If you're renting a vehicle on St John I don't think they rent anything but 4WD vehicles. If on St Thomas, I understand that several of the agencies will only rent a 4WD if you're staying on St John. In any event, I would definitely err on the side of caution and get a 4WD, particularly since you're planning on exploring and haven't driven a 2WD there in the rain. Sliding off one of these steep hills in a shower or getting bogged down on a rough road wouldn't be much fun!

Check with your rental agent about the specific condition of your particular villa's driveway and access road. Is a 4x4 required to reach the house? The main roads on STJ are the best maintained in the territory. (Thank you NPS.) All rental car companies do not allow thier cars to travel on unimproved roads and provide a map which delineates off-limits areas (no rental cars). Any good driver knows that cars/4x4s slipping in the rain is more a result of bad tires and excess speed than transmission. Use low gears. Leave plenty of space. Control speed. And of course, in extreme weather conditions (hurricanes etc.) stay indoors. Given the high price of fuel and vacationing in the USVI in general, I would also opt for the economy of a 2WD.

Maybe someday the local government and taxi lobby will allow our National Park to provide shuttle buses for accessing the popular north shore beaches (like Yosemite and Grand Canyon).

If the place your staying has a reasonably easily negotiated drive to it you might get by for a week without problem in a front wheel drive car with good tires. OR you might find yourself slipping into a ditch while trying to get past Trunk after a road wetting rain, OR you might end up on island during a week when it rains every day like clockwork and you could end up in a bottomless mud filled hole on your way to Lamshur.

We have always rented on StJ and always have had a 4wd vehicle. Most trips we never have to engage the 4WD. However, we have appreciated having it on many occasions and found it to be the alternative to a tow truck in some cases.

You have visited the island and evidently have had a taste of the roads. Imagine driving from Lamshur to Cruz Bay in a driving rain in a 2wd car with bald tires.
Your call.

Driving sober also decreases your odds of avoiding "slipping into a ditch".

blu4u wrote:
Driving sober also decreases your odds of avoiding "slipping into a ditch".

Thank you for that insight.
It is the only way I drive.

I think you're definitely going to need a jeep. There are some hills that even in a 4wd can be a challenge to climb. I can only imagine trying to do so in a car.
If you don't mind, would you let me know what you think of Sunset Ridge? I know that it is fractional ownership have been waiting for another unit to come on the market...thanks! And enjoy your trip.

blu4u wrote:
Driving sober also decreases your odds of avoiding "slipping into a ditch".

I think I'd rather INCREASE my odds of avoiding the ditch...

i highly recommend the 4wd, because you may appreciate the extra control in wet or misty conditions... or on roads to places you may want to explore... even if the drive to your lodging is well-paved, the way there is not guaranteed to be.

Thank You everyone for the feedback and advice. I was leaning toward the 4x4 but it never hurts to get more information. I appreciate the help and cannot wait for relaxation, snorkeling, and peace in the islands.

Wishiwasinthevi, I apologize for the slow response it was a very hectic weekend. I would be happy to give you a break down of Sunset Ridge Villas after our trip. I will tell you that the management group and employees have extremely helpful, accommodating, and knowledgeable in the purchase and plans for our first trip to the timeshare. If you would like more information and a site where they might have an available week or yearly unit send me a personal message. Thanks for the help and have a great week.