The benefit of 4X4 is mainly the weight of the vehicle, especially for larger caravans. Having said that my E-Class Estate is a smidge less than 2 tonnes.
When it comes to grip a 4X4 on winter or offroad tyres will beat anything. But most 4X4s are on summer tyres and would lose grip sooner than a 2WD on winter or all-season tyres. Earlier this year we were snowed in ar Durham and pulled our caravan out on Michelin Crossclimates when big 4X4s could hardly move themselves.
For most of us a big 4X4 is overkill, and how many days do you actually spend towing?
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
I have a new Kia Sportage AWD, have always had front wheel drive cars in the past and the Kia just feels better when towing. I assume less strain on the transmission as well driving with four rather than two wheels. We stop on lots of CS sites which are generally grass and in the rain at Easter was glad of my AWD as some other vehicles were having to be towed off and mine managed fine. Also managed 36.9 to the gallon with a tail wind down the M1 so well pleased. You pays your money and takes your choice and I don't regret getting AWD.