The Jeep Commander: A Comprehensive Review
The Jeep Commander is a mid-size SUV that was first introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle. It was designed to be a larger and more upscale version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with three rows of seating and a more spacious interior. The Commander was produced until 2010, when it was discontinued due to declining sales.
The Jeep Commander was developed in the early 2000s, during a period of expansion for the Jeep brand. It was designed to be a more premium option in the mid-size SUV segment, with a boxy and utilitarian exterior that was reminiscent of classic Jeeps. The Commander was built on the same platform as the Grand Cherokee, but with a longer wheelbase and a taller roofline to accommodate the third row of seating.
Over its five-year production run, the Jeep Commander received several updates and changes. In 2008, it received a facelift that included a redesigned front fascia and new headlights. It also received a new 5.7-liter V8 engine option, which increased its towing capacity to 7,400 pounds. In its final year of production, the Commander was only offered with two engine options: a 3.7-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8.
Technical specifications of the Jeep Commander
- Body and chassis
- The Jeep Commander was built on a unibody platform that was shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It had a length of 188.5 inches, a width of 74.8 inches, and a height of 72.6 inches. The Commander had a ground clearance of 8.2 inches and a wheelbase of 109.5 inches.
- Engine and transmission
- The Jeep Commander was offered with three engine options over its production run. The base engine was a 3.7-liter V6 that produced 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The mid-level engine was a 4.7-liter V8 that produced 235 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The top-level engine was a 5.7-liter V8 that produced 330 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. It was also paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
- Suspension and brakes
- The Jeep Commander had an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with a five-link setup. It also had front and rear stabilizer bars. The Commander was equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, with ABS as standard.
- Performance and fuel economy
- The performance of the Jeep Commander varied depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The base V6 engine had a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds, while the top-level V8 engine could do it in around 7 seconds. The Commander’s fuel economy ranged from 14-15 mpg in the city and 19-20 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.
Features and options of the Jeep Commander
The Jeep Commander was offered with a wide range of exterior and interior features. Exterior features included things like roof rails, a sunroof, and various wheel options. Interior features included things like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Commander also had a third row of seating, which could be folded down to create additional cargo space.
The Jeep Commander was equipped with a range of entertainment and technology options, including a premium sound system, satellite radio, and a navigation system. It also had a rear-seat DVD entertainment system that was available as an option.
The Jeep Commander was equipped with a range of safety and convenience features, including side-curtain airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera. It also had a remote start system and keyless entry as standard features.
Jeep Commander Performance
The Jeep Commander is designed for off-road adventures, equipped with features like four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and a locking center differential. It provides solid on-road handling and a smooth ride.
The Commander’s handling and maneuverability is good, though its size and weight make it feel cumbersome in tight spaces. It has a turning radius of 37.1 feet, which is larger than other mid-size SUVs.
The interior of the Jeep Commander is spacious and comfortable with supportive seats. However, the third row of seating is cramped and uncomfortable for adults.
Conclusion
The Jeep Commander was a mid-size SUV that was produced from 2006-2010. It was designed to be a more upscale and spacious version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with three rows of seating and a range of features and options.
The Jeep Commander’s strengths included its off-road capabilities, spacious interior, and wide range of features and options. Its weaknesses included its fuel economy, cramped third row of seating, and somewhat cumbersome handling. Overall, the Jeep Commander was a solid mid-size SUV that offered a good balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort.