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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  TIRES - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By CASEY - March 27 - 3:13 pm

  I bought the SUV in June 08 and I havent had any problems with the vehicle yet. The gas mileage is horrible but the car drives wonderful. I ran over a large screw driver this weekend and I drove 15 miles with it in my tire because I couldnt pull it out. The guy at Tires Plus had a very hard time pulling the screw driver out of the tire. It took him about 15 minutes to get it out. When he finally got it out of the tire, it didnt need to be replace. He put the tire in the solution and there was no damage. Wow!!! I hope I have good luck with the rest of the car like I did with the tires. Also I wish the 3rd row could have a been more comfortable.

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  Loving my Jeep Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Carol - March 12 - 12:13 am

  I love this vehicle. It has brought my family so much fun. We have discovered parts of Long Island that we never new about. It is an animal on the beach. I have never had any problems at all. This jeep runs great. We bought it as a demo with 9,000 miles on it. It is terrific in all kinds of weather. Snow is not an issue,you feel completely safe driving in it. It is easy to drive and the rear back up sensors are the best. The third row is a bit tight for teens and adults. Smaller children have plenty of space. You feel nothing but a smooth ride. The V8 has a lot of power and pulls our 5,700 lb. travel trailer with no problem. I love this jeep and recommend it highly.

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  Luxury... Power... Style... Hi-tech - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By mekadeeg - February 24 - 5:56 am

  It is everything you could ever want from a vehicle. It is the 2nd 08 Jeep Commander in our family...(1) 4X4 and this one. The 5.7 V8 will never leave you in a tight spot...press the gas and your off...suddenly everyone is in the rear view mirror. The luxury details inside are right there with the best of them....and more. You can spend 80K on a luxury sedan and get half the features this Commander offers...and talk about a smooth ride.

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  Rude Awakening - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By WDH - February 18 - 3:30 am

  I purchased a 2006 Commander with the 4.7 motor; I had it for a week and the trouble started. Multiple check engine lights, ranging from the MAF sensor, the idle sensor, and then a transmission problem. Then we went on to the service four wheel drive system. This was a part in the transfer case. Three more times with the check engine light. I finally had enough and now I am in the process of getting it bought back under my states lemon law.

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  My Billboard - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Little Commander - February 8 - 9:16 pm

  Not that you would, but dont buy this SUV for the third row or fuel economy. You will buy it for power and styling, well at least that is what I bought it for. I advertise my business on it and it has a great shape for this purpose. At least the 5.7 can still run fine on regular unleaded.

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  Got Gas? - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Pat - January 29 - 3:10 pm

  I have the HEMI and am getting 12 miles to the gallon. The gas tank is small and I am forever filling up. Child seats are difficult to fit into 2nd row and impossible to fit into the 3rd row. I traded in a Durango for this Jeep and all I can say is I want my Durango back.

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  Good Value, Solid Construction - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By TonyR - January 21 - 12:20 pm

  Excellent value. Good comfortable interior, surprisingly good handling. Good u-turning radius. Excellent features. V8 4.7L engine superior to V6 (accelerates well without gear jerking). All kinds of space and cargo pockets. Extra jump seats good but not meant for long trips. I am very satisfied with my Commander. Note that if you are concerned over the cost for gas, this vehicle might not be the best choice.

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  Thanks Son! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Oscar - January 18 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this vehicle after my son suggested it to us. We were trading a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT when my son said check out the Commander. After a test drive and a great dealer price we have a great vehicle that is safe and fun to drive. If it wasnt for my son and his study of the vehicle I was looking at an GMC Envoy. Try this one and you will like it.

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  All rolled into one... - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By BIGMEL - December 22 - 12:13 pm

  It has styling cues from the Jeeps of old, luxury interior that share parts with Mercedes Benzs, great ride and comfort features. Its trail rated and can tow almost as much as my Dodge Ram. It has a presence when you go somewhere fancy and strength when you go off-road. It will tow my old Jeep, carry 5 adults in comfort and still have room for some cargo. And to top it all off its more manuverable than a lot of bigger SUVs out there. Parking is never a problem anymore and its features help in backing out.

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  great suv - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By JR - December 18 - 4:33 pm

  This has been even better than i expected - I recommend this Hemi to anyone looking for luxury. I sold a MBZ m class - this is even better.