with fair regularity : tires and gas.

I would venture a guess that 70-80% of the AWD/4WDs's sold here will rarely, if ever at all, be put to task for what they were designed for, much less ever even be put off-road at all, which I find ludicrous considering the premium prices they (used to) sell for and the fact that they waste tires and gas faster than seems reasonable

And to anonnamoose-brain above (take the time to look it up, I bet yours is smaller) ... I don't drive a Prius, nor does it take any other such high dollar hybrid to get to a 40mpg plateau if you have the brains to make the right choice of vehicle/engine/tire sizes and transmission. 'Course then that would leave you out on that one anyway, so .... guess that just leaves you herdin your gas guzzler on down the road tryin to make it by your sisters before your uncle beats ya there for another shot of that fine inbred pussy then dudn it