I've got a Wrangler- Sahara with a 4 inch lift. I love it. I took it up elephant hill road last year in Canyonlands... you get addicted to off-roading fast.
BTW Rubicon is the best stock Wrangler you can get. However, if you're looking at something that can seat a lot of people you can get a GMC Suburban. It normally comes with 4 wheel drive and it's very comfortable, and it will do the job towing. I'd imagine you can find one for cheap right now too.
But just so I'm clear... Wrangler>Suburban. I don't even think it's close.