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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  Love This SUV - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By EGB - August 6 - 8:56 am

  I have a 2007 Commander Limited with the 5.7L HEMI. I have driven it 2500+ miles so far. Mileage is better than what I expected based on other reviewers. I took a 250 mile trip and averaged 20.1 mpg using the cruise control set at 70 mph. I calculated this manually and the onboard computer confirmed it. Overall, Im averaging 16.5 mpg on combined city/highway (25%/75%) driving. The ride is very smooth and it handles like a smaller vehicle. The torque/acceleration with the HEMI brings a big smile to my face. My favorite SUV so far (had Toyota 4Runner, Lexus RX330). The seats are comfortable and 2nd row leg room is better than advertised (stadium seating makes this row sit higher).

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  What a warranty! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By The Bybees - July 31 - 9:50 am

  Our family of five (6,8,13) fit perfectly in the Commander with room for friends. It is the perfect size for us. We live on a country road and it handles the bumps with ease. It rides very well on the highway and exceleration is adequite. The sound system is very good and I love the manual shift auto transmission. We have not tested the mileage which I usually dont until after the second oil change and start using synthetics. I will pay the extra fuel costs for the comfort. I have the same issue viewing traffic thru the rear glass with the third seat in the upright position. The rear sensing alarm is cool. Jeep offered a lifetime full coverage warranty for $1100 that was awsome.

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  Commander: Soccer Dad Auto - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Pipe_Dream - July 6 - 12:00 pm

  I bought my Commander a month ago and am still waiting to get better than 12mpg city. Wow! Fuel economy means nothing at Jeep. I feel like it was something of an "impulse" purchase. I probably would have gone for something different if I had thought about it for another week or so. The first big rain of the year and my front passenger door seal started leaking. Jeep fixed. The looks and exterior sizing feels a little too metro for me. I figure Im in it for the next few years, since the resale is dropping as I type.

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  Love my jeep - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By freeze does it - July 1 - 10:06 pm

  I love my Commander. The hemi is outstanding and just took it on a trip of 1000 miles and actually got great gas mileage when i wasnt gunning it. I got in mixed driving 17.5 mpg which was great for how much truck you drive. I have a fully loaded one and i love the nav and back up camera and the dealer i bought it from is great. I have bought jeeps before and I will continue to support the brand!

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  Love the return of the boxier Jeep style - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By LBK - June 25 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle has been fun to drive around town and was very comfortable on a 600+ mile trip we took within the first 3 months of ownership. It rides well, corners remarkably well and has ample interior room. It holds 5 adults very comfortably and can accommodate 2 additional kids in the 3rd row. The V8 engine provides plenty of acceleration power.

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  4 Jeep vehicle and all were great - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mark - June 24 - 3:13 pm

  Very good vehicle so far. Do lots of driving - 24/25K miles a year. Will soon get Jeep # 5.

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  Great Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By danbasting52 - June 11 - 12:20 am

  Had the Commander just over 3 weeks. So far, love it. We had to have a 3rd row seat and 4x4.Considered other larger SUVs (Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, etc.) Found this one used with low miles for a great price. The only thing it didnt have was a DVD system and a hitch. The dealer added those items plus tinted the windows for no cost. That was the seller for us.

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  Way too small for a family..... - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Charlie - May 15 - 3:55 pm

  I purchased this truck a year ago. As soon as I put car seats in the back, I couldnt sit comfortably in the front. You need touch the dashboard in the passenger seat, you cant even open the glove box. Driving the truck, I cant even see the gauges without sucking my head down because I was so close to the dashboard. And my sons feet are against my seat. And Im not a big man, just 6:40. The rear storage is not big either. For a big SUV, the layout of this truck is terrible. The transmission was garbage. Had to put a new one in and 100000 miles. Seems like something breaks on it every other week. And the Jeep dealership near me needs at 2 to 3 week appointment to get service done. So if you want to go to the dealership, you need to make an appointment after you break down. Not very convenient. I will never own another jeep again! One year later, and truck still sucks! Worse than before! Something breaks on this piece of garbage once a week!

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  New Owner with 4 past Jeeps - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Les Tardiff - May 15 - 1:13 am

  Drives like a Cherokee (what I wanted). Not great on gas (did not expect it to be). Comfortable, but lots of exterior plastic $$$ in a crash. Visibility good, handling nice. 4.7 enough power, would not suggest a V6. Dont bother with the HEMI unless you do a lot of towing and then of course you should have bought a truck! Lower ground clearance than other Jeeps (4 in the past, each I put over 180K miles on each) Not as rugged as my past Jeeps but still room under the hood as I can at least look into the hood area. Looks like an H3 a little and a Land Rover. Drove both of them and still like the Jeep. GPS does stink. Buy an aftermarket Garmin 2720 and put it on the dash. Sound system is great!

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  Love my Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By sherry - May 12 - 3:03 am

  I love driving my new Jeep Commander. Its traction in the rain has been awesome. I havent tried it in the snow yet. Im so happy with the features, design and the roominess for my whole family to ride in it.