Overview & Reviews

The name Commander calls to mind images of daring swashbucklers on fearless adventures at the far corners of the earth. As such, Jeep's latest SUV is aptly named; it possesses every inch of the go-anywhere bravado implicit in its moniker. With three rows of seating and room for up to seven passengers, the Commander is the most spacious SUV Jeep has ever produced.

Although not quite as capable off-road as the smaller Jeeps, among SUVs in its size class the Commander is a superb trail-buster, able to tackle rock-strewn paths and steep mountain tracks without breaking a sweat. Less thrilling, however, are the Jeep Commander's lackluster interior materials, cramped third row, so-so cargo capacity and poor fuel mileage with the larger engines.

Current Jeep Commander

The three-row Jeep Commander is available in two trims: Sport and Limited. The Sport comes standard with power accessories, a power driver seat, air-conditioning and a CD stereo. The Limited trim honeys the mix with heated leather seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, a power tailgate, satellite radio and a power sunroof with twin skylights in the second row. Buyers can also snag options like a navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The base Jeep Commander Sport gets its pep from a standard 3.7-liter V6 capable of 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, a barely adequate engine in the 4,800-pound Commander. The Limited model has more punch thanks to a 5.7-liter V8 (optional on Sport), which cranks out 357 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque. Those who choose the base model may equip it with a full-time all-wheel-drive system. Jeep also offers two sophisticated four-wheel-drive systems for those planning to take their Commanders on off-road trails, including Quadra-Drive II, which features Hill Start and Descent Assist technology. All models come with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Slide inside the Commander's cabin and you'll find yourself enveloped in comfortable seats. An upscale two-tone decor makes for an attractive interior, but there's too much hard plastic for an SUV in this price range. (The Limited is a bit nicer.) There aren't any midsize SUVs that offer truly spacious third-row seating; still, even by these low standards, legroom in the Commander's third row falls short and is suitable only for children. Cargo capacity is unspectacular as well, largely because of the packaging issues created by the Jeep's solid-axle rear suspension and generous ground clearance. The SUV offers 7.5 cubic feet with all three rows in use, 36.4 with the third row stowed and 68.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. These numbers would be OK for a compact SUV, but they're minuscule for a midsize sport-ute.

In reviews, we've praised the Jeep Commander for its off-road capabilities and powerful available V8. Opinions about ride quality are mixed; some have found the Jeep to provide a tranquil ride but others, expecting a more secure feel, deem it wallowy. Handling on pavement is competent for a nearly 5,000-pound vehicle, but not the least bit sporting. The base V6 doesn't hustle the Commander with much authority. The 5.7-liter V8 is both powerful and relatively fuel-efficient.

Used Jeep Commander Models

The Jeep Commander debuted in the 2006 model year. The Limited came with a 4.7-liter V8 prior to 2010; it generated 235 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque until 2008, when it was bumped up to 305 hp and 334 lb-ft. The 5.7-liter V8 made 330 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque till '09, when it went up to 357 hp and 389 lb-ft.

For '07, the luxurious Overland trim debuted; it was equipped similarly to the Limited but with special interior and exterior trim. For '08, the Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist electronic driving aids arrived for Commanders with Quadra-Drive II. The Commander Limited and Overland's interior materials quality were improved for '09. For '10, the Overland trim disappeared, and the 4.7-liter V8 was discontinued, leaving the powerful 5.7-liter V8 as standard on the Limited models, along with a power liftgate.

Reliability was spotty on early-build 2006 models, so consumers looking for used Jeep Commanders would be wise to seek out later-build models or else hold off on a purchase until there's a bit more to choose from on the used market.

User Reviews:

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  the new Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lisee - April 29 - 11:00 pm

  Very fun car; not great on gas, great design! Front seats are very comfortable. Limited 2nd row/3rd row only good for kids.

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  Simply the best choice - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tony - April 27 - 12:20 am

  Bought my Commander and love it. Have not had any problems and very comfortable ride. Gets a lot of attention and always gets a " sweet ride" comment.

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  Excellent - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Wow Commander - April 25 - 4:30 pm

  Fun to drive and really useful for families. it has many standards that are luxury and useful.

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  Great Car, Poor Fuel Economy - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Missy - April 25 - 4:00 am

  I have owned this now for three months and love the sportiness. However, the estimate of 16/22 mpg is way, way off base. I average 10-12 mpg. city and recently took a trip and averaged 13- 14 mpg highway! Not sure yet if this is worth the upsides of the vehicle. Only other complaint is no cargo nets when hauling groceries in back...stuff rolls out of gate when opened. Third row does block rear view and very little leg room when used. Fine for every day but not as comfortable and roomy for long trips.

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  Commander Limited - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chuckdee39 - March 31 - 8:10 pm

  Have been driving nothing but Chevrolet Tahoes for past 10 years. Wife and I decided to downsize to small suv, but could find nothing that we both agreed upon until we saw the Jeep Commander Limited. We both fell in love with the look and the ride. We were also impressed with the quietness. The interior design leaves little to be desired, but miss armrests, and automatic lumbar support. (The limited has pretty much everything else standard, why not these items?). We really havent had it long enough to find problems, if any. To be fair, am rating the gas mileage after only 2 tanks of gas. Hope for improvement once we get some miles on it. Miss the room of the Tahoe.

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  Works for us - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By timmcd75 - March 24 - 4:50 am

  Buy this vehicle: If you need temporary 3rd row seating for smaller kids only. Dont buy this vehicle: if youre looking for large interior capacity and 3 roomy rows of seats. We traded in our 08 Grand Cherokee for a 2010 Commander. The same 3.7L V6 is in both. It is under powered but it doesnt bother us. We can easily get on the freeway and up to speed. Towing or driving in the mountains is where youd notice the lack of power the most I think. We traded up to get the 3rd row to throw our kids in the back when my parents visit so we dont have to take 2 cars. We didnt have to rearrange our garage either to make it fit.

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  Great used vehicle - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Frank Mylar - March 18 - 6:18 am

  After fixing minor issues such as windshield washer, etc. this Jeep was a very comfortable ride, like a luxury SUV, but felt much smaller on the outside.

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  Great Family SUV - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Dillys - March 7 - 9:36 am

  We previously owned a Jeep Liberty and had to upgrade in size. The Liberty was a great Jeep, so we decided to stay in the Jeep family. For a family of four, the Commander has been awesome. The kids love riding in the third row because their feet reach the floor - only suitable for little ones because theres no leg room. The front is very spacious and controls are easily accessible to both the driver and passenger. I dont much care that there isnt much storage behind the third row when its up, but it wasnt a deal breaker by any means. We look forward to our road trip next month because well have plenty of room for comfort and storage. Overall we are very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Love my Commander Overland w/Hemi - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By KmanCommander - March 2 - 1:13 pm

  This vehicle is awesome The more I drive it the more I like it. I actually miss it when I am not driving it, and we are talking about a vehicle! It is unique looking, not like all those crossbreeds currently flooding the market... It is fast and powerfull I doesnt do to well with gas mileage, but what to you expect with a vehicle that is around 6k lbs? With a huge 8 in it? It has 330+ HP and always in 4.. I have been driving around looking for piles to drive this thing over.... It has so much power that nothing is intimidating. The electronics a cool.. nav, rear monitor, sensors, automatic window sensors.....etc I would buy it again

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  2006 Jeep Commander Hemi Problem - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By pcjeepowner - February 22 - 11:08 am

  Since buying the 2006 Jeep Commander in 2007 I have had to spend major money on repairs. I have had to replace the battery three times already, I have had to rebuild the transmission, and now worst of all I have to replace the whole engine that is going to cost me $6,000. I have around 75,000 miles and this was the most expensive vehicle I have ever purchased and I am so upset and I dont know where to turn.