2007 Jeep Commander Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A new top-line model and newly available features mark 2007 for Jeep's largest SUV. Commander shares its basic underskin architecture with the Grand Cherokee, but is 2 inches longer, 4 inches taller, has different styling, and seats seven vs. Grand Cherokee's five. Sport and Limited models are joined for '07 by the line-topping Overland, which includes more features and wears unique interior and exterior trim. All models have a liftgate with opening glass and are available with rear- or all-wheel drive. A 210-hp V6 is standard in the Sport. A 235-hp 4.7-liter V8 is optional in the Sport and standard in the Limited. A 330-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is optional in the Limited and standard in the Overland. It has Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. Commander's sole transmission is a 5-speed automatic. Low-range gearing is standard on AWD Limiteds and Overlands, optional for AWD Sport models. Limited-slip front and rear differentials are available. All Commanders have ABS, an antiskid system with rollover sensors, and rear obstacle detection. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment are standard. Available features include DVD entertainment, navigation system, rearview camera, power-adjustable pedals, and, new for '07, remote start and a power liftgate.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

News

Commander bowed just as gas prices were soaring, and sales have yet to improve from anemic early levels. A truck-type design may also work against this SUV at a time when many consumers are moving to car-like crossovers. Sources think Commander will be freshened for 2009, but say the update could be delayed or cancelled if sales don't improve. A diesel-engine option might provide a sales boost, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel now offered in the related Grand Cherokee should drop right in. Will Jeep take a chance? Stay tuned.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 Jeep Commander Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Fuel economy

Available all-wheel drive	Cramped 3-rd row seat

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
3	5	5.2

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 7400 lb.

Fuel Economy

AWD Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
3	2	4

Test AWD V6 averaged 14 mpg. Test AWD Limiteds with 5.7 V8 averaged just 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 Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
6	6	5.5

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 Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
4	4	4.5

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

Quietness

AWD Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
7	7	5.6

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

Controls

AWD Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
7	6	6.6

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. Sport's interior decor rather austere, but Limited's extra trim, leather upholstery creates upscale ambience. Overland not yet made available for testing.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
7	7	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 Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
5	5	6.1

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

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

Value within Class

AWD Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
4	5	5.9

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 Sport, V6	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	Class Average
54	55	58.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		58
High Score		69

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 Jeep Commander Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 02/23/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Sport 4-door wagon	$28,260	$25,991	$695

AWD Sport 4-door wagon	$30,260	$27,796	$695

2WD Limited 4-door wagon	$36,370	$33,209	$695

AWD Limited 4-door wagon	$38,990	$35,566	$695

2WD Overland 4-door wagon	$40,855	$37,201	$695

AWD Overland 4-door wagon	$44,320	$40,310	$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

Sport

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, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, 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 w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split 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 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, front and rear traction control.

Limited adds to Sport:

Powertrain

Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine (non flex-fuel for vehicles sold in Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt.).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front and 2nd row seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), 4-way power passenger seat, power sunroof, remote engine start, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic on/off and self-dimming headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

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

Overland adds to Limited:

Powertrain

5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation system, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, power liftgate.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Class IV hitch receiver, wiring harness, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear electric limited-slip differentials, front and rear traction control, skid plates, front tow hooks.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28U
Sport	$4,280	$3,766
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, remote engine start, power sunroof, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, upgraded floormats, roof rack, fog lights, alarm.

Rocky Mountain Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28Y
Sport	$1,495	$1,316
Power sunroof, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, unique interior and exterior trim, fog lights, tow hooks.

Popular Equipment Group
Sport	$595	$524
Power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, remote engine start, roof rack. Requires Premium Sound Group.

Navigation and Rear Camera Group
Sport, Limited	$1,645	$1,448
Navigation system, rearview camera, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28U.

Sun and Sound Group
Sport	$1,195	$1,052
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

Premium Sound Group
Sport	$595	$524
Boston Acoustics sound system, satellite radio.

Quadra-Trac II Group
AWD Sport	$595	$524
Quadra-Trac II 2-speed transfer case, special axle ratio, tow hooks, skid plates. NA w/4.7-liter V8 engine.

Quadra-Drive II Group
AWD Sport	$795	$700
Front and rear electronic limited-slip differentials, tow hooks, skid plate. Requires 4.7-liter V8 engine, Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28U or Rocky Mountain Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28Y.

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

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

Powertrain
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine
AWD Sport	$1,340	$1,179
2WD Sport	$720	$634
Non flex-fuel for vehicles sold in Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt. AWD includes Quadra-Trac II 2-speed transfer case.

5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with cylinder deactivation
Limited	$845	$744


Quadra-Drive II
AWD Limited	$650	$572
Front and rear limited-slip differentials.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning
Sport	$610	$537


Navigation system
Sport, Limited	$1,645	$1,448
Includes rearview camera, 6-disc CD changer. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28U.

DVD entertainment system
Sport	$1,395	$1,228
Limited, Overland	$1,200	$1,056
Includes satellite radio. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28U. Sport, Limited require Navigation and Rear camera Group or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Sport	$300	$264


Satellite radio
Sport	$195	$172
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28U.

UConnect
Sport, Limited	$275	$242
Wireless cell phone link. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28U.

Power sunroof
Sport	$1,000	$880


Saddle-brown upholstery
Limited	$150	$132


Power liftgate
Sport, Limited	$400	$352


Upgraded floormats
Sport	$30	$26
Std. Limited.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
Sport	$120	$106


Exterior Appearance Pkg.
Limited	$75	$66
Fender flares, chrome assist handles.

Engine-block heater
Limited, Overland, Sport	$40	$35


Special paint
Limited, Overland, Sport	$150	$132


Premium paint
Limited, Overland, Sport	$225	$198


Roof rack
Sport	$75	$66


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid Plate Group
AWD Sport/Limited	$295	$260
Includes tow hooks.

245/65R17 white-letter tires
Base, Limited	$190	$167


Unique alloy wheels
Sport	$100	$88


Chrome alloy wheels
Limited	$820	$722

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 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.	4826

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	68.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1

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 @ 3600	375 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

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

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	None/--	--

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

Corrosion	None/--	--

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

< 2007 Jeep Commander Photos

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

Also in the 2007 Jeep Commander Review:

Jeep Commander

Jeep Commander Road Test

Jeep Commander Prices & Equipment

Jeep Commander Specs & Safety

Jeep Commander Photos

Jeep Commander Full Review