Isn't the new F150 aluminum? So a TDI powered aluminum 2-Door Wrangler might just fit the bill.

I agree that that's true in the conventional sense. What I'm hoping for is unconventional solutions. For instance, if the vehicle was light you could get away with skinnier taller tires, saving weight. If the vehicle was light, you wouldn't need an engine as big and powerful, saving weight and fuel. Off road bumpers…

I've been really hoping that whole Nissan diesel thing actually happens...

I agree (although I did want to life my Outback). Personally, I just really want to get good gas mileage and still be able to off road. I was hoping this might provide that, but I guess not. :(

That Cherokee was designed 30 years ago... There are have been significant advances in technology since then. Don't get me wrong, the XJ was great (I used to have one), but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Although it sounds like the new Cherokee didn't accomplish that, I just don't think IFS is to…

That's pretty cool. I've never heard of that!

The Xterra has IFS, and has a bunch of different options. More complicated, but not necessarily more expensive.

You are completely correct. I'm mulling this problem over right now for my Xterra. You have to find a way to balance ground clearance, bigger tires, and better approach angles with keeping CoG low, and not screwing up your suspension geometry or drive shafts.

I've seen quite a few lifted Libertys, both here in Denver and back in Georgia. I've never driven one myself, but I've been told they're actually pretty capable with a moderate lift.

What trouble did you have lifting an XJ?

The XJ? I'm not sure if it was "meant" to be an off road beast, but they're certainly capable of it. I'd say it's the most popular off road vehicle after the Wrangler (and I'm not sure the wrangler counts since there were so many models).

Mine didn't get any death wobble either. I can't remember what supposedly causes it, worn out bushings or something?

At some point these will be available used... I agree that I'd rather off road a used vehicle than a brand new one. But making advancements now just means better used cars later. Now, I'm not saying the Cherokee will be a desirable used off roader later, I'm just saying making progress now is good.

I've heard good things too, but the inability to lift it is definitely going to limit it's potential. You can always put bigger tires on, but at some point they'll start rubbing which means fender trimming. I doubt many people are going to want to trim fenders until a few years down the road when you can get them used.

That's true, lifting and putting bigger tires on always reduces gas mileage, but it can still be improved. 25 down to 22 is better than 21 down to 18 (as I said in another comment).

Exactly! I desperately want a moderately capable off roader (I don't need or want a rock crawler) that also gets decent gas mileage. I've had a lifted XJ, it got 15mpg if I was lucky. I've had a an '82 Wagoneer, it got 8mpg if I was lucky. I currently have an Xterra, which gets 18mpg if I'm lucky.

Replacement front shock for a JK: $56. Replace front shot for a Liberty (closest I could find): $68. That's a $12 difference. You'd make that back in a couple days of gas savings. Why would a tire be more expensive for a newer car? It's a tire, the size is all that matters. A new rim? I have no idea, that's an odd…

Really? If that's true, I'm surprised.

I agree, we have one. The approach angles suck, but it does well for what it is.

Seriously? I'm dumb? Let's do a little math, since you seem confused: