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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  big power and huge fun - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By bigpower - August 17 - 9:23 pm

  I have a 2008 jeep commander 4x4 limited 5.7 big hemi v8 its power is simply amazing and is very fun to drive. the drive quality is the best even better than my grandmothers 2006 caddy dts and there is no road noise, I had a 2007 Nissan Xterra and the commander is by far the better suv on and off road plus better fuel economy. When I drive my commander I feel safe and in control its a great big safe suv with an ample amount of power thanks to the HEMI!

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  Is The Bloom Off The Rose? - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Texas Commander Guy - August 11 - 12:20 am

  I bought my Jeep Commander in December 2006, and I now have 15,000 miles on it. It has the 4.7 L V8. I just took a trip over 3000 miles, and I have come to know my Jeep Commanders strenths and weaknesses. Strenths include a quiet ride, classy interior, cool retro looks, room for seven if two are children (though my college VP did ride in the 3rd row with no complaints for 5 miles), reliability and cool 6 CD Boston Accoustic stereo system, and decent highway mileage. Weaknesses, so-so city mileage, small third row, blind spot if third row is left up, drinks a quart of oil about every 3000 miles, styling is not loved by all. Highway mileage is 20.6, honest!

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  WOW - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By JUMPMAN - August 2 - 9:56 am

  Proud owner of a white (exterior), saddle brown (interior), Limited 4x4 Hemi Commander. Bought it yesterday and have no complaints whatsoever. Love the power of the Hemi, ride, options, everything about it. I got it $6800 below invoice, including $2000 rebate.Out the door price: $41,000 and change. Uconnect, saddle brown seats, upgraded tires, rims, gps navigation, VES and forgot which tow group. No haggle and hassle.

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  recall - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By marcus - July 25 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car for my wife after looking at a number of cars. One of the first things that I noticed when I drove it home is that this thing is going to love gas. But I was ok with that because this is something my wife would drive and she only do about 50 miles a week. Overall I love the way the looks and drive with that 4.7 v8. I had some concerns after reading a fee reviews from edmunds whether I made the right decision on going with the Jeep. I have experienced the wind noise from the windshield and the engine stalling. But I got on to Jeep website and went to the owners link and to my surprise the have issued a recall on the engine stalling. So hopefully this will fix that problem.

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  09 Commander - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By JGS - July 14 - 12:46 pm

  Very satisfied. Excellent four wheel drive system. Very powerful, smooth, and quite powertrain. Achieving slightly better mpg than EPA estimates.

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  Watch out for the windshield - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Nestorr - July 12 - 11:26 am

  Overall the Commander is an eye catcher. I love how it drives, but unfortunately the windshield is very weak. I replaced it twice in the past 2 months. Is not a good sign when a "Trail rated" vehicle cant take a hit from small debris. It can sustain direct hits from road hazards as long as its not hit on the edges of the glass. I would like to know how the Hummers windshield performs when it comes to road hazards.

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  Surprised - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Karon - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased for my husband. He had a 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade. He loved it but it was time to find a new vehicle. When I went out shopping to the Jeep place, they showed me this 2008 Commander Limited. I feel in love with it. Its nice to have room as a passenger. We have no need for the 3rd row seats, so that isnt a issue. I highly recommend this vehicle if you want comfort & fun driving. The downside, which I was surprised about, is the cargo space. Not enough. We are going to see if removing the 3rd row seats will help that. Otherwise, everything is great about it. Cant believe we bought a V8, but with a vehicle like this. its worth it!

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  Affordable Ride! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Deborah Fowler - July 10 - 12:16 am

  What a wonderful alternative to huge SUVs and minivans. This great vehicle is comfy, fun to drive, and caries lots of kids and family. It is great to own a small SUV that is so versatile. The Commander handles well, rides smooth, and looks great!

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  Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tinacole01@comcast.n - June 29 - 5:03 pm

  I love this vehicle i feel very safe in it. the only issue is the design to access the 3rd row seating. other then that i love it. I love the power when you need it. If you have to merge onto the freeway or interstate quickly that is never an issue. I will be sad to see that under our new administration in the white house that our safety on the roads will be comprised over the new large lies about the EPA. So with that said i hope to hold onto my commander for a long time.

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  best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By george - June 23 - 1:06 pm

  I bought my Jeep in 2006 with 26 miles on it and basically have driven it crazy to the tune of 103,000 miles with no engine problems at all. Only negative Id have to say is the Goodyear tires that came with the vehicle were awful, I replaced them with Fusion XTI and its been great since...keep up the scheduled maint. and it will keep running.