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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  Jeep CEO Doesnt Respond - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Henris Hemi - February 17 - 9:46 pm

  54 year old Wash, DC granny loves power and stares of Steel Blue Hemi. Nav screen is huge and awesome! But should work as a front DVD too. Open front doors during rain to exit, allows water to pour onto control panel. I fear what thats gonna cost. 3rd row seat is a joke - leaving no room for even 2 grocery bags. Overland is the elitist of Jeeps and should come standard with mud guard mats to protect carpet year round. Suede seats should be optional. 3rd row head rests are too BIG and block 85% of back window so I ran into a Toyota while backing into a handicap space. Front slide moon roof is too small compared to my 1989. Back moon windows should open. Rear DVD cover always falls off.

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  I love my new Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By JD - February 3 - 3:13 am

  I bought a fully loaded Limited 4x4 with the 5.7L V8. Total cost just under $39K before taxes. I was looking at an H3 ( its V6 is a joke, otherwise nice) originally and also considered a Tahoe, Armada and Sequoia. Then I drove the Commander and knew that was the one (although being me I still had to go test drive it 2 more times to make sure). Smooth ride, great acceleration, very beautiful styling inside. 1000 miles on it so far and no complaints. Still waiting for snow to use the 4X4.

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  You get what you pay for - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By LD - January 31 - 6:16 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive truck to fit my family of 6. I found it in the Jeep Commander. However after having it for 3 months I realized I am spending a fortune in gas. My fathers 1974 Cadillac got the same 12 miles per gallon as my 2006 Commander. Its hard to believe that in this day and age Jeep cant produce a 6 cylinder engine that gets better than 12 miles per gallon. In addition, after the whole family gets in it becomes very tight fitting. No more room for any extras. Oh, and if you are going to buy the Commander make sure you have really skinny arms or you wont be able to reach down between the driver seat and the door to adjust your seating. You get what you pay for.

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  Replaced Volvo XC-90 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By A.Boomer - January 30 - 8:36 pm

  We sold a 2004 Volvo XC-90 when we purchased a 2006 Jeep Commander Limited Hemi. The Jeep wins in styling, handling, and features. The Volvo got better gas mileage. Somehow, living in central Missouri, I just never got comfortable driving a Volvo. If it needed service, it had to go back to the dealer in Kansas City. At first that was fun. Then it got to be a hassle. The Jeep is fun to drive, rides better than the Volvo, and can be serviced locally.

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  Jeep Commander A+! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dawne Miller - January 24 - 9:20 am

  Cool, fun, and safe - great value and smooth ride! Compared and drove H3, BMW X5, and Jeep. Jeep Commander won - visibility very poor on Hummer 3 and no side air bags; ridiculous price with no features on X5. Jeep is loaded with heated seats, luxury package and tow package, leased with extra miles - cant beat the luxury, safety and price. I love it!

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  Value and Performance for the Hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Ron - January 8 - 7:33 am

  I traded in my Expedition on the Hemi as my teenagers are working their way out of the house (the third seat in the Ford was no longer really needed) and I wanted a smaller vehicle. I still needed a high tow capacity truck and the "if you need it, it is there" third seat. In short, the vehicle was a great buy with the rebate and had quite a few features that my Expedition did not have. Lots complain about gas mileage: I get 17.2 hwy (better than the Ford). The ride and comfort are better than the Expedition. It is also quieter. The interior needs some refinement - fit & finish is good but style could be improved to give it a higher end feel (it is slightly tacky IMO).

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  Thirsty but fun - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Steve - January 1 - 8:40 am

  I initially had my heart set on a Durango, but also had my eye on the Commander. The first I drove a Commander was in my test drive (I usually try to rent a potential purchase for a weekend) and was impressed. I think the quality of materials and assembly are on par with its cost. Not luxurious, but comfortable, particularly with the leather like mine. The back-up sensor is a must, given that the stadium seating limits rear visibility. If you require all 3 rows plus a lot of storage, you might look at something else, because with those seats up, theres only about 8" of storage space. It meets my needs, as I only occasionally use the 3rd row. One really bad thing is the awful mpg.

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  Cleared for Take Off !!! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Ready for Take Off ! - December 21 - 12:33 pm

  Very pleased with the ride and roadability both in the city in the highway. My compliments to for the new re-engineered 4.7 and refinement of 5- 45fre autotrans being one of the best rans out there, period! The offering of creature comforts is higher than most Benzs! This vehilce is a keeper - it tows our flat bed to get the chores done, our 24 ft trailer to play, a limo for arriving at our favorite dinner spot, plenty of room for our family, and looks great in our circle drive - it does it all. "American" got it right and Jeep does not go out of style! Gas, . . . I got such a good deal and my driving miles are very reasonable I am just fine. It drives fresh as the day I tested drove it!

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  Ive Grown to love the Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Cindy - December 18 - 5:50 am

  I have driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for several years. I have always liked the luxury look of a Limited package, but the durability & safety of an SUV. The "boxy" Commander style was not what I was looking for in a Jeep for 06. I dont need the 7 seats but could use the cargo room. The Commander standard was too plain & reminded me of the old Jeep Wagoneer style of the 70s. Then I fell in love with a Black Limited Commander with the saddle brown leather seats. It had the Hemi (would have preferred the V8) & the side curtain airbags sold me. I was in an accident a month ago, with another Dodge Ram truck & we both hit at 45 mph. The 5 star rating was right on. That vehicle saved my life.

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  A Best Buy For My Family - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Josh in LA - December 3 - 4:26 am

  My wife and I looked and looked and looked for a SUV that fit us and our 3 kids without the size of a suburban. We absolutely love this jeep. The gas mileage isnt great but it is fun to drive, it seats seven, and its very comfortable. We went with the V6 because there wasnt a need to pull anything, but it still offers plenty of power and get up. I am confident that it could pull a ski boat and 7 passengers with no problems.