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:

• 

  Commander Luv - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jones67 - December 21 - 10:53 pm

  I am extremely impressed with the ride and handling quality in this vehicle. Also, the retro type of design is first rate. The 4.7 liter engine is impressive in such a heavy vehicle.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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!

• 

  wifes 2010 commander - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By s burke - July 27 - 1:36 pm

  So far my new jeep is fun to drive and draws lots of attention, seems to be well built and designed. For us this was the only midsized SUV with 3rd row seating in our price range....nothing else compares, poor mans Land Rover...This is our 3rd SUV of sorts, SportTrac and a Explorer, we looked at this car when we bought the 07 explorer, pricing made it unaffordable, now its the best option

• 

  Very pleased - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By drjothen - July 14 - 5:50 pm

  Very pleased to date. Was considering an H3 and the Commander is much more comfortable, has more interior room and I dont have to deal with the Hummer Haters.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By US COMMANDER - June 16 - 4:56 pm

  I have been 2 weeks with my Commander and it has being a great ride so far. Mine is a Limited fully loaded and is really entertaining to drive. This is my third JEEP and it just keep better and better.

• 

  Excellent vehicle - solid secure - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Carol Ann - June 1 - 3:00 am

  I sell real estate in the Finger Lakes. I must have a very reliable strong 4-wheel drive automobile. My Commander has out performed all the other SUVs I have ever owned. I could use more room in the back for my signs. My little ones love the back two seats. I can not get them out of the Jeep as they want to stay and play. Front seat capacity is very comfortable. Ride is quiet, no road noise. Solid heavy vehicle.

• 

  love the Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Barb - May 31 - 7:53 am

  Recently came back from a long trip where we averaged between 20 and 22 mpg. City driving gas mileage comes in around 17 mpg. Certainly gets a lot of admiring glances. The teenage boys love it. Its great that this has that third row for unexpected riders, but there is no storage space when there are 7 people. Over all we love it!