Utility comes in the form of a perfectly flat cargo floor when the rear two rows are folded down, providing nearly 69 cubic feet of cargo space. Those in the front seats enjoy a comfortable cabin, much of which is shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Belied by the utilitarian styling, however, is the Commander's responsiveness and agility. It handles surprisingly well for a tall, seven-passenger SUV. On the highway, the Commander is a notably smooth and comfortable cruiser, and we think it'd be a good choice for that cross country trip to Yellowstone. It's reasonably quiet, allowing easy conversation, a pleasant surprise given the squared-off styling and all-terrain tires.
A choice of V6 and V8 engines is available. The mid-level 4.7-liter V8 seems an excellent choice, with responsive acceleration performance for working through traffic and fuel economy just slightly lower than the 3.7-liter V6. The 5.7-liter V8 Hemi is a good choice for buyers who tow trailers of up to 7,400 pounds.
Two-wheel-drive models are available, though that seems a curious choice because it sacrifices the benefits of Jeep's highly capable four-wheel-drive systems, one of the Commander's most compelling features. Buyers who don't need off-road capability might be better served by something else. Next Page