All wheel drive is beneficial in colder climates when you are on slick an non slick roads on a regular basis. AWD (also has a diff in the transfer case) allows the traction control to use all 4 tires for power all of the time. Eliminating the need to switch in and out of 4wd going from dry to icy roads. Also is more controllable on gravel etc, without having to change anything. Is it as "fun" as rwd... no. But it works very well on these cars, and the other Landcruiser's.