Its true - I'm from NY. I also didn't know you could buy full size trucks, SUVs etc in 2WD for a while. Every thing is 4wd. Only 2WD 4runners ive seen come up north from the south
I recently bought a 2wd 5th gen with cash. I got a deal on it, really wanted a 4wd, was set on the 4runner drive train, so it came down to the great deal and came home with the 2wd.
Here in NC, the only really place to go off road is the beach. Being the local and fed gov have gotten greedy and charging a $50 a day beach pass, that is a deterrent.
There is a big price difference and I think way down the road, 4wd will do better on resale. You have such a bigger market when you go to sell a 4wd. Folks will buy a high mileage 4wd without thinking twice.
AWD is a big no no. They are really worse on mpg and cost much more to have serviced. You have to take out major parts just to change a starterr.