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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  Owned 3 Jeeps - May want to keep looking - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bryan - February 28 - 6:33 am

  Gas mileage of 15.5 mpg combined city & highway driving on the V8 model much worse than expected or advertised. Gas tank is small and only goes about 200 to 225 miles on a tank of gas. If you have small children that require a car seat(s) it will be difficult to fold the seats down to reach the third row. This is the 3rd Jeep I have owned; Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and now Commander - Commander by far is the least desirable (if you want a Jeep buy the Grand Cherokee instead).

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  Worth all that money? - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Becky - February 25 - 10:13 pm

  I fell in love with the model on the showroom floor. Refused to pay $820 for the chrome wheels; didnt need the hemi engine; didnt want the back seat entertainment system. LOVE the heated leather front seats. Lots of extras Im still learning to use, but they are worth the cost. The car runs so quiet I have to listen to be sure it cranked. Cruises powerfully at 80 with great road handling in the curves. Only bad thing is it needs a bigger gas tank. I want to go about 350 miles between fill ups. Gets around 17 on the interstate, better if I go slower. Highly recommend this model. Plus I feel important driving this impressive SUV.

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  Great Value - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Keith - February 22 - 1:56 pm

  We just bought this vehicle. I think the value is tremendous. The seating is very comfortable and roomy. I love the reclining second row! The leather feels thick and durable. The instrument panel is well laid out. The 4.7L engine has plenty of power and the ride is great. Taking it up to the snow this weekend to test out the handling in the snow.

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  Not happy with its reliability.... :-( - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By lnunez - February 6 - 4:03 am

  We owned a 1995 Jeep, we were so pleased with this Jeep we decided to purchase the Commander, without reading up on the reviews. Big mistake, we have been taking the jeep to the dealer because it accelerates at a stop. i feel it has a mind of its own. We also had a problem with the windshield the weather strip unglued and we had to pay for it. Its hard to see at the back window, has too many blind stops. Will be trading it in for a toyota sienna.

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  BJS REVIEW - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By BJ - February 2 - 12:40 pm

  Love the vehicle. Great bang for the buck. Only problem since purchase is dashboards exterior temperature gauge faulty and has been since purchase June 06. Dealers excuse is faulty software problem and waiting for Chrysler to correct. Lame excuse if you ask me since this vehicle has been in production for over a year now. Also dissatisfied with exterior room when 3rd row seats are folded down. They do not recess into the body but rather take up valuable vertical space. Would rather have not had the 3rd row but unfortunately it is mandatory; they go with the vehicle rather than being an option as they should have been for us who never will use them.

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  Wouldnt sell for $1million! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Gwynda - February 1 - 3:13 am

  I have wanted this car for 2 yrs and, two days after buying, rear ended another car. I feel confident in saying that I feel, if we were still driving my tiny cobalt, my daughter and i would have had several injuries. The gas mileage isnt beautiful, but the peace of mind knowing I am in a safe car outweighs this. The interior and exterior design are awesome. Even when this commander plays out on me, I will be shopping for another!

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  5th Jeep and sticking with them!!!!!! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By creekdigger - January 24 - 3:40 pm

  i still have my 4th Jeep a grand cherokee all have exceeded 330,000 no major issues. Bought the 07 commander in 09 with 20k on it now has 46k no issues. I haul boats campers and a 8 x 12 enclosed trailer and only drop 3 miles per gallon expect 15-18 mpg thats the ouch but its a tank in all terrains/conditions. We have 4 kids & moved from Michigan (awesome in snow) to Tennessee Mountains it rocks. Ya I had the sun roof leak issue took it all apart (didnt have to)all it was is a plugged drain hole in each front corner use a shop vac once in awhile to vacuum it out (no more issues $0 cost to repair its called maintenance). Ill drive this jeep to 300,000 easy. Jeep best bang for your buck!

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  Dont think I made a good choice - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mcoey - January 24 - 2:13 pm

  I have had mine for 6 months now and have had it in the shop 10 times for the engine light. They cannot figure it out and they are giving me a hard time about the lemon law. I am just not happy at all. This is the first brand new car I have had in a long time and this just ruined it. I like the jeep, just wish they could fix the problem.

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  Limited interior room - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By sandman - January 18 - 4:53 am

  Very limited room when you have car seats in back. No leg room for front seat.

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  Fantastic Jeep - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Old man Jeep - January 11 - 6:10 pm

  Our Commander is a replacement to 2 previous Grand Cherokees and a Cherokee. Weve been a Jeep family for many years and love the feel and drive of Jeep products. This one surpasses all others. It rides high with excellent front visibility and the seats are very comfy. The engine (4.7) gets about 13 mpg around town and about 19 on the road(not bad for a V8!) and has lots of power. The side air bags are a great safety feature. We heard the Commander might be eliminated in 2009. This would be a huge mistake, as this is the only full size (7 passenger) SUV that Jeep offers and is competitive with most larger family type SUVs. Also it is one of the few full size SUVs that is offroad capable.