A 4x4 with decent tyres will have more traction than front wheel drive.

A FWD with traction control and winter (or possibly cross climate) tyres will have similar traction to a 4x4 equipped with normal tyres (as most are)

Braking and cornering grip depend mainly on tyre choice. 4x4 with higher centre of gravity and confidene induced stupidity is more likely to end up in a ditch (it may get out quicker!)

If you tow trailers, go off road, have weeks of snow and ice each year, or provide a critical service (eg: doctor) then a 4x4 will likely make sense. Otherwise it is a "want to have" not a "need to have". Be clear what the real motivation is, don't create a dubious rationale.

Personally - I like the idea of a 4x4, if I had one I may very occasionally use some of its capabilities, but I don't need one. If snow and ice etc a couple of days a year makes FWD risky I can simply stay at home.

Rural Somerset with the odd steep hill does not need a 4x4. A couple of days every few years when steep hill or muddy single track lane is snowy, icy or challenging one can usually find an alternative route and may just add a few miles to the journey.

Rural and hilly in Scotland, Northumberland, etc 20+ miles from the nearest main road is entirely different.

Budget is usually an issue - fuel and maintenance costs on a fully kitted 4x4 will test the credit card, a Suzuki Vitara 4x4 will cost little more to run than a similar size hatch.

Be clear about why you are buying. If it is need rather than want, consider the variable - tyres, ground clearance, diff locks,, entry/exit angles etc. Most 4x4 go no further off road than a car park in a field for an event, or mount a kerb on the school run.

Incidentally the insurance cost if your son (rather than you) is the main user may be an issue -

Edited by Terry W on 19/07/2022 at 15:40