OK, so after running through all the possible options for my next vehicle, I'm 90% sure that my next vehicle will be a Jeep! In the last two years, I've driven all the current models (including the new Compass) with the exception of the Wrangler and although I'm well aware of their shortcomings compared to the competition i.e. not the most powerful or economical, relatively expensive, a bit stingily equipped and perhaps not the best reliability record, they do have presence and character, feel extremely stable in all conditions and have a first-rate AWD system that allows some power oversteer in snowy conditions. Our family car is a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan and although the build quality is a little sub-par it has been pretty reliable and the Jeeps that I have driven feel better built than that. But which one should I go for? Budget will be around $20-$30k. I would like a few toys, so heated seats and steering wheel, backup camera, remote start, dual-zone climate control, possibly nav. The fact that these are usually extra and don't come as standard on new vehicles, unlike the competition and that interest rates on finance/lease for Jeeps aren't very competitive dissuades me from buying new.
So:
1) Renegade? I had a great time in one of these in the snow last winter, surprisingly spacious, felt as stable as the larger Jeeps but playful too when you wanted it to be. A cheeky character that I quite like (a bit like my MINI) but I appreciate that not everyone will. I would probably be looking at a North with a few toys or a Trailhawk. The manual transmission is an interesting prospect but super rare and the 2.4 Tigershark engine is plenty adequate really. That 75th Anniversary edition in black with bronze wheels, Smokey and the Bandit-style looks pretty cool too.
2) New Compass? It looks smart (a bit like a mini Grand Cherokee) and more grown up than the Renegade but by the same token a bit less character too? I think in terms of MSRP, this is probably the best value new Jeep. A bit more space than the Renegade and despite having the same powertrain, felt a bit quicker, more refined and marginally more economical than the Renegade! I've seen some nice ex-demonstrator Norths with the nav, backup camera and cold weather packs going for around $30k. Not bad value. The Limiteds with the black roofs look pretty cool too but $40k+ new is pushing it a bit, so I would need to wait for them to come down and I don't think the Trailhawk-spec suits the Compass/Grand Cherokee as much as the Renegade/Cherokee.
3) Cherokee? Being the eldest of the newish models, I could pick up a 2014 for a bit less than the others. It would have to be the V6 though, as I think the 2.4 would feel a bit limp in the heavier Cherokee and it only appeals to me in Trailhawk guise. The orange one that I had on test looked pretty cool and had decent power but the fuel economy was full-size truck bad, the headlights were a bit weak and I think the Trailhawk mods possibly compromised its on-road ride and handling.
4) Wrangler? Not driven one but I would want one with the Pentastar V6 and a few toys, so a Sahara or Rubicon Limited with the hard top. The manual transmission would be my preference too, so it's not going to be cheap! Very cool and iconic but probably not great on gas or a very refined highway vehicle.
5) Grand Cherokee? OK, I could go back to 2011 to get one of these but I really want a 2014- for the improved interior and the 8-speed transmission. With our other vehicle being a Grand Caravan, I don't really need a vehicle this big and excellent though the Pentastar V6 is, I have it in my van, so the Ecodiesel for the torque and fuel economy or the V8 because Hemi appeal to me much more. Also, i'm not really interested in a Laredo, as I would want leather in my Grand Cherokee, so I would need to be looking at a Limited or Overland.
So, for my $20k-$30k budget, which would be the best newish Jeep to go for?