However, the Outback doesn't offer low range like the Cherokee does. (not that many Cherokee owners will need it.)
I spent considerable time at SEMA looking over the new Cherokee Trailhawk. The only reason this vehicle is getting any grief is because they applied the Cherokee name to it. Had they called it anything else, people would accept it for what it is - a very capable crossover.
There are a growing number of us who have a need for a vehicle capable of knocking down big miles with maximum comfort just to get to our desired play areas. It started to feel stupid for me to drive 15 hours of pavement in my highly modified Disco to then drive 50 miles of backroad, 10 miles of which mandated the mods. I also mostly need a vehicle that can transport my skis, bikes, climbing and camping gear and these smaller rigs do just fine on that score.
I also think people don't realize just how much these smaller cars, and they are cars, can do.
According to Scott Brown of Jeep, this Cherokee has the factory 1" lift all Trailhawk edition Cherokees will have. He said a realistic mpg number is around 23 in town, 29 highway. That's pretty awesome.
Granted, it's not the Rubicon, but I've been wholly impressed with what my Patriot will do with just a small 2" lift and slightly larger tires. I've done Ophir Pass, The Alpine Loop and other similar routes with this and it's been perfectly fine. All with bikes, gear, and a 90 pound pooch in the back.
These cars will never rival the JK, but that doesn't make them less important to the market.
