[jurhip]

island,
1. Nobody is saying that independent suspension can't work. But for a given price and size constraint, solid axles offer more reliability and articulation than independent suspension at low speeds. Plus they tend to be much cheaper and easier to repair, which is inevitable when offroading. (BTW - your picture is of a small buggy - that isn't really relevant as size is a major factor in offroading.)

2. As to locked axles and "spinning in the air". You are somewhat correct. The problem is that you will not always be on a surface that will provide linear load based friction grip such as provided by clean rock. People in wet areas such as the east coast will often be at extreme angles with the heavily weighted tire in slippery clay/mud. This is when that lightly loaded tire sitting on drier ground can provide that wee bit o friction required to keep moving. You won't get this is with most independent setups regardless of differential tech. No matter how much one load a tire in slippery mud, the coefficient of friction stays pretty much the same. This phenomenon is why Wranglers with lockers tend to be very good at pulling people out of muddy situations.

Anyway, a 2DR Jeep Wrangler can't really be compared to a normal SUV. They don't feel the same. I've asked my wife whether a used base Cayenne would be better for us and she flat out said "NO! That test drive was boring. I am not a mom yet." Cars are a lot more than numbers, although I'll say for new car MSRP, the Wrangler has the off-road numbers in its favor. Cars should be about feel. Once could easily say that a Panamera S is a better road car than a Mazda MX-5. Technically it is. By the numbers it is quieter, faster, handles better, and seats more. But is it a funner car if you only need space for 2 and like the convertible top? I think this same comparison applies to something like a Cayenne (or any SUV) v. Wrangler 2DR. Now the 4DR, that is a different story. I can see why people like them but they do not feel like a Wrangler in ride/handling - something I actually like about the 2DR.