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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  Dont hate it OR love it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By eeprof - November 27 - 8:40 am

  This truck is not what I think they were selling, an upscale SUV with 3rd row seating. First, the 3rd row seating is pretty much useless. If you have the seats up, there is zero storage behind the 3rd row and only slightly more space for your legs in the seat. I think I had my seats up about 3 times in 3 years for emergency kid transport. Not good for the long haul. Second, this thing is a truck; it rides like one, handles like one and goes like one. I have driven Tahoes and Explorers that are soooo much more comfortable to ride in and handle so much better. My CDR always felt top heavy. All that said, it has been a dependable vehicle with 4WD that worked well in the snow. It looks nice.

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  2006 jeep commander nothing but problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By disappointed - November 11 - 4:20 pm

  I bought a 2006 Jeep Commander new. I have had it for 3 yrs. I love the body style and the interior design. The reliability is horrible. I have had nothing but problems. Been to the dealer to have fix repeatedly approx 20 times. Perhaps this one is just a bad one, but I have had repeated ignition problems, stalling, windows/sunroof that wont auto close, heated fan issues, seatbelts issues, seats wearing already...leather. Will never buy a jeep again and am horrible disappointed. The dealership is working out a trade for me at this point since they are fed up with it also. I just hope they are responsible enough to get it off the road and not resell it! I no longer feel safe in it. Very sad.

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  Whistler and no roof - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By troy - November 7 - 2:16 pm

  I have had the truck almost 2 years. Thank god it is a lease because it is not good and I cant wait to turn it in. The wind noise and whistle sound is annoying. The mpg is a joke. Jeep said 15/21. I am lucky to get 13.5 at all times, highway or city. Today the moonroof blew off of the car on the interstate at 70 mph. I turned to see where it was and it was gone. Lucky it didnt kill someone. Look at everything else. This truck is a lemon.

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  Another Jeep Experience - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By MBK - October 19 - 11:53 pm

  Just purchased the Commander Sport, and we love it. The ride is smooth and the seating is comfortable. The appearance is impressive. We are very impressed with the turning radius. Not as happy with the gas mileage, for a 6 cylinder, we only averaged about 17-18 mpg on a recent highway road trip, and close to 15mpg in the city.

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  Very pleased so far - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By new jeep - October 17 - 2:00 pm

  We have had our Commander about three weeks. Our Limited really looks sharp in black. Rode and handled well on a 4 hour trip to the beach. The 4.7 is more than adequate for power. The Limited package adds a lot of nice goodies that we have never had before (like heated seats, sunroof, rain sensing headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, reverse sensor, etc.). I did not get navigation -- IMO you can buy a ton of paper maps for the money. I would definitely recommend checking out the Commander before buying a competitor. I like it much better than our previous 04 GMC Envoy -- handles better, tighter steering, slightly better ride, better looks. Mountaineer and 4Runner ride like 2 horse wagons.

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  Nice Presentation, short on performance - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Buddy Cote - October 10 - 1:30 pm

  I rented a Jeep Commander V-8 for a long weekend of 800+ miles of driving my daughter home from college. If you like the classic Jeep look on outside its appealing, but performance overall leaves much to be desired. 20 MPG highway is acceptable, but 15 city isnt, even for a V8 SUV. Interior has nice storage compartments, but seating is subpar, unsupportive, and DEADLY on long drives. Sight lines and visibility are however an asset.

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  Commanders Awesome Drive - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Kathy - October 8 - 6:06 am

  I first saw the Commander on the road. Ive had all makes of Jeeps prior. When I test drove it, it took 2 minutes and it had my name on the title. I was shocked at what a different drive it was compared to the Laredo. Its as fun as my Wrangler was with the full comfort of a luxury car.

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  Love this vehicle but not happy with it. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By cviz - October 6 - 8:54 pm

  I bought my 2006 Jeep Commander in September of 2005. I have about 87,000 miles on it and keep up the maintenance. My power outlets in the front have stopped working even after I changed out the fuses, I have paid $3500 to replace the rear differential, replaced the battery three times, replaced the alternator, passenger window wont close right, water leaks in from the front and all four of my door handles have cracked and broke. Chrysler and the dealership both say its wear and tear even though I rotate driving between this vehicle and my 2009 Kia Borrego. I have had two other Jeeps and have never had problems like this. I would have to pay $700 per door to fix them.

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  Outdoor Family Wagon - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By OutdoorFam - September 15 - 8:03 pm

  Wonderful SUV with lots of room, off road rides really good, make sure you keep the maint on this car, the only thing is that why would Jeep build a Jeep that you couldnt put a lift on?

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  Early impressions... - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tim - September 4 - 11:10 pm

  Purchased Commander 2 weeks ago. The suv handles impressively, is quiet inside and is void of any rattles. The steering is quick & direct with good feedback. The 4.7L is strong off the line & through the rev range. Brakes are average but progressive. The vehicle feels planted around corners, even at speed, with the steering wheel returning to center easily. There is some bounce at higher speeds over washboard surfaces, but composure is not compromised. Front seats are firm but comfortable, the third row seats have been folded flat 80% of the time so far but the kids are happy there anytime. Styling is a nice mix of old-new Jeep with a touch of Mercedes-Benz G-class added. No bland looks here! I like it!