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:

• 

  Not driving my Benz. And dont miss it - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By H.R.B - December 2 - 7:43 pm

  Purchased the Jeep Overland as a 2nd Car to have a spare SUV. My Benz has been sitting in my driveway since the day I drove the Jeep. I am selling my Benz and wont miss it! Every luxury in the world...power...and such an amazing ride. Never thought I would own an American Car much less rave about it. I would buy a 2nd one a 3rd one and a 4th one. Daughter loves the satellite TV and Daddy loves everything else. THANK YOU JEEP.

• 

  Love it! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jake - November 26 - 12:26 am

  Bought for my wife. Great vehicle. Rides like a luxury car, very quiet. Decent mileage. Looks great and fun to drive. Excellent trip car with plenty of headroom even with the sunroof. Loaded with standard features, traded in a Grand Cherokee Limited and all I miss are the heated seats. No major complaints.

• 

  Good Stuff - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By bundy30 - November 8 - 4:40 pm

  This has been an amazing truck for my wife and kids. Safe, good looking, dependable. We have never had a single problem in 33,000 miles.

• 

  My Commander - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Rodney - November 7 - 2:50 am

  I luv my jeep. The ride is smooth n a joy to drive on long trips. The room is comfortable for a family of 3. The mpg could be better. If it could just get about 19-22 on a average would be great.

• 

  Gas Guzzler - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Kim - October 28 - 3:40 am

  Great fun driving vehicle. The Hemi has an abundance of power but hesitates around sharp curved hills. I live at the gas pumps, on the average $125 weekly and I work only 15 miles from home. The back up assist is very helpful; a lot of blind spots. water and snow build up at the top of doors, so every time you open the door after rain/show the seats gets soaked and if your not careful so do you. It is like an avalanche of weather on your heated seat or on you. Small bugs but overall I love the vehicle. Very sporty and turns alot of heads while driving.

• 

  Commander Limited 5.7 4x2 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lovemyxk - October 18 - 2:56 am

  Without a doubt one of the best vehicles Ive ever driven. Love the power of the 5.7 Hemi. Fuel economy isnt bad for a big V-8, averaging about 16 mpg in mixed driving. Front seat comfort is great, rear DVD is a must have w/ wireless headphones. Rear seat passengers have a great view with rear sunroofs and stadium style seating. The rear seat is a bit snug, though, but great for children or smaller adults. Love the styling, it really stands out, mine is Inferno Red and love the way it looks with the chrome finish wheels. Rides great, especially on long highway trips.

• 

  LOVE IT!!!! Continuing the Jeep Legacy! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Soxnfins - October 15 - 12:16 pm

  Have the V6 4wd commander with only 50,233 miles on it, bought it 2 months ago and love it!!! Cant complain about the gas mileage because of the similar sizes of the vehicles in its class getting way less MPGS!

• 

  Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Elias - September 26 - 3:56 pm

  I have owned it a couple of weeks and I love it. The only drawbacks are gas and the rear view window. The rear view is mostly covered up by the 3rd row seat. But overall I love this SUV. I switched from my mid-size Camry and so far I think I did a great choice.

• 

  Best of All - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tucson4wheel - September 15 - 9:53 am

  Already own a Yukon XL and am a dedicated GMC owner. Needed another but smaller SUV. Looked at everything including H3 and BMW X5. Commander blew me and the competition away. Got fully loaded Commander. Just love it. Fun to drive, great price. Very quick. Extremely comfortable. Quality is very high. Dont waste money on BMW, Lexus, or Cadillac. Commander is better than all of them at at least $10,000 less.

• 

  Oh No! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By elkrunn - September 14 - 1:43 am

  Its going to be a year since I bought this Jeep. Not dependable at all..do not take this Jeep off road..will get stuck..ice,snow have to be careful since the 4x4 will auto turn on and it does not work at all. Has blind spots, plastic plastic everywhere, the visor was not planned well you cant see the road. Windshield the worst thing ever Im scared that thing will bust, I can go on. Last night I almost hit a huge moose. I had my little one with me, I slammed my breaks and turned my wheel to avoid hitting this huge animal. The car did not stop on contact my car slid sideways, I was shocked this car did not stop. This is a 4x4 and did not act like it..the seat belts worked, wow