2008 Jeep Commander: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Jeep Commander gets a more powerful V8 engine and, for the first time, becomes available with five-passenger seating. This midsize SUV is basically a stretched version of Jeep's Grand Cherokee. Commander comes in Sport, Limited, and Overland trims. Each is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A low-range gear for off-roading is standard on Limited and Overland, optional on Sport. Limited and Overland seat seven. Sports now have standard five-passenger seating, and a 3rd-row bench is optional; 2007 Sports sat seven. Sports have a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. Standard on Limiteds and optional on Sports is a 305-hp 4.7-liter V8. This engine replaces a 235-hp 4.7 V8. Standard on Overland optional on Limited is a 330-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. All engines team with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Commander is rated to tow up to 7400 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. DVD entertainment, navigation system, rearview camera, and power-adjustable pedals are among the options.

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 choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.