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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  Must have gotten a jewel - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Black 65th - December 4 - 2:43 pm

  Had the truck now for 7200 miles - 6 or so months. Getting at 19 highway with mobil 1 and premium unleaded. The truck has been nothing but trouble free. Quarkey - yes... but a very strong feeling drive. Very happy. Use the gear auto shift and the truck will react better... What Ive seen with these 3.7s.

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  Follower, not a Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Scott - November 12 - 1:33 am

  2006 Commander, Limited, Hemi, DVD and navi. 27 mo/45,000 mi lease. Looks are deceiving, reliability is not. Thankfully it is leased, goes back in Sept 2008. Leaky sunroof, broken starter, broken heater/AC blower (twice), bad windshield seal, 4 warped brake rotors (no trailing), factory paint drips here and there. Dealer service is average at best. Dealer refused to turn/replace the 4 warped brake rotors (wear item beyond 36,000 mi but within extended warranty). Goodyear turned for $150 as opposed to dealers $450 fee! Vehicle looks good (black, chrome wheels, etc), reasonably comfortable,lots of Hemi power, DVD and Navi are good (Honda Navi better). Needs larger fuel tank and luggage capacity.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tom Gretz - November 3 - 7:50 am

  This SUV is vastly under rated. The ride is extremely smooth and the performance of the 4.7 V8 is perfect for this SUV. Jeep has done a superb job with the finish and quality. I like the heavy duty look of the interior and the location of the controls especially the location of the emergency brake lever. I also own a Honda Pilot and this SUV is actually a step above the Pilot in overall driving capabilities. Its about time Daimler Chrysler listens to what people want in a midsize SUV. By the way the third seat, although not really suited for large adults on long trips, is perfect for that emergency situation when an extra person or two arrive on the scene. Overall this SUV is great!

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  Needs more room - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dee - October 28 - 12:23 am

  I think this is good vehicle but It could use some improvements. Mainly the back seat does not have enough leg room. I am a fairly big man and found the vehicle to be cramped for my children if theyre riding in the back seat with me in the car. The drive of the car is outstanding. I had a larger SUV before this one and the Jeep drive just the same if not slightly better.

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  Good Deal... - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By john2551 - October 20 - 7:03 am

  Recently purchased a demo 06 Commander for around $19k. I was amazed at all the standard features this car has. To me the Commander drives better than my sisters Tahoe which she paid $12k more. Cant beat the price especially when Jeep is always giving incentives. Only complaint is the 3rd row which takes up to much usable space. Had a problem with the tire monitor going off for no reason, but dealer fixed it.

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  My Rocky Mountain Edition - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By thpcaptain - September 13 - 8:41 pm

  I bought my 2007 Jeep Commander in August of 2012 with 59 K. I had been looking for awhile and finally found one in near mint condition. I had accepted a transfer to Yellowstone National Park, which was over 1,500 miles away, and thought the Commander would suit my needs. Since I was pulling a trailer my mpg was not that good...avg. 18 mpg. When I came home for Christmas/no trailer I avg. 24-25 mpg. My only problem with it was a leak coming thru the grab rails on each side. Come to find out the drain tubes of the sun roof were plugged but once they were cleaned out I have not had any more leak problems. I really like my Commander.

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  Windshield noise & engine quits - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lorenzo - September 10 - 4:33 pm

  Has been at the dealer 5 times for wind noise coming thru the windshield at high speeds. Applying for the Lemon Law to have Jeep replace the vehicle. Motor has cut off several times, taken to the dealer twice.

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  Gas Guzzling, but Utiltitarian - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By DEREK GRANT - August 25 - 12:16 pm

  Its actually pretty nice. Good size. Not compact at all, but not the size of a Suburban despite seating 7. On the other hand, itll burn a hole into your account with the cost of fuel. Avg in the city: 12. Yea... like a 70s barge. Avg on the highway: 17. Which is the lowest end on the spectrum of fuel efficiencies in other cars similarly sized. But, it is capable of going basically anywhere...

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  Look elsewhere - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By diggyp - August 24 - 10:10 pm

  Drove this car for one week during west coast trip. Cannot recall that a car that was so unenjoyable to drive. First , the acceleration of the base V6 engine is very poor. Merges on the crowded California highways are just downright scary with a car that accelerates like an overloaded tractor trailer. 200 horsepower is inadequate for such a big SUV. Second, the car was not designed with visibility in mind. Without passengers, there are some large blind spots on both sides that make lane changes a harrowing experience. With passengers, you can forget about even being able to check if there are oncoming cars when you are looking to change lanes.

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  First Jeep and Love It - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tcchadwell - August 14 - 10:13 am

  Bought used, fully loaded Limited with 4.7 L V8. Rides like a four door sedan unlike my old Explorer or Durango. Very quiet on the highway too. Smaller V8 provides plenty of performance. So far I have found no problems with it. Third seat is split with straps on the back to pull up and fold flat. Daughter loves to sit in the third row. Nav system is a must although touch screen would be even better.