The Jeep Commander offers rougher terrain capability than most drivers will need. It can carry up to seven other people and lots of stuff pretty much anywhere it fits. If you’re expecting an unrefined vehicle with poor performance, be surprised. It’s strangely sweet and crunchy.
As its flagstone-walled styling suggests, the Commander provides capacity and a spacious, airy cabin. The rear seats rise gradually, in a theatrical fashion, giving rear passengers a view of the road. This feeling of lightness is enhanced through a pair of glass panels on the roof, the third row is the most productive and is reserved for 10-year-olds.
Utility comes in the form of a perfectly flat cargo floor when the rear two rows are folded down, providing 68.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Those in the front seats enjoy a comfortable cabin, much of which is shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
However, the Commander’s utilitarian styling belies its responsiveness and ride quality. It drives strangely well for a giant SUV that seats seven passengers. On the upper road, the Commander is an especially stylish and comfortable cruiser. It’s quite quiet, allowing for easy conversation. An enchanting marvel when you consider the boxy styling and all-terrain tires. However, the maximum ride height and off-road features make the Commander difficult to handle. While it doesn’t lean, the Commander tends to lean into corners and brake sharply, and it’s rarely as nimble as newer crossover SUVs.
A choice of V6 and V8 engines is available. The mid-level 4. 7-liter V8 was updated for 2008, gaining 70 horsepower for a total of 305 while gaining slightly in terms of fuel economy. With its responsive acceleration and 6,500-pound towing capacity, the 4. 7-liter V8 is a smart pick. The 5. 7-liter Hemi V8 makes the Commander downright fast and more productive, suitable for those who want to tow trailers weighing up to 7,400 pounds.
Two-wheel-drive models are available, which is a curious selection as it misses out on the benefits of Jeep’s high-performance four-wheel-drive systems, one of the Commander’s most attractive features. Buyers who don’t want off-road features may be better served through anything else.
In addition to the upgraded 4. 7-liter V8, the Commander gets new entertainment and off-road features for 2008, as well as an available five-passenger version. Entertainment features come with Sirius Backseat TV with 3 channels aimed at kids and Jeep. MyGig, a 20 GB hard drive containing songs, photographs, and map data from the navigation formula. Hill Start Assist maintains the brakes when the driver releases them on an incline to allow for smooth starts. Hill Descent Control uses ABS to control speed when driving steep slopes. The Commander is available with an optional trailer sway control formula that helps stabilize the trailer trailer.
The 2008 Jeep Commander is available in three trim levels: Sport, Limited and Overland. All are available with 2WD or 4WD.
Commander Sport 2WD ($27,415) comes standard with a 3.7-liter SOHC V6, rated at 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Standard on Sport are cloth upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, power windows, power heated mirrors, front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment, rear obstacle detection, liftgate glass that opens by remote control, all-terrain tires on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, and cruise control with switches on the steering wheel. For 2008, the tilting steering column adds a telescoping feature.
The Commander Sport ($29,415) adds Quadra-Trac I, a permanent automatic all-wheel-drive formula enhanced by electronic traction control.
A 4. 7-liter SOHC V8 will be available on the Sport as part of a feature package. It is rated at 305 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. This engine also comes with a five-speed automatic transmission, but it’s a physically more powerful unit with a split second that provides a shorter ratio when starting than when shifting upwards.
The Limited 2WD styling ($36,305) comes with the 4. 7-liter V8 and HD transmission, as well as a wide variety of convenience and convenience features, adding leather-trimmed seats in the first and second rows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. remote control, Sirius satellite radio with one-year subscription, Boston Acoustics speakers, heated forced front seats, forced pedals, third-row heating and ventilation, sunroof, remote start, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, automatic headlights, universal garage door opener; and a security system. For 2008, the Limited styling adds a rearview camera and Jeep’s MyGig entertainment system, which features a 6. 5-inch touchscreen and a 20GB hard drive for storing music files and symbols. The Limited stands out for its chrome grille and chrome exterior. Accents.
The Limited 4WD styling ($38,925) features Quadra-Trac II, a full-time, active all-wheel-drive formula that includes a two-speed gearbox (so you can reduce the diversity of gears to crawl over very rough, muddy or sandy terrain). land). ; or impartial to tow); Plus electronic traction control.
Optional on the Limited is the 5. 7-liter Hemi V8 (again, as a component of a larger package), which makes 330 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The Hemi features MDS (Multiple Displacement System) technology, which cuts through 4 of the 8 cylinders in mild loading conditions.
Optional with the Hemi is the Quadra-Drive II ($795), Jeep’s more complicated 4WD formula. Three limited-slip differentials (one on the axle and one between the axles) are electronically controlled, sending torque to the wheels or to a single wheel. , offering maximum productive traction. The formula also includes low gears and traction control.
The top-of-the-line Overland ($40,385) comes standard with the Hemi and a trailer-tow group. It raises the interior plush factor with suede-trimmed leather seats embroidered with the Overland logo; leather-wrapped shift knob and grab handles; Berber floor mats; and woodgrain trim on the center stack, console, steering wheel (which is also leather-wrapped) and front door panels. Overland also adds conveniences, such as a power liftgate, UConnect hands-free cell phone link, and a cargo net. For 2008, Overland trades a standard navigation system for Jeep’s MyGig Multi-Media Infotainment system, which adds voice control and a navigation system with real-time traffic to the MyGig Entertainment System. Outside, Overland is distinguished by Platinum-look trim, a unique wire-lattice grille and 18-inch wheels instead of 17s.
Overland ($43,850) comes with Quadra-Drive II.
Other Commander features include a rear DVD entertainment formula and an engine block heater. For 2008, the rear DVD entertainment formula will be available with the Sirius rear seat.
Based on the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Commander is the second-largest civilian-production Jeep in history. (The largest was the J-120/J-130 Gladiator pickup of the 1960s and ’70s.) The Commander is two inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the Grand Cherokee. The Commander’s stepped roofline makes for excellent headroom for the rear-seat passengers, and the stepped effect is camouflaged by a roof rack rail.
The Commander is recognizable as a Jeep, thanks to the liberal use of Jeep design elements such as the seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and square lines with flat surfaces. The exposed Allen head bolts along the wheel openings and in the headlight module are ornamental and intended to create a technical look.
The sides of its frame are more vertical than those of most SUVs, in keeping with Jeep’s design heritage. From the rear, the flat hatch helps outline a square area that reminds us of the Hummer H2. Instead, Jeep literature points to boxier ancestors. within the Jeep family, adding the Station Wagon from 1946 to 1965, the Wagoneer from 1963 to 1991 and the Cherokee from 1984 to 2001.
The rack rail has 3 fasteners built into the side. On the Limited and Overland models, the auxiliary handles are made larger from the roof rail to the rear of the D-pillars, increasing the vehicle’s rugged, utilitarian appearance. The door handles are black with chrome inserts on the Limited and black with platinum inserts on the Overland. Above the rear bumper is a diamond plate textured running board. The cushion’s non-slip surface comes in handy when walking on the rear bumper to access the roof of the vehicle to hold kayaks, bikes, and other gear.
Jeep has reached deep into its heritage to revive the Overland name. First built in 1903, the Overland automobile was the earliest ancestor of the Willys. Willys played an instrumental role in the development and production of the World War II-era Jeep, but was also the first automaker to seriously envision a civilian market for a military-style utility vehicle. The Willys Jeep debuted in 1946 and had its name shortened to just-plain Jeep in the early 1960s. Although the Jeep brand has passed through several owners since then, its lineage remains unbroken.
The interior of the Jeep Commander exudes a warm and enveloping atmosphere. The seats are nicely shaped and upholstered, and the steering wheel, a four-spoke steering wheel with cruise buttons at thumb height, provides a really spacious feel from the leather and exposed stitching. High-end models. The Commander has a tangible shelter quality that immediately appealed to us. It is the type of vehicle we would like to travel in in cold and windy weather.
At the same time, the Commander gives a feeling of spaciousness. Skygentles on the roof create a feeling of spaciousness for second-row passengers. The Skygentles are constant and don’t open, but they have sliding blinds to evacuate light and heat. the Commander’s raised roof allows for the use of stadium-style seating; Each row is higher than the one in front, giving second- and third-row passengers greater forward visibility.
At the front, occupants enjoy a breathtaking view of the road. Headroom and legroom is plentiful. From the driver’s seat, all controls are simply and logically placed. The fabrics are fine for the price, but there are more hard plastic surfaces that high-end buyers want. The Commander offers a smart garage space, with a giant center console, a decent-sized glove box with an open compartment above, plenty of cup holders, and other considerate compartments here and there.
The second-row seats are comfortable but lack legroom for tall passengers. The third-row seat seats an adult, but is designed for children between the ages of 8 and ten. To access the rear, the second-row seat is lowered forward. , which gives a cautious adult a fairly simple path to the back seat, which is split 50-50. Average h8 and w8 people deserve to be able to get to the third row with minimal effort. Still, the Commander is only a few inches taller than a popular Grand Cherokee, so the back-row seats are ideal for tall adults or for long trips. The third row should have rear heating and air conditioning controls, as well as nearby electrical outlets. In addition to offering comfort for younger people, the rear CVC can be a relief for dogs on hot days.
The second- and third-row seats fold down to create a perfectly flat shipping area, and an L-shaped garage compartment is located behind the third-row seats. This arrangement means that there will be a convenient way to configure the Commander for more passenger seats or more shipping and equipment. It’s flexible for us, with few compromises. However, the shipping floor height is relatively high, 36. 2 inches, which means that extra effort is needed to lift and retract the shipment.
Jeep claims that the MyGig multimedia infotainment formula can hold 1,600 songs. The MyGig Entertainment formula doesn’t have a navigation formula or all the related map information, so it comprises twice as many songs. The Rear Seat DVD Bundle is now available with Sirius Backseat TV. The TV offers 3 channels, all aimed at children: Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon. Two headphones are provided so that front passengers can listen to Sirius radio while rear passengers watch TV. With the car parked, front passengers can watch TV on the MyGig screen.
The Jeep Commander is remarkably responsive around town for a seven-passenger SUV, a trait we noticed while driving them in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Its rack-and-pinion steering feels more precise than in many truck-based SUVs. Driving in rush-hour traffic reveals the Commander to be quicker, better balanced, and a little more conducive to aggressive driving than the average truck-based SUV, and far more so than its appearance suggests.
Still, the Commander is giant and heavy, suffering from a steep frame tilt when braking hard and cornering. When driving a Commander, you need to slow down more in corners than in larger vehicles. Many automotive SUVs offer a more solid ride and handling than the Commander, as well as improved fuel economy.
The Commander’s 4.7-liter V8 engine delivers good throttle response around town, and with its 2008 upgrades is better than ever. The five-speed automatic transmission enhances the engine’s responsiveness and features two second-gear ratios. Punching the throttle signals the automatic to kick down into the lower second gear to supply greater acceleration. Otherwise, a taller ratio with a smoother upshift is used. The effect is an energetic surge when you call for it, and a sense that you can control the transmission with your right foot.
We found the 4. 7-liter V8 to be very capable, leaving us with the 5. 7-liter Hemi as a requirement only for those planning to tow heavier loads. The Hemi is designed to support up to 7,400 pounds compared to the model’s 6,500 pounds. the 4. 7-liter V8.
The 3. 7-liter V6 uses the same electronic throttle as the V8s, but its EPA ratings are only 14/19 mpg city/highway, compared to 13/18 mpg for the 4. 7-liter V8 and 13/19 (13/17 with 4WD) for the 5. 7 V8. Due to its fuel economy and power limitations, we do not propose the V6.
The 4. 7 offers the added advantages of Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capability: it can run smoothly on gasoline or up to 85% ethanol (E85). Except in Maine, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, and California, where the 4. 7 is still a gas-only unit.
On the road, the Commander is a particularly stylish and comfortable cruiser. Jeeps are the most aerodynamic cars in the world, but wind and tire noise is common, within the diversity of an average SUV and slightly less than in larger SUVs. 4X4 with square body. It’s easy to maintain a verbal exchange using general tones of voice, and it’s easy to believe that it would be a wonderful vehicle for traveling across the country.
The complex Quadra-Drive II formula and a low-end ratio of 2. 72:1 give the Commander capabilities, everything we learned on the rocky trails of the Pocono Mountains forest. This formula provides plenty of traction and the Commander has a quick guide that makes it maneuverable in tight spaces.
Goodyear Fortera tires, with their off-road tread, have been shown as traction devices and suspension components, helping to remove rock clods and logs and maintaining particularly advanced grip through the Commander’s electronic traction control.
Ground clearance is sufficient to negotiate rocky terrain, but the trail was challenging enough to create a few clangs and clunks when we touched the underbody. We found the Commander capable of going anywhere it will fit. The limitation would come if the Commander were used to cross steep, narrow gulches that call for extreme angles of departure because its longer body has more rear overhang than a Grand Cherokee. Nonetheless, for most people, there is probably more rough terrain capability built into the Commander than they will ever need or use.
The 2008 Jeep Commander deserves to appeal to families who want all-wheel drive for vacations, camping, or harsh winters. Its capacity for seven passengers is complemented by folding seats for sufficient shipping capacity. With a wide diversity of engines, options, and value points, the Commander is flexible enough to appeal to a wide diversity of buyers. On the road, it’s much faster and quieter than its flagstone-wall style suggests. Those who don’t want off-road features will probably prefer one of the larger crossover SUVs that can be acquired lately from various competitors.
All-rounder John Stewart presented the original report, along with NewCarTestDrive. com editor Mitch McCullough of Los Angeles and correspondent Kirk Bell of Chicago.
Jeep Commander Sport 2WD ($27,415); Sport 4WD ($29,415): Limited 2WD ($36,305); Limited 4WD ($38,925); Overland 2WD ($40,385); Overland 4WD ($43,850).
Detroit, Michigan.
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