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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  Loved it except when it rains! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Linda B. - February 1 - 1:43 pm

  I really love driving this vehicle. You sit very high up which gives good visibility. Very roomy and love the rear park assist. Love the look of the exterior. I had a major problem with the vehicle leaking from the sunroof, windshield, and drivers side grip handle. The dealership tried 4 times to fix the issue but were unsuccessful. It needs a better water draining system from its roof.

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  Great Intention/ Bad assembly - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Bill - January 29 - 4:50 pm

  I bought 2008 Jeep Commander from Used Hertz car sales with warranty 14800 miles. The first problem after 1 month was complete electrical failure of the vehicle. Under warranty they reprogrammed the vehicle but would not give me reciept anything was done till I demanded 2 times from JEEP. Hertz actually stuck up for me. Four months later while going through Iowa the top of the windshield seal blew off for under head winds of about 40mph. Jeep dealership tried to say windshield had been replaced. Hertz stuck up for me again and proved it had not and had it fixed. I still love the Jeep though. I think there are quality control problem but vehicle is still very very nice.

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  First Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By cskiwild - January 27 - 9:23 am

  We bought this Jeep to replace our ML 320 and because we where planning to move to NH and there where no MB dealers where we were going to. Bought it right of the lot, wife loved the color and I loved the looks. Had leather,sunroof and sky ports, roof rack trailer hitch 6CD,rear heat/air. loaded. I take care of my vehicle and do the regular maint. I tow a small motorcycle trailer and have just driven to Fl for bike week. I have 54000+ and got 15 mpg pulling trailer. have gotten 22mpgs with out trail on long trips to Ohio. It has performed great. Will most likely getting another if they stay in business and dont drop the model. Cheaper to service than my MB

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  Good Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Spencer - January 12 - 7:06 am

  Bought this Commander Oct. 06. Currently have 2000 miles on it. Small oil leak in first week of ownership. Dealer fixed with no problems. It has been a great vehicle. Was considering a V8 but the V6 has enough power. Was driving a large truck with V8 and this Jeep is a lot more nimble. Interior is very comfortable. I am 62" and it seats me very well. Wife loves it. She is the main driver of this vehicle. My two kids love riding in it. Highway ride is great and backroads are fun! I would recommend this vehicle for someone who needs a 4x4 suv. I have towed a small trailer with an atv with better ease than my truck, which I kept for hauling heavy loads. Also looks cool!

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  Commander is the way to go - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeepenthusiast - January 7 - 6:43 pm

  I am an enthusiast of the grand Cherokee and have owned several jeeps. The commander is the best model yet. With my ever growing family the third row seating makes it a lot easier when transporting friends in addition to my two kids without having to go the minivan route. With the ever unpredictable gas prices I was hesitant about getting the HEMI but did anyway and given the size and power of the engine it doesnt do that bad on gas mileage. Everyone says how terrible the gas mileage is on it which I found that if you use the power it will eat your gas but if you drive conservatively you will get maximum mileage. I get about 15mpg on ave. which was the same i got when i had the good 4.0L

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  Cute car, However, MPG IS RIDICULOUS!! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Rae - January 7 - 8:50 am

  Exterior & Interior looks is nice :0) Seats are comfortable! TOO MUCH TIME AT THE GAS PUMP!! The second & third row seats are a little too high!! Passenger seat sits too low.

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  Fun fun fun - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By sanshir - December 23 - 11:30 am

  I finally got a Jeep and I am so glad I did. I got the base model awd, but it has really come in handy with the snow. I love the large windows, adjustable seat. I love the outside desgin, and the adjustable drivers seat makes you feel like you could go right out the roof it seats so high. I have read that some drivers say the seat is not comfortable, it is only not comfortable if you sit too high. The stereo system is great. A stylish, comfortable vehicle that is a pleasure to drive and ride in. Oh, I got rear ended by a Subaru, totalled the Subaru, and I have to point to point out the dent on my car or nobody even notices it. The funny thing is, I was going to buy a Subaru.

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  So why the Jeep? - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Carey - December 3 - 12:53 am

  The first car I ever owned was a 1980 Pontiac Phoenix and it was nothing but trouble. Unfortunately it would never "rise from the ashes" after it literally caught on fire. Since then I have only owned Japanese cars and the last three cars Ive owned were made by Lexus. All great cars! So why am I abandoning my American car boycott and buying a Jeep? First, my wife and I just love the styling. Second, and more importantly, its a great value. We opted for the 5.7 Hemi with all the trimmings and the sticker was $10,000 less than a similarly equipped Lexus GX470. Throw in the deep discount we got off the sticker and it was a no brainer. Dont forget about the two years of free gas. :)

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  Best vehicle i ever drove - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By citygal - November 7 - 7:50 am

  I enjoy this vehicle more than i can say;I miss not driving it, I can not wait until lunchtime at work to get in it. I have owned it for three weeks now. I had a Toyota 4 runner before that did not get good gas mileage. It is flexifuel so i can put ethanol (e85) gas in it; that was a bonus for me along with everything else it had to offer. I truly enjoy the my gig system with navigation. I get about 15 mpg in city, and about 19-21 on hwy.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By aangelovic - November 6 - 8:00 pm

  I have the 2008 Rocky Mountain package. It has the 3.7 V6, its a little underpowered, but its not too bad on mpg. On the highway it gets about 20 mpg and in the city 15. The one thing that I dont like about it is if it rained and there is still some water on the roof and you open the windows the water pours into the truck. Its even worse when you hit the brakes it just pours all over the inside. Thats the only thing I can say is an issue. Everything else is great, rides like a caddy, and is really roomy.