Why XJs rule, IMO
Six months ago, I sold my Cherokee (a 96) and bought a Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited 06. I freakin hate the LJ and miss the XJ very much. XJs are the best 4x4s ever made. XJs are better offroad, IMO; and way better onroad for acceleration, handling, ride comfort, fuel economy, storage space, and everything. XJs are also much less money to operate due to smaller, less expensive tires.
It's not how big your tires are that matters, it's how big they are in relation to the weight of the vehicle. That is one of many areas where XJs beat all others by a mile.
A Cherokee XJ with 31" X 10.5" tires whips a Wrangler Rubi Unlimited with 33 X 11.5 tires in everyway both on and offroad, and I know since I've owned both. My prior XJ had 30 X 9.5 tires and even that would keep up with or beat my Rubi Unlimited offroad by a little, and onroad by a mile.
The Rubicon Unlimited is 1,000 lbs heavier than an XJ. Because of that, an XJ with 31 X 10.5 tires actually has larger tires in relation to weight of the vehicle than a Rubi Unlimited with 33 X 11.5 tires.
It's the tire size to weight ratio that rules onroad, and especially offroad, IMO. In that area, the XJ beats all comers, and the Rubi Unlimited is rather poor.
XJs are lean, mean, off and on road machines. Rubi LJs are fat pigs by comparison, and the Rubi LJs rough ride is also breaking my back. My XJ was comfortable and more capable, and easy on gas. My XJ got 16 to 17 mpg around town with 30 X 9.5 BFG ATs. My Rubi LJ gets 11 mpg around town with 33 X 11.5 tires.
XJs rule in every way (except elbow and shoulder room). I want another XJ, or two, but I want to choose wisely. That is why I need your advice. Thank you.