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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  Luv this puppy! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By kerstuff - June 12 - 10:53 pm

  This is our first Jeep. We replaced our BMW 525i with it. My wife needed something for her tradeshows to carry displays. It has plenty of room and is pleasure to drive. We keep our vehicles 15+ years and expect this one to do the same. We opted for the lifetime additional warranty that covers everything other than the lifetime drivetrain warranty.

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  Its a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By wolf75 - June 8 - 9:36 pm

  Ive been a die hard Chevy pick-up guy and I still am, but I wanted a vehicle that was plush, comfortable, all the bells and whistles,but I wanted it as an Off road capable, as I spend alot of time afield, hunting, and I go into some very rough situations. This Jeep has out performed anything Ive ever had and went everywhere the wranglers go except over huge rock, that I wont do as I want to keep this for awhile. But steep hills no matter the terrain, deep mud or snow this vehicle goes thru like it wasnt there, even places my P/U could never get thru. And I get there in comfort and quiet. By the way mine is the limited but I have the HEMI and all the bells and whistles. When we it is great

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  Having Fun! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By veryhappy07 - May 31 - 9:40 pm

  We have owned this vehicle for about a month now and we love it! We went with the Rocky Mountain Edition and it is different and fun to drive. It has a very comfortable ride and makes any rough road feel like nothing. My wife and I usually race to get in the drivers seat!

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  Trading it in - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jjf - May 28 - 3:06 pm

  We bought this for my wife to haul our new baby around. We were quite happy for the first year, but then it started needing more and more repairs. The frequency and severity of the repairs has increased over time, and the warranty is about to run out. We no longer trust the vehicle, and are nervous about what happens after the warranty expires. Sadly we feel we have no choice but to dump it. issues: 4WD system solenoid failure, dead battery after 1 year, brake rotors warped at 25K, stalling issues, glitchy climate control, tranny doesnt shift correctly when cold, transmission seal leak, numerous tire leaks, AC no longer gets cold, door latch fell off, etc, etc....

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  Have Jeep, will travel - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeepster - May 22 - 8:00 am

  I have the base model 06 Commander with the little V6. Its my first Jeep SUV and I use it primarily for business which involves regional daily travel carrying sales material. I maintain it regularly and all systems seem to run flawlessly. The Tip-Tronic tranny works fine, however I do have to shift it manually on hills to get the most out of the V6. Mileage isnt bad for such a heavy vehicle, and the thing turns on a dime and has tight handling. The interior ergonomics are great for business with lots of storage up front. My first real snow adventures sold me on this things capabilities. The backup sensors and turning radius allow me to slip this SUV into most parking spots easily.

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  Nice Ride - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Satisfied - May 21 - 4:20 pm

  My wife and I went looking for a midsize SUV. We looked at and test drove several makes and models. The Commander was, by far our favorite. I could feel the quality right away. The ride is very smooth and quiet. The sound system is more than adequate. We were used to driving a little 4-cyl. What a difference the V-8 makes when in traffic and on the highway. The gas mileage is terrible but we expected that going in. The third row seat is convenient for our 2 small children, but they wont stay small forever. Other than that, I see no reason not to keep buying Jeeps in the foreseeable future.

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  great suv - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tim - May 21 - 7:10 am

  I have the 4.7 v8 limited black with every option. Ive had it for 4 months and I still get a lot of looks. I do recommend the hemi if you like driving faster than most. I purchased the chrome side steps and it really fills the look of the vehicle out. This is a smooth riding vehicle and is fun to drive. you will get a lot of compliments owning this vehicle. The great thing about the Jeep Commander is there is no other body style like it.

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  Great Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By tmaines - May 18 - 7:43 am

  We got the Limited with the 5.7 Hemi and all the bells and whistles. So far we have been very pleased. This truck will go anywhere and the third row seats, although cramped for adults, really serve our family of 5 well. The powertrain is awesome, although the fuel economy is definitely poor(as we knew before the purchase). The towing abilities are also well appreciated.

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  All is great except fuel capacity - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Traveller - May 1 - 12:00 pm

  My first 4-wheel drive vehicle was the 1976 Scout Traveler. Since then Ive had Explorers/Mountaineers. The Commander was a return to the Jeep style. Best riding SUV Ive ever owned. I bought the 5.76 Hemi used with 4,000 miles on it. Huge design flaw is the small gas tank. I cant drive 326 miles to my home on Cape Cod without having to stop for refueling. My Mountaineers always made it with gas to spare. Going to 4 cylinder when highway traveling is a nice idea, but it saves very little fuel. Price of gas makes this car a non-purchase. HOWEVER, fuel efficiency and capacity aside, its a great vehicle.

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  Fuel Economy the worst!!!! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By rickyrick - April 24 - 11:43 pm

  My wife purchased the non hemi V8 with 0 miles back in 06. Very strong engine, quiet interior, very smooth ride. Solid distinguishable looks. exterior, however the interior pretty bland w/ too much plastics. This model is supposed to get phased out in the next couple years, we got rid of it do to the worst gas consumption this beast would take. even on all hwy cruising trips this rig got 14 miles to the gallon @ best(calculated an average of 10 miles a gallon one time as well, pretty pathetic) and w/such a small 18 gal gas tank, that didnt help matters any more as we were filling up @ the gas stations 2-3 times a week! Traded it in for a brand new Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 just recently!