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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  Leaks water - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By R Holland - April 9 - 2:06 am

  Nice car, fun to drive, rough mileage is expected. Main issue is quality control on some models. My Rocky Mountain Edition leaks whenever it rains - fills drivers side foot wells. Has been in three times and not fixed. its a design flaw that needs to be fixed.

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  I love this SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By mark - April 3 - 6:56 pm

  This is a great SUV that provides the rugged feel that is associated with safety and a comfortable fun ride. We bought this SUV right before Christmas and drove it over 400 miles for holidays with the family. It drove great and I felt safe and comfortable driving it. I would recommend this SUV for any one thinking of buying one.

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  2006 Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By fireguy750 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Jeep this year and Im very happy with it i love the space inside of it and its great in snow

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  2006 Jeep Commander 65th Anniv. Ed w/4.7 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dale - March 22 - 7:20 pm

  I was excited to finally upgrade to this new Jeep from my reliable but old 95 Dodge Ram 2500HD 4x4 reg. cab P/U with over 150,000 miles. Excited to see the 3rd row (more family friendly then the P/U), and Jeeps backing of off-road performance and quality. However this is not the case. This vehicle has been a problem child since day one. With the whistling sounds, staining cloth seats, breaking vent covers, etc. and of course the poor mpg with a small fuel tank. Too bad the diesel isnt released yet with approximate mpg of 20+ as seen on the Liberty/Sprinter. On the plus side: tight steering, drives like a Caddy, pulls a trailer of 3,000 lbs with no problems.Cant wait for snow&go extreme off road to see what it can do.

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  The Total Package - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Greensburg - March 18 - 9:43 am

  This is my second Jeep product. The last Jeep was a Grand Limited with the 4.7L V8. I needed more room and was looking at the Chevy Suburban and the Ford Expedition. After looking at the Jeep Commander I was totally impressed with the fit and finish of the product. Although not as large as the other two vehicles it had all of the room that I was looking for. This Jeep has a ride, comfort and limited road noise that would rival a premier car. The amenities were so numerous that I fully didnt realize all of them until after I had purchased the vehicle. Although the gas mileage stinks and I wish it was better, this is expected with a vehicle of this type.

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  Classy executive car - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By carlos - March 7 - 3:53 pm

  This car has met all my expectations. As an executive it is roomy, comfortable, and elegant. Gas mileage could be better, but all the other things compensate for it. I would not change. I tried the other jeep models and this is just it for me.

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  I think I bought a lemon - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By firecracker - March 1 - 12:33 am

  I have had all kinds of electrical problems with this car, since I purchased it. The dealership was not very helpful. The locks locked while I stepped out of the car, and the car was running. They lock and unlock as I am driving. Auto wipers dont work that great, and neither does the reverse assistance. The Sirius equipment was faulty. The angle of the windshield, makes it very prone to getting hit by road debris--I replaced two windshields within six months. The breaks had to be replaced within the year, and six months later, need it again. I have never had so many problems with a car. The problems returned about six months after repair. No leg room in the middle seat area.

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  Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By j. byrd - February 27 - 1:10 pm

  We bought our Commander late one afternoon. It had a cool look to it and a third row seat. Which needs to be ditched..you cant see out the back window but through an 11x14 space. The main thing that I hate about the car is the canvas seats that, we were told were stain resistant and water resistant..wrong! My seats are horrible looking and I now have camo seat covers on the back seats because I am embarrassed for the way they look. The windshield whistles when you get past 60 mph. There is no leg room in the front. If I turn the corner hard enough the tires screech. Its been in the shop 2x for power steering failure, in the middle of driving, 6 more months on our lease, PTL.

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  Jeep Commander - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By JohnSt - February 27 - 9:10 am

  I picked up the Jeep Commander two weeks ago and have greatly enjoyed driving the truck. Prior vehicle was a 2004 Land Rover Discovery which was totaled. The overall package is very nicely done with the interior being far more impressive than I expected - the khaki color makes all the difference! I would have preferred the 4.7 liter V-8 but none were available in the Sport model - the 3.7 liter V-6 seems up to the task and it even has a nice growl on acceleration. The ride is magnificent for a truck and the transmission shifts smoothly. Leg room front and back is fine with lots of storage/cubby holes. Initial impression is extremely favorable!

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  Just joined "Its a Jeep Thing" club! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By The Radnad - February 23 - 1:13 pm

  Just bought this for my wife/family vehicle. Its our first SUV and first Jeep and so far we love it! Totally comfortable inside, plenty of room for 15 year old, 4 year old, and 1 year old with room to spare for napping on long trips. Cargo area is very ample for the twice a month grocery run and hardware store supplies. Never thought I would own a Jeep but so far we are having fun with it.