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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  gas milage - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By carole spicer - November 23 - 5:53 pm

  Gas tank is half the size it should be. At 21 gallons youll be searching for a gas station every 180 miles or every 3 hours you will be out of gas. Towing a empty trailer approx 800 lbs. I got 12.5 mpg on the freeway. The hemi stinks huge amounts of gas. As much as a 454 suburban 4x4 does. The Sirius radio has almost no reception. On a 6 hour drive it came on 3 times for a total of 10 minutes max.

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  I chose the 5.7L Hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Steelblueone - November 21 - 3:16 pm

  I bought the Commander as the family shuttle, realizing its limitations in that regard; it is not a mini Van, so in that capacity it is just adequate. It is not just a suburban taxi, it wants to play. It is a 7 seat 4x4 SUV and as that, it stands out as you leave the road and hit the trails. On the roads the Hemis power is effortless and always available. Inside it is very comfortable and my three kids (10, 9, and 6) love the stadium seating and the moonroof. It is quiet inside and the sound system is excellent.

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By caligirl - October 29 - 2:13 pm

  I was worried the 3.7L engine would not have enough power but it is adequate. I have 2 children in car seats and an 8yr old and there is plenty of room. We are talking large Britax car seats and I was still able to pack my 3 kids and my friends 2 elementary aged children in the Jeep including her with no problems. I love my Jeep, I wouldnt trade it for any other vehicle out there! The stereo is great for not going with the upgraded system and the rear ac/heater and reverse sensing are wonderful.

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  never again - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By never again - October 19 - 11:50 pm

  This is my first and last Jeep. Lets start with interior there is no cargo room, you cant see anything out of the rear window, when you are at a traffic light you almost have to lay your chin on the dash to see the light, it sounds like the front end is falling out on every bump. Now to the milage WOW I get better mileage in my 1978 big block motorhome pulling a trailer than I do in this jeep just driving around town ! I put a K and N filter in and it didnt help at all. average city is 7-9 hiway is 13-14.5

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  Cant get right - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Isaac - October 18 - 11:50 am

  Wife and I traded in my Rodeo after being run off the road by the Police during a snow storm. Vehicle handled great but the whistling noise cam in about 2mts after purchased. The dealer fixed the problem. 3mts back for the same problem. 3mts later same problem, dealer said it was the windshield wipers being too light, so I changed to duel wipers and it reduced the noise but it is still there. Truck wouldnt start wife took to dealer, said it was the battery while there they found it had a leaking exhaust manifold gasket, dealer wanted $800 to fix. Can be fixed for less and vehicle is in the shop as I type. Vehicle does have elect issues with tire gage. Stitching loose in rear seat.

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  WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Lorelei - October 8 - 2:50 am

  Computer tells me I am getting "8.9" miles to the gallon, and that is ACCURATE. I spend more on gas for this hog than a mortgage payment every month. HORRIBLE RESALE!!! NOT dependable, despite regular maintenance from an accredited dealer. Horrible family car. I have four children, and they always have friends ride with us. Seats are hard and extremely uncomfortable for short drives. I would NEVER recommend this vehicle to anyone. Other jeeps seem to rate better, but as far as this model....big thumbs down.

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  Research this to death - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jhendo - October 6 - 1:10 pm

  Had a 97 Pathfinder w/ 197K on it & considered another (but noisy ride) & 4Runner (expensive & tight). Loved the Commander look but was hesitant due to reliability concerns. Too early to know if I made a mistake, but purchased the 100k warranty just in case. I have friends who have Jeeps with 200K. My sisters Honda Odyssey is in the shop all the time. Sometimes you just get a bad one. So far the ride is plush & surprisingly quiet relative to Pathfinder/4Runner. Got $10K off sticker on an 06 model. Worth the money given the 07 is not different. Wife was not a big fan of the boxy look but has definitely grown to appreciate its look and features.

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  Lovin it - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Mom of 2 kids & dogs - September 24 - 9:46 pm

  I love this Jeep. I have owned various 3 row vehicles. I owned an MPV and then an Excursion. This fits the bill in lots of ways and I find the external design to be very fun.

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  New Car - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jason - September 21 - 9:36 pm

  Great new SUV. The 3.7 is a perfect choice and the 4.7 doesnt seem to perform any better. A lot of options with the Rocky Mountain package.

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  Love my commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By phranican - September 19 - 3:23 am

  Love my commander. sold a grand Cherokee with 120K miles and said what the heck Ill take another jeep. Love the exterior, based on the original Cherokee and the interior is very comfy, leather is awesome. I purchased with 10K mile, at 32K now, not a single problem so far. I dont gun it, dont brake hard probably why i average 16 mile per gallon. Its a great ride, very quiet. highly recommend if you need a truck and dont want to pay out the rear.