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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  V6 Performance - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Dave - September 15 - 7:36 pm

  Acceleration from 0 is pretty good. The only time I find myself wishing from more power is when merging onto a highway. The QT1 is real good, it perform excellent in the snow, dirt, and moderate off road.

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  new Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jrchevy - September 9 - 4:26 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle a week ago. Best car for my money so far. Roomy enough for my family with 2 car seats for the kids.

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  Commander is a Great Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jshuss - September 7 - 6:06 am

  I have had my Commander for a few months now and have put it through rush hour and trips across the mountains in Colorado and i have been pleased and comfortable the whole time. It has enough power to push me up the mountains on onto the freeway. Yes, it does not throw into my seat when I press on the gas, but I did not expect that from a two and a half ton giant. A little squat in my seat makes me happy, nonetheless. The ride is smooth and quiet and things seem put together well. I have been in older Chrysler products and this one is truly a HUGE improvement. Overall, I am happy with my Commander, bring on more snow!

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  Disappointed - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By R C Mangham - August 11 - 2:03 pm

  Very poor gas mileage in town, only about 13, freeway about 19. Very comfortable and powerful with V-8. It is too big. We traded in a 03 Cherokee and would much rather have the Cherokee.

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  A great jeep, and its got a Hemi! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By PC - August 7 - 6:00 pm

  Commander Overland has everything I need, I tows 7500 lbs, it fun to drive and fits everywhere. Smooth and comfortable ride. I make 400 mile trips to Maine from NJ on a regular basis. I even have the stock goodyear forteras up to 46,000 miles so far. 3rd row seats fold flat into the floor. I carry two black labs back there with their own A/C vents when the seats are down. I tow a 24 4500 lb jet boat and a 20 3000 lb snowmobile trailer in heavy snow along mountain passes with complete confidence.

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  Not a real Jeep - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Le Roy Family - August 6 - 6:53 am

  Bought with 25 miles on the odometer. I come from a long line of JEEP lovers. Usually there is a lot of aftermarket support for JEEP except these fake Jeeps. I wanted a new JK 4 door but she wanted to seat 6+. So the Commander was it. At first she loved it as she only drives 16 miles to work and back 3 days. At only 1,400 miles the transmission seized and had to be fixed. We are at 10,000+ now. The back up warning and tire pressure monitor is constantly acting up and giving warning lights. I love it and hate it at the same time. The big boo boo is the IFS front suspension and the entire body is half plastic. I will stick with my 20 year old modified XJ at 200,000 miles, I can wheel it.

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  Jeep Commander is 2nd to none. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By heartrok - July 29 - 8:40 am

  We purchased a Limited model with every option. Kids love the Sirius backseat TV. MyGIG Nav with VES is simply fabulous. QuadraDrive II makes driving in 10 inches of snow a breeze. Build quality is top notch and overall this Jeep feels solid. Backup camera is very useful in this vehicle as rear visibility is compromised with 3rd row seat up. Too many useful options to name...UConnect bluetooth, Smartbeam headlights, hill ascent and descent assist, ESP, traction control, rear sky windows, etc. If you are looking for a great SUV with tons of options for a fair price and not sacrifice quality...I strongly recommend the Jeep Commander.

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  Hate the seat belt sound - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jack Tawil - July 28 - 1:10 am

  Got the car in September of 06, i love it has great power on the 4.7 eat a boat load of gas if your doing a lot of city driving. the tire light went on for no reason, hate it when the dash board looks like a Christmas tree. the dealer ship blamed it on the weather. the seat belt alarm could stress you out big time make you want to brake something its very very annoying. and it wont stop until you buckle up. but for highway driving after like 2 min it shuts up. over all the jeep is a monster and a lot of fun to drive. get a pair of shades and cruise its a lot of fun

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  ITS A JEEP - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By STAAR - July 20 - 2:50 pm

  I bought the 4x4 Commander. It is strong, sturdy and doesnt whimper off road. Cargo space is fantastic and the seats fold down flat. Nice sound system and back up buddy on base models. I had the Lojack early warning put in since we are close to the border. I did not like that Lojack could not add their audible alarm system and it would have to be Jeeps.

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  2007 Jeep Commander Limited V8 Hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By none - July 13 - 12:46 am

  I love this jeep. The second and third row seating is cramped, but Im the driver so it doesnt apply to me. Only comfortable for kid passengers.