Acceleration

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
3	5	5

Commander shares Grand Cherokee's engines, but weighs 400 lb more, blunting acceleration by comparison. Still, helped by alert automatic transmission, V6 has surprising spirit, with adequate power off the line and around town, though it labors in highway passing, merging. Satisfying acceleration with strong 5.7 Hemi V8. No opportunity to test with 4.7 V8. Commander is rated to tow up to 7200 lb.

Fuel Economy

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
3	2	3.8

Test AWD base V6 averaged 14 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving. Test AWD Limiteds with 5.7 V8 averaged 11.6-12.5 mpg. Jeep recommends 87-octane fuel for V6 and 4.7 V8, 89 octane or higher for 5.7 V8.

Ride Quality

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
7	7	5.4

Quite good for an SUV, especially one suited to off-road duty. Absorbs most bumps with little harshness. Solid-feeling structure enhances impression of carlike comfort, though some testers cited some unwanted float over highway-speed dips, swells.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Balanced, secure, good straightline stability, but tall build results in pronounced body lean that prompts slowing down for tight, fast turns. Steering has nice heft, good feedback. Braking strong.

Quietness

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
6	6	5.2

Among the quietest truck-type SUVs. All models muffle tire, wind noise well. Engines emit refined growl under throttle.

Controls

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
6	5	6.3

Easily read gauges. Simple, logically placed switchgear. Most climate adjustments handled by rotary knobs--a plus--but optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions, takes time to learn, adjust. Base interior decor rather austere, but Limited's extra trim, leather upholstery creates upscale ambience.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
7	7	6.7

Ample head, leg, shoulder room for even large adults, but flattish seat bottoms lack support for longer trips. Decent visibility all-around, though 3rd-row headrests obscure rear view unless seatbacks folded. Large door openings for easy entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
4	4	6.2

High roof, elevated theater-style seating, generous glass area add to sense of space. Adequate head, leg room for most adults, but overfirm seats detract from long-trip comfort. And three-abreast travel best left to brief rides. Cramped 3rd row suits only grade-schoolers. Tall step-in, modest door openings.

Cargo Room

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
8	8	8.3

Generous space made more useful by wide, flat floor, large hatch opening. High cargo floor means straining to load larger/heavier items, however. The 2nd-row seatbacks fold in three even sections for multiple passenger/cargo configurations.

Value within Class

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
4	4	5.7

With its square-rigged styling and seating for seven, Commander gives Jeep buyers an alternative to the sportier Grand Cherokee, even if the two are similar under the skin. These Jeeps have a decent balance of comfort and utility, but they can get pricey with options. Commanders can approach $45,000, putting them in league with some premium midsize SUVs that are more refined, get better fuel economy, and are likely to have higher resale values.

Total Score

AWD Base, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
52	52	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66