If I could afford a new vehicle it would likely be a Wrangler w/the 4.0.
My neighbor has one and it's a running machine. He took out the rear seat, he's single, and installed a hell of a stero system with a large speaker box/tool box. This box comes up to the top of the fender inner fender wells and fills the back from the seats to the tailgate. He has a roof mounted gun rack back there as well. And he still has enough room for his camping gear, with careful packing. He also found a small trailer for extended camping. It's a real nice outfit he has.
I don't know your situation, but unless you have a family you need to haul around, or a lot of stuff to pack I think you'll get by with the Wrangler okay. Especially if you remove the rear seat. Like my friend, you could always get a small trailer too.