ExplorerTom previously posted:
"Everything is a compromise. Can a Cherokee with 33"+ tires and a lift really get 20ish mpg? Maybe it can, I don't know.
Personally, I like having one of each- a trail rig AND a commuter. You can get a 4 cylinder commuter for $500-$2500 and save probably a minimum of $40-$50 a month (with fuel savings and after insurance) instead of driving some kind of 4wd that gets 15ish mpg. Depending on how far you drive of course. I had a Saturn SL2 for awhile that was getting 32 mpg on a bad tank. Now I'm commuting in a VUE that gets 27. Still better than my explorer that gets 17. Plus I'm not wearing out expensive A/T tires on the pavement and having the second car allows me to perform projects that can scratch out over the course of several days/weeks instead of needing to finish before its time for work.
You may also want to consider not only the capability but also the aftermarket support. As I'm sure you're aware, Explorers have horrible aftermarket support. Toyotas and Jeeps have support out the wazoo."
My friend's Cherokee on 37s gets around 16mpg
combined...