One of the main motivations for me to change tires was to get tires with a more durable sidewall, and a more aggressive tread, to handle rocks and mud off road.
Of course, larger tires not only look nice, but they can offer greater sidewall protection, and ease in getting over larger obstacles.
But, after damaging two sidewalls, on our Porsche Cayenne S, in the Mojave Desert, with All Terrain Pirelli Scorpions, I took one look at the delicate stock Fortera Passenger Tires that came on my Commander, and knew that I wanted to rely on something with a more durable sidewall.
Like you, I wanted to keep things simple - just fit some AT tires to the stock vehicle - BUT - it was hard to find good AT tires that would fit the stock height and clear the steering knuckle.
And I liked my factory Jeep wheels too.
However, after research and help from the forum (and peeps like rwall), I did a small lift and adapted the new tires (so I could keep the stock wheels). I like it. It's really not that difficult or expensive, and the ride is very similar to stock. The height, in my opinion is a big improvement, and I still carry my toddler around in a car seat, and my wife can also lift and put him in the child seat. The rear cargo area is a little harder to access, as it was high to begin with, but nothing too unusual. After all, it's just 2-3 inches difference. Big advantage off road. Minor difference on road.