2006 Jeep Commander Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Commander joins the Jeep lineup for 2006, borrowing its basic underskin architecture from the Grand Cherokee, but featuring different styling and standard seating for seven vs. Grand Cherokee's five. They share wheelbase and powertrains, but Commander is 2 inches longer overall than Grand Cherokee. Base and Limited models are offered. A 210-hp V6 is standard in the base. A 235-hp 4.7-liter V8 is optional in the base and standard in the Limited. Chrysler's 330-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is a Limited option. It deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. Commander's sole transmission is a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Models with the V6 and the 4.7 V8 offer a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. AWD is included with the 5.7 V8. Low-range gearing is standard on AWD Limiteds, available for AWD base models. Limited-slip front and rear differentials are standard with the 5.7 V8, available on 4.7 AWD versions. All Commanders have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and an antiskid system with rollover sensors. Also included are rear obstacle detection and a liftgate with opening glass. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment are standard. Among options are DVD entertainment, navigation system, rearview camera, and an off-road package.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.

New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

News

For now, our spies see no major near-term changes for Commander. However, a diesel engine may be offered at some point, likely the same 3.0-liter turbocharged unit available in the 2007 Grand Cherokee. It's supplied by DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz division.

2006 Jeep Commander Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Fuel economy

Available all- and 4-wheel drive	Cramped 3-rd row seat

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2006 Jeep Commander Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/30/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Base 4-door wagon	$27,540	$25,351	$695

AWD Base 4-door wagon	$29,540	$27,156	$695

2WD Limited 4-door wagon	$35,785	$32,689	$695

AWD Limited 4-door wagon	$38,405	$35,045	$695

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, roll stability control, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power driver seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, traction control.

Limited adds to Base:

Powertrain

4.7-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), power passenger seat, power sunroof, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 26/28T
Base	$1,505	$1,324
Power passenger seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, fog lights, alarm.

Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U
Base	$4,100	$3,608
Quick Order Pkg. 26/28T plus Popular Equipment Group, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

65th Anniversary Quick Order Pkg.
Base	$895	$788
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo net, unique interior and exterior trim, fog lights, front tow hooks.

Popular Equipment Group
Base	$400	$352
Power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, roof rack.

Off-Road Group I
AWD Base	$595	$524
AWD Base w/4.7-liter V8	$150	$132
Quadra-Trac II 2-speed transfer case, special axle ratio, tow hooks, skid plates.

Off-Road Group II
AWD	$225	$198
AWD Base w/65th Anniversary Pkg.	$150	$132
Tow hooks, skid plate. Base requires 4.7-liter V8 engine.

Trailer Tow Group
Base	$180	$158
Class II receiver hitch, wiring harness. NA w/ 4.7-liter V8 engine.

Trailer Tow Group IV
Base	$255	$224
Class IV receiver hitch, 4-pin adapter, wiring harness. Base requires 4.7-liter V8 engine.

Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
AWD Base	$1,340	$1,179
2WD Base	$720	$634
AWD includes Quadra-Trac II 2-speed transfer case.

5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with cylinder deactivation
AWD Limited	$1,495	$1,316
2WD Limited	$845	$744
AWD includes Quadra-Drive 2-speed transfer case, front and rear limited-slip differentials. AWD deletes traction control.

Quadra-Drive transfer case
AWD	$650	$572
2-speed transfer case, front and rear limited-slip differentials. Deletes traction control. Base requires 4.7-liter V8 engine, Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Base, Limited	$1,200	$1,056
Base requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.

Rearview camera
Base, Limited	$195	$172
Requires navigation system.

DVD entertainment system
Base, Limited	$1,200	$1,056
Base requires Quick Order Pkg.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Base	$300	$264
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28T.

Boston Acoustics sound system
Base	$690	$607
Requires 65th Anniversary Quick Order Pkg.

Satellite radio
Base	$195	$172
Includes one year service. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28T or Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.

UConnect
Base, Limited	$275	$242
Wireless cell phone link. Base requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28U.

Power sunroof
Base	$1,000	$880
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 27/28T.

Rear air conditioning
Base	$610	$537


Saddle-brown upholstery
Limited	$150	$132


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Base, Limited	$40	$35


Special paint
Base, Limited	$150	$132


Inferno Red paint
Base, Limited	$225	$198


Roof rack
Base	$75	$66


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/65R17 white-letter tires
Base, Limited	$190	$167


Chrome alloy wheels
Limited	$820	$722

2006 Jeep Commander Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Jeep Commander 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	109.5

Overall Length, in.	188.5

Overall Width, in.	74.8

Overall Height, in.	71.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	4783

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	68.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.5

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	42.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.7

Rear Head Room, in.	40.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6	sohc V8	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.7 /226	4.7 /287	5.7 /345

Horsepower @ rpm.	210 @ 5200	235 @ 4500	330 @ 5000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	235 @ 4000	305 @ 6000	375 @ 5800

Availability	Standard	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	16/19	15/19	14/18

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Jeep Commander 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	3/36,000	$100 deductible per visit.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Jeep Commander
Trim Level: Limited
Arrival Date: 06/01/2006
Engine: ohv V8
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $38,405
Price as Tested: $44,950
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3829
Mileage at End of Test: 4402
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 46.689 gals.

Major Options: Dark Khaki Pearl Paint, Electronic Infotainment Group(Rear Overhead Console, Rear Seat Entertainment Video System), Trailer Tow Group IV, Off-Road Group (Skid Plate Group, Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield, Transfer Plate Skid Plate Shield, Front Suspension Skid plate), 5.7-Liter HEMI engine, Engine Block Heater, GPS Navigation Radio, U-Connect, 17-inch aluminum wheels

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 12.27 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Flush. That's the sound of the research and development dollars that were put into unleashing this atrocity of an SUV on the marketplace. Real-world fuel economy under 14 mpg, a nearly $45,000 price for our Limited tester, and cramped rear accomodations have Commander hobbling out of the starting gate. And the buying public has responded accordingly. Recent Automotive News sales data shows Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon combined outselling Commander almost 4 to 1. I'd like to write Commander's epitaph when it gets the big, ugly axe (hopefully sooner rather than later). To borrow from one of my favorite TV shows: Commader - We are richer for having lost it.

John Biel With $6500 worth of options--including a thirsty 5.7-liter V8--our test Commander Limited stickered at just 50 bucks shy of $45,000 delivered. (Trust us: You'll wave that extra fifty bye-bye on your first tank of gas.) If you've got to tow, you might need the 5.7 Hemi's power. But for something remotely approximating economical family transport, one of the lieutenant Commanders might be more the ticket.

Kirk Bell Commander manages to combine atrocious fuel economy with outrageous pricing. Hmm. I wonder why this thing isn't selling. As equipped, our tester was a couple bucks shy of $45K. Sure, that's loaded, but it costs $39.5K just to get the AWD Limited with the Hemi. For that money, I'd expect a lot more luxury (at least some padded surfaces on the dash), more rear seat room, and something to make this vehicle stand out. For less than $40K, you can buy the better driving and more luxurious midsize Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX350, Infiniti FX, or Volvo XC90, or the larger and more fuel efficient GMC Yukon, Chevy Tahoe.

< 2006 Jeep Commander Photos

Also in the 2006 Jeep Commander Review:

Jeep Commander

Jeep Commander Road Test

Jeep Commander Prices & Equipment

Jeep Commander Specs & Safety

Jeep Commander Photos

Jeep Commander Full Review

All Jeep Commanders

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