You can do a lot in a 2wd with careful driving, I used to pass lost of vehicles just sitting and spinning with my little 2wd s10. The Only reason I needed 4x4 is for the low gear in the transfer case because a non 4x4 is just geared too high for off road driving.
Ground clearance is a consideration, you can get high centered easily in a car. I've been stuck in highway traffic back ups where people started cutting through the center divider and a lot would get stuck when they sunk because that center section is designed to stop you from running head on into the other lane should you fall asleep or be driving drunk or something. The vehicles with good ground clearance and decent tires could get through if you were careful but a lot got stuck and probably a ticket when the police came later. I noticed recently one of the main highways going out of town here has a steel rope divider down the center to prevent you from making U turns now.
Also remember most modern sedans are unibody front wheel drive so one minor fender bender or curb hop can cause major damage. I know I'm getting off the scenario topic but I will never buy a front wheel drive again, the cost of ownership is too high when you do anything but basic driving to and from work.
I've noticed that most fuel efficient vehicles have smaller gas tanks so you still get the same range as a less efficient vehicle.