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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  Buy A Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mr Moose from Maine - May 10 - 4:50 am

  If a Jeep Cherokee and a Chevy Suburban had kids, they would be Commanders. This is one great SUV. Ive owned a lot of SUVs since 1988 and the Commander is the best. I live in Maine where snow is measured in feet, not inches.The Quadra Drive II is amazing; I BURIED my Commanders right side in a snow bank on purpose and the Quadra Drives limited slip differentials locked in and out I came. I tried it with my 96 Cherokee with Select Trac and a Trac Lok rear. I needed the Commander to pull me out. Get the 4.7 V8 and the Off Road Group II if you do any off roading or live in an area with a lot of snow. Buy a Commander! Youll love it!

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  2009 Commander 4x4 - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By mikeb - May 1 - 11:40 pm

  super vehicle I cant say enough about it good gas mileage, comfortable, plenty of storage space since I order the no 3rd row seat option. gets 20+ hwy 18 around town To me it is the perfect SUV

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  Love this vehicle - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By LittleCofeBean - May 1 - 8:33 pm

  I love this vehicle - it has been great in the snow and 4 wheeling. I do wish that it came with beefier tires, so I am putting a small lift and better tires on it. I see a lot of people have reported leaking problems. Yes - it did in mine too - but that was fixed with beads of silicone along the door frame. Jeep has instructions on their site on how to fix this. We did and we have had no problems since then. I love this ride and am completely content with it. I average about 15 Town/22 HWY.

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  tire pressure monitor problems - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By newbox - April 23 - 1:33 pm

  Love the commander but there is a problem with the tpms and I am told by dealer it can not be fixed

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  The "IT" Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By canes97 - April 7 - 5:40 am

  I love the way this vehicle drives and the roominess of the interior. The engine is quiet as well as little road noise. Off-road the Commander is just that -- commanding. It is a very capable off-road vehicle and it performed better than I would have expected. Whether the Commander is for work, play or comfort this vehicle has it all and I love it.

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  Loves my Hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Denise Morrow - April 7 - 1:23 am

  I like the SUV experience and this is a luxury liner for the SUV. Handling is impressive. The Commanders style and class cant be compared to anything less expensive than the Land Rover and compared to the Land Rover the Commanders ride and the driving experience is much better. Although the limited cargo space has been bothersome from time to time, I wouldnt want the vehicles length extended so the trade-off is okay. The stereo display unit could be improved. I should have purchased a 4.7 instead of the 5.7 if Hemi is available with 4.7.

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  Run fast from this LEMON!!!!! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By LEMON ANYONE!?!?! - March 27 - 8:03 am

  I fell in love with this truck immediately but after 2 weeks it was in the shop 4xs. 1st the 4x4 needed replacement, 2nd-tire was leaking- pressure light consistently on, 3rd & 4th windows wouldnt stay up and the navigation, cd player and tv all died out and needed to be replaced and STILL was not working! I had the truck for 3 1/2 weeks and it is now back on the dealership lot under the LEMON LAW act...THANK GOODNESS for that! I loved driving it though even if it was only back and forth to the dealership to be fixed! I knew the gas would be an issue but it was worse than my husbands full size Silverado Pickup. Run from this truck. If you decide to go for it get the extended warranty!!

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  Side airbags may not deploy during roll - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Rubino - March 23 - 1:20 pm

  Ive been a Jeep owner since 1985. Ive loved and trusted them until Jan 2007 when I was sideswiped by a van while traveling 35-40pph on the highway. As the Commander spun, rolled, and violently hit the pavement, the driver seat and the top of the pax seat had no protection from the outter elements. Neither side airbag deployed. It was a horrifying incident which totalled the Jeep. The only life saver safety item that did its job properly was the seat belt. Had I not been wearing the federally mandated basic seat belt I would be dead.

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  Cool air from vents.. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By dr burke - March 11 - 8:56 am

  I own a Jeep Commander 5.7 V8 Limited and try not to drive with the air conditioner on, for fuel economy. But, Ive discovered how you can get cold air out, without using the compressor and still get good fuel economy. I have the dual control with a vent dial and fan speed dial. If you turn the right dial to auto and turn the fan speed to where ever want it, with the temperatures dials all the way down, you will get cool air out, but the air conditioner light doesnt come on. I think the dehumidifier is taking the moisture out of the air and pumping out cold air, without using the compressor. Give it a try and see what results you get. dr burke.

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  I want another one - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By HappyOwner - March 9 - 6:06 am

  This Jeep is awesome. It drives and handles like a luxury car, and not a truck. I love the stares I get when people watch me drive by. Jeep has truly outdone themselves with this hip new stylish SUV hybrid Jeep. My only concern is the gas mileage or lack thereof. I average 15 mpg back and forth to work, but dang. Did I say this truck is awesome?