2009 Jeep Commander: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Jeep Commander gets more available power and a few new features. 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 have standard five-passenger seating, and a 3rd-row bench is optional. 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. Standard on Overland and optional on Limited is a 357-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. That's an improvement of 27 hp over the 2008 5.7 V8 models. 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. Also offered is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell-phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system.

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 Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Kia Borrego, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Venza. The Hummer H3 adds a crew-cab pickup truck bodystyle for 2009, while the Dodge Durango adds a gas/electric hybrid model.