^^^ A 2wd Suburban is useless...... and I bet it would still make it farther with less damage than a lifted car. SUVs used to be something that could make it to the cottage, down to a fishing hole, tow a boat up a slippery/gravel ramp, today, they are basically minivans for people who are too cool for a minivan. Thats why I like the Jeep, it still has its dual purpose character intact.
You're missing the point. People didn't/don't buy the Suburban to go off road, they bought it to haul people and cargo and to tow. And guess what...those are the same reasons people buy SUVs today.
This is the point I was making - 95% of the possible demographic for 5 seater, all weather capable vehicles do NOT go off-road at all. Most don't tow anything, or maybe a 1500lb boat or trailer. My suggestion was that if the Grand Cherokee went mainstream and keep the off road mechanicals as optional equipment, it would sell in higher volumes and to a larger demographic.
Your contention that it's the only off-road capable vehicle isn't true - the new Forester can keep up with the Grand Cherokee very well (can tackle 52% grade hills, has more ground clearance, and hill-descent control), and has much better on-road manners (thank you, low-centre of gravity). Lest I digress into my own personal favourite - the point is, save for a few pocket spots in Canada and the US, very, VERY few actually go truly "off road". The Grand Cherokee is beautifully appointed inside, the exterior is stylish...but the road manners - its ability to cruise, take low-speed turns, stay planted on winding roads - are diminished in favour of off road prowess that few will take advantage of - and that limits its sale volume.
Your "fishing hole" or cottage roads, as you refer to them, are probably nothing more than gravel roads with a 10% incline. Fobroader, why must you attack every comment anyone says here? My suggestion was merely in reference to a way to sell the vehicle in larger volumes - anyone with economic sense would have understood that.