Acceleration

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
3	5	5	5.5

Commander shares Grand Cherokee's engines but weighs 400 lb more, blunting acceleration by comparison. Still, helped by an alert automatic transmission, the V6 has surprising spirit, with adequate power off the line and around town. It labors in highway passing and merging. V8 engines are notably stronger in all situations, with the 5.7-liter supplying the most thrust.

Fuel Economy

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
3	1	1	3.6

All Commanders are thirstier than the class norm. In Consumer Guide testing, AWD V6 models averaged 14.0-15.7 mpg. Despite Chrysler's claim of improved power and fuel economy, an AWD 4.7 V8 averaged a dismal 12.8 mpg. Test AWD 5.7-liter Commanders proved additionally gluttonous, averaging 11.6-12.5 mpg. Jeep recommends 87-octane gas for V6 and 4.7 V8 and 89 octane for the 5.7 V8. The 4.7 V8 can also run on E85 ethanol fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	7	5.5

Quite good for an SUV, especially one suited to off-road duty. Commander absorbs most bumps with little harshness. A solid-feeling structure enhances the impression of car-like comfort, though some testers cite some unwanted float over highway-speed dips and swells.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
4	4	4	4.4

Commander has good straightline stability, but its tall build results in body lean that prompts lots of slowing down for tight turns. Due to its boxy shape, Commander is susceptible to crosswind instability. The steering has nice heft and good feedback. Braking is strong.

Quietness

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
7	6	7	5.4

Among the quietest traditional truck-type SUVs. All models muffle tire and wind noise well. The 4.7-liter V8 is notably less refined than V6 or 5.7 V8. The engines emit a refined growl under throttle.

Controls

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	5	6.3

Due to small markings, the gauges are not as easy to read as on some rivals. Major switchgear is logically placed, however. Most climate adjustments are handled by rotary knobs--a plus--but the optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.

Details

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	6	5.4

The Sport's cabin is more rugged than rich, appropriate for a vehicle with off-road pretensions. The Limited's extra trim and leather upholstery create a more upscale ambiance.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	7	7.1

Ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder space for even large adults, but flat seat bottoms lack support for longer trips. Thick roof pillars and theater-style seating combine to block rear visibility almost entirely. Large door openings make for easy entry and exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	6.1

A high roof, combined with elevated theater-style seating and a generous glass area add to the sense of space. Headroom is adequate, but legroom is very tight, particularly in the 2nd row. Over-firm seats detract from long-trip comfort. Three-abreast travel is best left to brief rides. The cramped 3rd row suits only grade-schoolers, and is overly complicated to access. Tall step-in and modest door openings hamper entry and exit.

Cargo Room

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
8	8	8	8.6

Generous space is made more useful by a wide, flat floor and large hatch opening. A high cargo floor means straining to load larger items, however. Note that with available third-row bench erect, available cargo space shrinks to negligible. In-cabin storage is bountiful, including a moderate-size console box and numerous handy bins and cubbies. Second-row seatbacks fold in three even sections for multiple passenger and cargo configurations.

Value within Class

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
4	5	4	5.8

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. They can get pricey with options, though. Loaded versions can top $45,000, putting them in league with some premium midsize SUVs that are more refined, get much better fuel economy, and are likely to have higher resale values.

Total Score

AWD Sport V6	AWD Sport 4.7 V8	AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation	Class Average
59	59	59	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76