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:

• 

  BEST SUV EVER - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By spoiled - October 16 - 1:40 pm

  We just purchased a new Jeep Commander. I had always driven a small luxury car. The SUV seems huge. To me it is like you took a Hummer and a Land Rover and combined the two. I absolutely love it. It is nice to look at. The interior is designed well. This is my first time to have cloth seats, but I love them. They are much better than leather if you ask me especially with the warranty for replacement if they become stained. I can not imagine a more perfect vehicle for a family. The third row seat has gotten some negative reviews, but not from me. I love it as well. It is perfect for kids who love to ride in the back.

• 

  LOVE my Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jen - October 7 - 3:03 am

  I have never felt so safe in any vehicle! This Jeep has handled any weather we have had in a year and a half. I live in NW PA so we see a lot of severe weather. We had a small issue with the passenger window, but the warranty took care of that. I have had to replace the windshield 3 times since I bought it. Every time a rock hits it, it cracks! Only 2 complaints. The gas mileage is typical for an SUV (13 city/18 hwy) and room in the back (or lack of room). My whole family is tall (Husband, Wife & 2 girls) from 57" to 64". Unless my husband is driving, it is very uncomfortable for him. And although I appreciate that 3rd row is an option, we dont need it as much as we need the room.

• 

  Jeep review - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By angie - September 18 - 3:56 pm

  I really like how it handles and how big it is. I really like that it seats up to 7 passengers. The design of it is nice. It looks and rides great. I have always love Jeep. It really does well in the snow.

• 

  Great Truck! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By mscott75 - September 15 - 6:00 am

  So far so good! I have owned my Commander for about 3 months. The only issue I have had was a wind noise from the windshield. I took it to the dealer and it was quickly resolved. I have just performed my first oil change and the truck runs beautifully. I average between 14.5 to 16.7 miles per gallon. Anyone who buys one of these shouldnt get to complain about something like that (mpgs).

• 

  No dip stick!! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lisaray - September 8 - 11:43 am

  Was extremely upset to find that the transmission was leaking and went to check the oil and found that there was NO DIP STICK!! Will be getting rid of the vehicle soon. Will NEVER purchase another Jeep because of this. What if I was on the road and something went wrong w/ the vehicle and really needed to check my oil? Wow, out of luck. They sure do want to make sure to get your money. Love the vehicle, but never again.

• 

  Great Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ken H - September 7 - 6:06 pm

  This Jeep rocks! It handles the rough roads in and around New Orleans as easily as smooth Interstates. Comfy interior, quality design and materials, great fit and finish, smooth quiet ride and V8 Hemi power with a classic Jeep look. Too many features to praise including the auto a/c, which took a bit to understand, but now absolutely love it! The regular gas does help mitigate the v8s thirst, but the Jeep is so fun to drive I dont even worry about the gas. Such a quality ride. Keep placing the design and quality of this Jeep into all of your Chrysler , Dodge and Jeep products and I think youll have no problems selling vehicles.

• 

  Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Missy R - September 4 - 4:50 pm

  The tank is small and the fuel mileage is terrible so Im at the gas station quite often. Also because of the stadium seating it is hard to see through the rear mirror. The upside is pretty good though. Its the best driving SUV I have owned and it is extremely comfortable.

• 

  2006 Commander Ltd 4.7L V8 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By BERNIE - August 31 - 11:50 pm

  A lot of fun to drive. Handles well. Great head and leg room.

• 

  Best suv ever with hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By gary - August 21 - 7:03 am

  One of the best cars I ever owned! Hemi power is great. Can average 23 mpg if I drive like I am 90 years old. Tried it! Otherwise I average about 18 mpg, racing everyone who will Dare! Great SUV. Does everything above average.

• 

  Jeep Commander limited - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By MIchael - August 20 - 3:03 am

  Going from a Toyota to a Jeep makes me realize how far Chrysler still has to go. The Jeep has been reliable and steady through the first 2000 miles but uninpressive.In reality, this vehicle should have seating for five not seven. Its just not big enough and because of this the ergonomics of the interior suffer.Instead of competing directly with the Grand Cherokee, I dont understand why jeep wouldnt ditch the Durango/Aspen and make this their full size vehicle and make it world class.