Most SUVs are not really designed for serious offroad use. They are built on car chaissis, and do not have good ground clearance. I have been a Jeep owner for years, and would recommend a Rubicon Unlimited package, as this is about the best you'll get (except for storage, but, if you take out the rear seat, you'll be fine) for an offroad vehicle, off the lot. Alternatively, you can go for an older model range rover, or even bronco. New, you really dont have alot of choices. I would stay away from the Hummers, simply because they are expensive, and if you break one, you'd be hard pressed to find someone to fix it. Jeep has so many aftermarket manufacurers and clubs, you'd be hard pressed to drive 20 miles without running into someone who has owned one in their lifetime (at least, its that way around here). The one major drawback is gas mileage; mine gets about 18 MPG.

EDIT: I thought 128 was a little too generous