On page 6 of the Pop Mech link Ben Stewart gives some props to the Wrangler. I know I like it alot, but he could have gone into a little more detail about what makes the '07 Rubicon not just unique - but better than other SUVs.
A 4-door convertible? that is quite a magic trick in itself, with dual hard & soft tops - forghetaboudit.
No mention of the MyGig system or fold-flat windsheild, ESP, 4wheel ABS, 32" skins, Sirius real time traffic updates (for getting to the trail-head).

I think this is because the award is for Off-road ability. Other than mentioning power windows and locks, every feature mentioned helps the Wrangler's off-road ability.

I used to be a KJ-hater. I thought it was weak, a sad reflection of what a Jeep ought to be. As an XJ owner, I felt like I had been slighted that the XJ had been replaced by the KJ.

Earlier this year we decided that we needed to get something new to replace the 1996 XJ with just shy of 150k miles. The engine still runs well, but it needs a new fuel pump. It was hesitating and stalling and such. It was also due for inspection, and I thought it wouldn't pass. It has some rust, the lower dash fell off, the power windows are failing, etc. DCX were offering 0 for 60. So we went to the lot to look at the WK. I just wasn't... us. It felt very... um... suburbia. Begrudgingly, I said, "Well, let's look at the Liberties." What I found was the KJ Renegade D with skid plates, tow hooks, rock rails, a tall grille & flat hood (so it doesn't look like a damn frog), bumper-mounted fog lamps, a light bar on top, and the towing package. I though, "Wow. This doesn't even seem like a Liberty." So I read what I could about it's capability. Seemed sturdy enough for the 4-wheeling we do on the old logging roads on our land. So... we bought one. Let me say that it really can do everything we've ever done in our XJ.

Now, it's not without its flaws. There's the looming recall for the ball joints. It's heavy, and even with more HP, the 3.7L doesn't have what it takes to move it the same way that 4.0L I-6 moved the XJ. And the KJ's tranny has a dead spot between 2nd & 3rd that makes hill climbs at 40 mph try your patience. But... it's still a lot more capable than many give it credit for. I was a Liberty hater. Now I will tell you that it really is a Jeep. And I'm very optimistic the KK, even though it still has IFS, will be even better and more pleasing to the XJ hold-outs. I'm optimistic about the direction Jeep has turned in the past couple of years. (Well, I'm pissed about dropping the Gladiator, but I have a hunch it's not dead yet.)

Just for the record, though, I still have the XJ. It still needs a fuel pump. :D

IMHO, I think the 3.7L V6 in the KJ feels better than the 3.8L V6 does in the JKL...