2009 Jeep Commander: Road Test
2009 Jeep Commander ▼
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- MSRP: $29,380 - $46,110
- Invoice: $27,112 - $42,214
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Our road test for the 2009 Jeep Commander includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Jeep Commander from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Jeep Commander, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Jeep Commander help you decide if a 2009 Jeep Commander is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Sport V6 | AWD Sport 4.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 5.4 |
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. The 4.7 V8 is notably stronger in all situations. No opportunity to test with the higher power 5.7.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Sport V6 | AWD Sport 4.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 4 |
All Commanders are thirstier than the class norm. In Consumer Guide testing, AWD V6 models averaged 14.0-15.7 mpg. An AWD 4.7 V8 averaged a dismal 12.8 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-blended fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Sport V6 | AWD Sport 4.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
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 cited some unwanted float over highway-speed dips and swells.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Sport V6 | AWD Sport 4.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5.6 |
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. The engines emit a refined growl under throttle.
CONTROLS
| AWD Sport V6 | AWD Sport 4.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
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 creates a more upscale ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Sport V6 | AWD Sport 4.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3rd-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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 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 are quite pricey, putting them in league with some premium midsize SUVs that are more refined and get much better fuel economy.
Total Score
| AWD Sport V6 | AWD Sport 4.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | 59 | 64.6 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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