Gofishn, daughter lives in Ames and says about the same thing. Still thinking sandbags in the bed and good winter tires might get a fella through even in Iowa. You say no?
Yeah, 99% of the time, 4X2 with some common sense, good tires, some sand bags/weight in back and #10 scoop shovel will get ya around just fine.
Just stay off the roads when ice storms or that super heavy wet snow begins.
Though some of our streets are too steep and an alternative path must be found. Then again, that is true for 4X4 too. just not as often.
Can't really remember getting stuck, at all, with any rear wheel drive vehicle, outside of the total stupidity of Youth.
Even then, scoop out some snow, lay down some sand, and drive out of any ditch.
Just had to make sure the path was long enough to give easiest grade possible.
Will say, if a choice must be made, always have the best tires on the front.
Far more important, being able to steer, than being able to move and have no control over direction.