The two purest kinds of sport-utility vehicles are those SUVs that are designed to go off-road, and those that are not. An SUV’s ability to leave the pavement is by no means the defining measure of its sales success, though it almost always is a big part of who the vehicle is targeted to.
Consumers looking for off-road prowess will be interested in the new Jeep Commander. For starts, it is a Jeep, which carries with it a certain all-terrain credibility rooted in legendary vehicles such as the Willys Wagons and Wrangler. Add to the go-anywhere attitude a roomy, seven-passenger interior and you are going to turn some heads.
The seven-passenger Commander, Jeep’s first, is stretched two inches longer and it stands four inches higher than the Grand Cherokee, with which it shares much of its architecture. Commander proudly shows off Jeep styling cues such as the seven-slot grille while offering a decidedly different exterior blend of sharp angles and more pronounced fender flares.
Inside my Commander tester there was ample room for driver and passengers. Jeep raised the roofline a few inches midway back and headroom as well as overall comfort is enhanced dramatically. Like so many third rows in SUVs, Commander’s back row is tight. Adults will not be comfortable, though children will find the space perfect.
If you fold the third row down, there is an adequate 36.4 cu. feet available for storage. Choose to drop the second row and a more impressive 68.9 cubic feet is available. Of course, keeping the second and third rows down does fit many family’s needs, so the split and fold configurations in those rows can come in handy.
Commander offers three engines: 3.7-liter (210 hp) V-6; 4.7-liter (230 hp) V-8; and 5.7-liter (330 hp) Hemi V-8. If you have the cash, I have to recommend the Hemi for the fun factor alone. I found my tester with the 3.7-liter V-6 to be somewhat sluggish at virtually every point of acceleration. and three four-wheel-drive systems.
Engines are paired with five speed automatics, no manual is available. While the V-6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, the Hemi will pull up to 7,200 pounds.
A full-time all-wheel drive system is available with Quadra-Trac I. A Quadra-Trac II is available with a two-speed transfer case with enhanced low range for better off-road performance. The Quadra-Drive II has a dual-range transfer case and electronic, front and rear limited-slip differentials. When tires slip, they quickly channel available torque to the axle and wheel with the best grip.
All 4x4 models come with undercarriage protection plates to protect key components from off-road obstacles and debris damage.
Fuel efficiency is not a selling point for any SUV and the Commander is no exception. The EPA rates the V-6 at 17 city/21 highway, while the Hemi delivers 14 city/19 highway.
Jeep Commander prices start at $27,985 for 4x2's and $29,985 for 4x4's. Relatively speaking, especially when you consider the pop you get from the Hemi upgrade, Jeep’s Commander is a good buy for towing and off-road considerations.
Where there once was just the grand Cherokee and no third row seating, there is now a Commander in the Jeep lineup.
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