I'm not sure I follow your apples/oranges analogy between the XJ-KJ and YJ-JK. The XJ-KJ debate has been going on since '01 or so. You sound like you are on the other side of the debate than me and I'm totally fine with that. A KJ is an "OK" dirt road rig (I'll give it better than XJ) and with extensive modifications (plasma cutters are involved---I think $3k would be a cheap SAS?) can do heavy trail use that an XJ can do for $1500. XJ-KJ-new Cherokee is a weird evolution, isn't it? It is to me.... I'd love to see Jeep have a modern lineup of SUVs that they had in the '90s. They really aren't even close and they really don't care. People still buy the off-road image of a Jeep. Low-range and simplicity is becoming less and less of a priority to Jeep.
I'm saying that I WANT the "archaic" suspension for the simplicity it provides vs. the "creature comforts". I'll GLADLY make the small compromise in ride quality from an IFS system for simplicity and ease of modification of a solid axle suspension. I assume that's my "farm" roots showing but there's something awesome about a solution that is simple vs. an overly complex, heavily engineered solution that detracts from the ability of the solution to adapt to multiple environments. I'll give you that IFS is great for running higher speeds down dirt roads. A decently designed solid axle system can do MANY things in low range and still run down the highway safely and comfortably. IFS is lagging in low range performance and at best is three times the $ to engineer for serious off-roading. With the new Cherokee going to IFS/IRS and then changing the whole game by it's unique 4WD system (time will tell if that's effective or problematic or both or neither) it just seems like an overly engineered, overly electronic solution that is marketed as an off-road vehicle by a company that seems to be losing their original vision (which I support and enjoy their original vision). We all will vote with our dollar. I will NEVER have a 2014 style Cherokee for the types of off-roading I currently do or plan to do in the future. It just doesn't seem the right tool for the job.
As I mentioned above, I'll be surprised if there is a reasonably priced lift available (say under $1500) for the new Cherokee. The new Cherokee will be fine for running dirt roads (as would a Chevy Celebrity) but for actual low range, off-road use, it's a poor choice due to numerous factors. To me a dirt road is a two-track, not a fire road (by definition a fire road is something a fire truck can drive down in good conditions....not exactly challenging to an off-road engineered vehicle). I'm a Jeep buyer. I was quite disappointed with their products when I went to buy a new Jeep early this year. They have lost their uniqueness in the market and have delivered products that are similar to other mfg. They used to just be happy with their role as a niche mfg. Now they are trying to be a lot of things to a lot of people. Usually not a recipe for success. I Ended up settling with a JKU (I tried to like the Grand, but it just isn't what I'm interested in AT ALL---REALLY wish the Rescue concept was available as a hardtop vehicle) and am still not sure I made the right choice due to some issues with the ABS and engine mgt. systems. If Jeep/Chrysler has trouble with those, how will an electronic based 4wd system work? I'm glad I won't have to be the guinea pig to find out.
Again, this is my opinion. We have three Jeeps at our house currently. The first one I bought because of the relatively simple design. There's NOTHING simple about the new Cherokee (or the new Grand Cherokee, but that's a whole other subject).
