well a Grande as I call them (WJ) is an option, they can be more modern, newer than a standard Cherokee Some folks wheel them, you can get aftermarket lifts, shocks, big tires, regear, etc..... Although I see a lot more Standard's wheeling verses Grande's wheeling. I suspect there is more aftermarket offroading modification support for the Standard (XJ) than the Grande (WJ) based on a my casual observation.
Also consider the higher trim levels within a model type to get more plush interior, and often more power options ( power windows, seats, locks, etc...)
My 1990 Standard (XJ) is a Laredo trim level, which is nice.... cloth seats, power windows and locks, chrome trim. The lower end 1990 year modlel trim levels lacked the power stuff, and may have vinyl seats for example.
A Grande might be the ticket for you. They are a bit larger than the old XJ, which can be useful to some.
what are the minuses in owning a WJ verses the XJ? do the WJs have specific problems? Any lemon year model's of a WJ to avoid?
I imagine the newest WJs will have a higher repair cost over the life of the vehicle do to the more disposable nature of car design these days, and the high repair cost of the high tech gadgets. A small bumper "tap" when parking can cost many thousands to repair thanks to bumper mounted cameras, radars, which "talk" to the computer for lane departure, auto braking systems, and such. These are not only expensive to buy, but also labor intensive to replace, and properly align and calibrate. I imagine the latest model cars have these things, earlier models WJ's lack these techie things. If you wheel even lightly, you dont want autobraking or lane departure systems.
and not only do you have a camera on the bumper or grill, you also get a camera lens washer sprayer, yet another sub system that you need to maintain, and eventually have to repair.
So consider the pros and cons of having a totally high teched out vehicle. Id go kind of medium tech at most, not loaded with cameras and auto pilot features so many cars have today