If you are looking for a smooth ride, go with independent suspension front and rear (like my 4x4 2004 Expedition). Expedition is an awesome smooth ride, but it's definately not an off roader though. If you are really looking for something capable off road, then you definately want something with straight axles both front and rear (like my 99 Cherokee). The Libertly is the lowliest Jeep ever made until the new Compass was made this year (back to the smooth ride versus off road ability). Cherokee guys hate the Liberty because it replaced the Cherokee with a "street jeep" of sorts. Not to say the Liberty is terrible, but it's far from a Cherokee or any other Jeep with straight axles front and rear. Independent suspension has it's place though.....on the streets or at high speeds in the desert, and even in the snow, but it is out of it's place on uneven terrain (articulation) at slow speeds. Any straight axle 4x4 ought to be able to out perform the Liberty off road unless someone has done the straight axle conversion to the Liberty and then I hear it is one heck of a truck! I don't know what you drive now, but one thing that may save you a whole lot of money and let you keep what you have, but make it more capable is a locking differential. I have a "No-Slip" locker in my Cherokee and it was not hard to install! You can go to www.powertrax.com and see what they offer for what you drive (if anything), but it makes a huge difference, sometimes more than others, but it's a big improvement! Unimogs come with lockers front and rear and so do the new Rubicon Wranglers. Anyway, a locker in a 2wd vehicles will make it go much better, sometimes better than a stock 4x4, and sometimes a little less, but you will be impressed. Just something to consider from someone who can tell you firsthand on these aspects. Good luck...NE4ME