Yeah, it looks funky. Yeah, it’s based on an Italian FWD platform. But, it sounds like it might be pretty darn good. Motor Trend hated the Viper but they seemed to like the new baby Jeep, saying, “The Cherokee can compete head to head with any of the modern small crossovers on the road. Off-road, it will bury them.” You can read a summary of some of the other reviews over at Allpar
I drove my 97 TJ on the autobahn evaeydry for 3 years with 31 in BF Goodrich TA/KO’s. Both in winter and in summer with no problems. Safety wasnt a issue never felt safer even at Autobahn speed or as fast as Jeep could take me. Also was a 4 in lift on that Jeep. As far as handling with all the Jeeps I’ve owned all I can say is what I can’t do in a Jeep I wouldnt try in any other vehicle either.