When I used to monitor it I would hit the 20 and change mark; 50-55 mile mostly highway drive. Stock size tires / stock suspension

I’ve been pretty fortunate regarding mileage as well, typically between 19-21 mpg though most of my driving is highway and country 2 lane roadways with few traffic lights or congestion.

Mine (99 5spd) would touch 20 - 21 mpg (indicated) when I first got it, but it had some pretty small tires on it. So it was more just the speedo and odo reading higher.

And of course, driving habits matter a lot as well.

Now with 33's on it, weighing a lot more, it's around 15.5 long term average MPG. Partly the weight and worse aerodynamics (lifted, bumpers, rack, etc), and partly the larger tires turn fewer miles and the speedo and odo read low.

I had a 94 3.slow when the 3rd gens came out in 96. I remember being so awed by how well its looks evolved.

1) I appreciated that it was SAFER. The 2nd gens were terrible for driver crash ratings.
2) The increase in power (when I finally drove one years later) was noticeable.
3) The Rack and Pinion was a HUGE improvement in steering feel.
4) I've read that a factory 3rd row was an option in some markets, it's elusive but I always wondered where/how a retrofit would work.
5) It was quieter and generally more luxurious, BUT the 2nd gen had more driver seat adjustability.

It was interesting to see what they added, but also what they removed (like the rear headrests tilted front/back on the 2nd gen limited, but thankfully I snagged a set so was able to install it on mine).

I LOVED the approach angle on the 2nd gen, the wheels felt like it was right up against the front of the car, BUT the huge rear overhang always snagged on something. The 3rd gen balances that out better.

The 2nd gen mooroof only slid open/close, no tilting.

It's funny how back then you couldn't toss a rock w/o hitting an Explorer or Grand Cherokee... and yet now, 25 years later, there are so many more 3rd gens on the road. Says so much about these trucks!