Downsized from 2 vehicles to a 4Runner so going the other way as most posters.

It is true that while having purpose dedicated options is the best for functionality it's not most economical or efficient. Insurance, depreciation, repairs, and even parking all come into play.

Seems to be the real question here is what is the best commuter vehicle for someone who lives with real winter. I know this is a 4runner forum but replacing with an awd sedan, 30+mpg, with low'ish miles is the answer. Camry, Subuaru, etc your preference.

One thing I think about is not only cost of repairs with a high mileage vehicle it's also impact. What happens when your vehicle fails at -10 farenheit with 30mph winds in a blizzard out in the country?

I was in the same situation as you...I'd get a beater and stop racking miles on the 4runner...drive it when you need to, save it for special trips

yeah, she has the fancy one. I'm just bitter, because it wasn't an option on my 4runner and I drive in brutal winter weather all the time and often get up at like 3am to go ski. my mom, OTOH, has one and doesnt need it because she lives in the deep south near the coast.

One thing to consider is, an AWD Camry will never make it over a 2 feet high snowbank or parking spot, for that matter.

I didn't know there was an AWD Camry. Too bad there aren't Camry wagons and Accord wagons anymore, with AWD those would be good options. If a Prius AWD model is out there that could be an interesting option. RAV4 or CRV even if several years old could work too.

2012 Corolla is my DD, Pro is for weekend escapes. Why put big miles on a gas hungry 4X4?

If you never off-road, there's a list of cars that would be a better daily driver than a 4Runner, regardless of weather conditions.

If you simply love it, and throw logic out the window, fine, keep it, but otherwise there's multiple better options from basically every manufacturer.