Somewhere (I can't remember where) there was an article done on this subject, basically one of the mag editors did a "head to head" comparison of both vehicles in stock form. I can't recall all the deatils, but the general outcome was that the Cherokee did better on the rocks, and the X did better in the mud and slop. Some kind of argument was made about IFS being a tad better for getting through slop and snow, but it was more like one guy's subjective opinion than anything.

I've owned cherokees in the past and right now I'd have to say it will be long time before I own another one, due mostly to reliability problems. It's too bad DC makes such a great off-roader that has such spotty reliability. And I agree with the "feels like an amusement park ride" comment. It's somewhat herky jerky as far as driveability goes.