the straight 6 motor is an "Iron Duke" that will last forever with NO issues likely
X2. The one caveat being that the 4.0L motors accecories are unfortunately the achilles heel. Jeeps use extremely small and unserviceable vacuum lines and breathers. These get clogged quickly and then have to be replaced. The other non engine accessories are sub par too. The heaters don't work all that well, and the Cherokee is a unibody design making it only OK as a platform to develop into a true offroad machine. It doesn't sound like you are planning to wheel a ton so thta probably isn't much of a concern. The cherokee will likely get better mileage on average too. The VX looks better, but Ganz is right. The resale and parts availability, not to mention mechanic familiarity will go a long way. The VX is a fantastic rig for what is was intended for, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's for everyone. Around here if you have to ask if you should get one, then you probably shouldn't. It's either undying love at first sight, or nothin'. IMHO