I currently have a V8 R51. While relatively rare, when I decided I wanted one, there were a few to choose from in my area. Parts have been easy to source, inexpensive, and I have found it easy to work on. While I love many of the features (like the heated steering wheel) and the torque of the V8, I do have some gripes with the R51. Out of the box the articulation/travel is poor, the rear springs are terribly soft, the cargo area is not as big as you think, the cargo area tie downs are not very sturdy, the third row seats are unusable for adults, and I don't find the brakes all that great. Most of these can be addressed fairly easily and overall it's comfortable and capable of mild terrain.
To make it more capable, there is an expanding aftermarket. You can get quality parts like Radflo, ARB, PRG, and there are multiple options bumpers and sliders. Plenty of parts to make it a better off roader.
All that being said, the real reason I bought mine was it had a V8. I like that it's a small SUV with a big motor, that it is unrefined in its power delivery, and that it feels like the chassis can't quite keep up. It reminds me a bit of my stage 3 Audi S4, and I like that. Unlike my previous AWD SUVs, I enjoy that I can turn off the traction control and keep it in 2wd to have some tire smoking fun. If those things aren't important to your driving experience, then I think there are better platforms out there. In fact I have almost traded my R51 in multiple times for higher powered, or more capable SUV's, but they just weren't as fun to drive.
To make it more capable, there is an expanding aftermarket. You can get quality parts like Radflo, ARB, PRG, and there are multiple options bumpers and sliders. Plenty of parts to make it a better off roader.
All that being said, the real reason I bought mine was it had a V8. I like that it's a small SUV with a big motor, that it is unrefined in its power delivery, and that it feels like the chassis can't quite keep up. It reminds me a bit of my stage 3 Audi S4, and I like that. Unlike my previous AWD SUVs, I enjoy that I can turn off the traction control and keep it in 2wd to have some tire smoking fun. If those things aren't important to your driving experience, then I think there are better platforms out there. In fact I have almost traded my R51 in multiple times for higher powered, or more capable SUV's, but they just weren't as fun to drive.
My little girl doesn't even play soccer! Yet. Now I have to find some videos of it on two or three wheels, just to prove our masculinity. Thanks, skibum!