I've been looking at Explorer's hardcore for the past few months here in Wisconsin. Probably been to dealerships 10 times and have done countless hours of research. I virtually never see any 2WD Explorer's here in WI. If it's not 100% 4WD it's 95%+.
I'm driving a Chevy Trailblazer which is rear wheel drive. With a turn of the knob I'm in A4WD or full time 4WD. I can't imagine anyone would pass on a SUV with 4WD because it was first RWD. I don't see it any different than a truck. If you live in Texas and feel like RWD/2WD is enough, so be it, if you want/need 4WD because you live in snow, you get it. Simple. And a non-issue.