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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  This Commander Rocks! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ST8JEEP - April 4 - 11:43 pm

  I have driven my 06 Commander for a year and am really impressed. It rides and drives smoothly. Cargo space is great. I have hauled 8 ft 4x4 lumber with the tailgate shut. Off road driving is amazing. Drove through 12 inches of snow in a corn field with no problems!

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  Be careful of this year model - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By gladejd - March 31 - 1:40 am

  We bought this model brand new in 2005. It was the first year that Jeep released the Commander, using the 4.7 V8 engine. As you know most jeeps use the 3.7L V6 engine, which is dependable. However, this car, we had it overheat once, and it blew the head gasket. On top of that, the engine block cracked. This is after one overheat mind you. The car is too expensive for me to fix, so I will end up selling the car as a parts motherlode. Too bad we paid a lot of money for this car. I cant say about the later models, but I learned a valuable lesson regarding any car. When a car model comes out for the first year, recommend not buying it and wait till the following year or two.

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  stalling? - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By silver314 - March 24 - 8:40 am

  i love my jeep. we bought it a month before the birth of our first child and i have not had any problems until recently, when you go from reverse to drive the engine light comes on and it says service park assist system and then all the gear letters light up and it "bucks" a little. it has also happened at highway speeds. has anyone else had a problem like this?

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  Shame on Chrysler - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By upset owner - March 22 - 2:40 am

  ent $40,000 on this Jeep and after 2 years the problems started: 1. Headlights burned out with in the 1st year (not covered due to mileage) 2. Power Windows switch replaced twice in fists two years (covered by warranty) 3. Lights on heater control burned out in 2 years (not covered due to mileage) $250 to fix 4. Parking Asst. quit working after 3 years (not covered due to mileage) $500 to fix. 5. Knob on GPS quit working and can no longer use the GPS (not covered due to mileage) $1000 to replace. I talked to Chrysler about these problems and they basically told me too bad so sad. I asked them about the GPS and they told me to go buy a portable one.

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  I Wouldnt Purchase Another Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Niles - March 1 - 3:06 pm

  The reliability of recent models are poor. I have owned my 2007 Jeep Commander for 9 years. It has been in and out of the shop for repairs, not to mention multiple recalls that when repaired, something else goes out in the Jeep. Tire pressure light continues to stay lit even when air pressure is normal. Roof leaking, A/C needs recharged yearly, Starter, Alternator, Fuel Pump, 2-batteries, Electrical Components and Crank Shaft Module. Currently in the shop after breaking down on vacation and being towed 200 miles. I have complained to the local Jeep Service Department of an issue with hesitation in RPM function and hard automatic shifting. They havent been able to diagnose and correct the problem after 3 years.

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  Solid reliable SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By brankev - February 23 - 1:06 pm

  Car is true and sometimes better than listed mileage. Feel very safe driving this vehicle with family and handles wonderfully. Would and have been recommending to others.

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  Take the Bad with the Good I Guess - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By oldjeepdriver - February 18 - 3:56 am

  Bought 2008 Commander Limited 4.7 as a "executive use" car never titled with 15,000 miles in Dec 08. Right away the mygig went dead, took two trips to fix, then sat antenna wiring fried and had to have headliner removed to repair. First trip on the highway noticed vibration at 70+ mph. Back to the dealership 3 times, finally had torque converter replaced, vibration not as bad but still there. Now dealership is closed due to Jeeps financial woes. If it is raining, dont let down the the front windows because water will flood in and forget trying to see a traffic signal with the near vertical front window. On the plus side, front seats are comfy and roomy, sound system is excellent.

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  V6 4X4 Love it!!! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bigmaninds - February 17 - 10:03 am

  My family & I love it, we travel alot, dish out the tough terrain to it and it doesnt stop. Have the 2.25" lift but jeeps design for this needs a solid front axle. Overall its reliable, comfortable, and its very fun to drive. I would buy another but with the HEMI motor.

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  160,000 Miles and We Still Love Our Commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Brett West - February 9 - 3:21 am

  Ours is a Sport 4WD with the 4.7 Flex fuel engine...it is not a Limited (Edmunds doesnt have all the trim levels correct). The Commander is an awesome vehicle with seating for 7 (were a family of 5) that runs smoothly and quietly down the highway while being super capable off-road if you want to go there. It can transition from comfy highway cruiser to off-road beast instantly. Weve taken ours over some of the highest 4x4 passes in Colorado without any trouble at all. We have also driven it in snow and ice with confidence. Weve had no mechanical trouble other than having to have the main computer replaced around 30k miles (warranty). Fuel economy is poor averaging around 16 mpg combined but we expected that in a 7 passenger 4x4 SUV. Ours is equipped with the Boston Acoustics sound system but it could use more speakers in the rear of the vehicle. We own a 2015 Jeep Renegade 4x4 as well but it does not even begin to hold a candle to the Commander. Overall it has been a great vehicle and one that we plan to keep as long as possible.

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  Excellent Value! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By brobin - February 5 - 10:53 am

  The Commander compares favorably with SUVs costing twice as much as this one. Many friends have commented "THIS is a Jeep?" when they first get in. In terms of comfort, power and reliability its every bit as good as a Land Rover, Lexus or Escalade.