Well, comparing a lifted XJ to a stock TrailHawk isn't exactly one for one. In time folks will lift the new Cherokee too.

 

it looks like a friggin athletic sneaker.

Sledgehammer please?

 

No body is going to lift. A 2014 ifs and irs is going to scare away everyone who makes lift kits.

 

They'll do it. If you can get a lift for a Patriot you'll be able to get a lift for the new Cherokee. And as much as I hate the look of it, we gotta wait 'til a proper test is done comparing it to the XJ when it comes to offroad capability. Pit a stock XJ against a stock '13 and see which does better (people comparing anything non-stock against something stock really make me wonder at their intelligence). Then we'll know if we can really bash it as a "wanna be" Jeep. It's just like it was with the Patriot when it first came out, and the Liberty as well. A stock 4wd Patriot as Liberty can both keep pace with a stock XJ in most offroad situations.

 

Indeed. Couple of points for the Trailhawk vs XJ:

1. The Trailhawk comes with a stock rear locker. To my knowledge never seen a stock locker on any XJ. I suspect it's because the 2014 is FWD normally.
2. The 9-speed transmission should be great for finding a useful gear for downhill crawling. Whatever I have in my `97 is the pits. Either too slow or riding the brakes. My Tundra's tranny stomps the XJ auto.

I like the looks of the 2014, sure beats the coffin look of the Patriot. Jeep is going to sell a ton of these, just not to XJ owners.

Bottom line: Can't imagine replacing my XJ, will turn 50K this summer.

 

The KL Cherokee will never be a crazy rock crawler like a modified XJ. With that said, I still think it will be a great DD that you can drive down a forest service road when you feel the urge. My XJ is a DD. I mildly wheel with some buddies from time to time, but its true purpose is to save two miles of hiking when I climb Mt. Sherman in the January. Or save me an hour of hiking when climbing Mt. Elbert in February. I think the KL Cherokee could do that as well.

 

That 2014 would make for a more comfy drive to work than my bone jarring XJ.......and quieter........and smoother shifting.

The 2014 wins if you're a refined, metro-sexual type person, I'm more of a rough edged Jeep person though and I'd rather drive my XJ.

 

I got to see the new cherokee in person at Michigan international speedway about a month ago. It was um.. Just as ugly in person. Chrysler was trying to do a big advertise campaign for it during the week I was there. It was ver underwhelming. No one was interested in it. It was designed with the same intentions and purpose as our XJ's but in my opinion has no where near the same potential to be a "family and trail" vehicle. Just My opinion though. Don't think the look will ever grow on me.

Getupngo

 

One reason the XJ Cherokee will always be better in my book though is the simplicity. I am not that smart so keeping it simple goes a long way. 2014 KL Cherokee, not simple.

 

There is a youtube video of the new cherokee on the rubicon trail testing to see if can earn the "trail rated" emblem

 

I will never own a Jeep that does not have solid axles A 4.2l, 4.0l, or a SBC, and Solid Axles

 

LIKE*

there are certain features I like about the new Cherokee....but the xj is what I think of when people say Cherokee.

My dad and I were discussing this today while driving to look at another xj for me....the trend for from the factory 4x4's nowadays is the most offroad they'll see is a dirt/gravel road, a have 4x4 incase of light snow kinda thing. And also luxury is a big item too. I can see where jeep and others are going with their thinking, but WHY PUT 18'S+ RIMS WITH STREET TIRES ON A 4X4?! ....well its simple. less people are using 4x4 to have fun etc. that's kinda the way our conversation went.

 

Negative. The XJ was designed for weekend adventures that need 4x4. It came in behind the CJ and FSJ Cherokee, designed as a 'Jeep' and a pickup, respectively. The KL, riding on the tails of the Patriot and the more than sinfully ugly Compass, was designed to attract people to the Jeep brand who would otherwise buy just as hideous Hyundais and think offroading is for ATVs and 4x4 mode is required in the rain. This is the main "SUV/crossover" market segment. Bad taste with no clue lol. The KL's 4x4 system is interesting and definitely a "Jeep" feature, but this is not it's foremost function.

 

Trail Rated???? LMAO!! they probably had to haul that thing out there, or it is pictured on an old Gunsmoke Stage set.
I wouldn't drive that over a cement parking barrier at the Wal-Mart, for fear of it getting hung up. A jeep is supposed to look good, but not fancy, or sissyfied

 

I agree with you about the target market for the KL. Not near as many blue collar workers will find this vehicle as desirable as the XJ was/is. Good point.

I don't see where we disagree when it comes to off road capabilities. You said the XJ was designed for weekend adventures that require 4x4. Correct me if i'm wrong, but to me that implies that 4x4 system is not the XJ's foremost function. That's what I was trying to say when I said "family and trail". I like your choice of words better than mine to define the XJ purpose though. The KL has a much more modern and sophisticated 4x4 system than my stock XJ had. If we took both vehicles straight off the showroom floor, Both Of them bone stock, I would have to believe that the KL would perform better than my XJ would have. Though the KL lacks in the approach angle and weighs 700-1000 pounds more than an XJ, it's gearing ratios, torque, power transfer unit, departure angle and lockers would likely allow it to out perform a stock XJ. But yet, as you stated, the KL 4x4 system is not its foremost function. It is for those weekend adventures just like the XJ. It's main focus during design was on-road capabilities. Where it seems to be quite a nimble, smooth, and fuel efficient vehicle.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my XJ and plan on keeping it forever. I probably will never own a KL. Here's why: the XJ is simple. With a good link /coil suspension, an awesome I-6, and mediocre transmission and differentials we have a great starting platform for a good off road vehicle. The XJ has the potential to be a far superior off road performer than a KL platform offers. The type of people on this forum and that drive XJ's are innovative, tinkerers, hard working, and like to just make things BETTER. That is why in my eyes the XJ will always be a superior vehicle, potential.

Happy Independence Day everybody!