Jeep Commander Review - 2007

For years Jeep sat happily with their five passenger SUVs.  But among a growing market of SUV which have an added third row, and are brought to seven or eight passenger capacity, Jeep responded with the Commander.  It is the first Jeep to offer this option, enhancing it with progressivly stepped up seating, a raise roof, and overhead skylight windowa. For the 2007 model year the ultra-luxury Commander Overland joined the lineup, with more standard equipment, platinum-chrome exterior accents, and wood, leather and suede inside. Last year's base model has been re-named Commander Sport for 2007. Although it is generally used as an on road vehicle, the Commander's high ground clearance makes it somewhat capable of going off road.

Commander Power

Three engines are available. The 3.7-liter V-6 develops an estimated 210 horsepower, versus an estimated 235 hp for the 4.7-liter V-8. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 makes an estimated 330 hp. All models use a five-speed automatic transmission.  The 4.7-liter V8 should be fine for routine around-town and highway driving purposes.  The 5.7-liter Hemi works best for those who plan to tow. The Hemi is rated to handle up to 7,400 pounds vs. 6,500 pounds for the 4.7-liter V8. The 3.7-liter V6 uses the same electronic throttle control as the V8s, but is EPA-rated only 16/20 mpg City/Highway (16/19 with 4WD), compared to 15/19 mpg for the 4.7-liter V8.

Cabin Features

The cabin of the Jeep Commander is cozy and comfortable.  The Commander offers a sense of spaciousness; overhead skylights add an airy feeling for passengers in the second row. The Commander Sport has a diamond-plate console shifter bezel, new for 2007.  Both the second- and third-row seats fold perfectly flat to create a load floor, and there is an L-shaped storage bin located behind the third-row seats.  The Commander's raised roof permits use of stadium seating; each row is higher than the one in front of it, giving second- and third-row passengers enhanced forward visibility.   To access the rear, the second-row seat flops forward, providing a careful adult with a reasonably easy path to the rearmost bench seat, which is split 50-50. The third row does have available rear heating and air conditioning controls, and nearby power points.  The Overland adds leather to the center floor console, shifter knob; steering wheel and door grab handles. The lower center stack and center floor console bezels are trimmed in wood. 

Commander Design

The 2007 Jeep Commander is a large SUV, in fact it is the second-largest civilian-production Jeep in history.  The Commander is two inches longer and more three inches taller than the Grand Cherokee.  The Commander Sport features body-colored door handles, while Overland models add front tow hooks, platinum finish for the bodyside panels and front, a wire lattice grille and outside mirrors that match the body color.  The Commander's stepped roofline makes headroom for the rear-seat passengers, but the stepped effect is camouflaged by a roof rack rail.  The roof rack rail has three integrated tie-downs on each side.  For 2007, Red Rock Crystal, Light Graystone, Steel Blue Metallic, Jeep Green Metallic and Mineral Gray Metallic are new color options.  There's also a power liftgate for all Commander models that's standard on the Overland and optional on other trims.  The Commander features an upright windshield and rear window.  Its angular sheet metal and vertical side glass give it a classic Jeep profile and a rugged, military look. Even the side mirrors are angular.

Driving the Commander

The 2007 Commander drives well at highway speeds, despite its size.  Acceleration is adequate with the 3.7-liter V-6. Tire noise is surprisingly quiet, considering the lack of aerodynamics on the Commander.  Driving through the city, the Commander is quick, well balanced, and aggressive.  With second- and third-row seats raised, there's a significant blind spot at five o'clock. The Commander's rack-and-pinion steering feels more precise than in many truck-based SUVs.

2007 Lineup

The 2007 Jeep Commander comes in three trim levels: Sport, Limited, and Overland. All are available with 2WD or 4WD.  Commander Sport 2WD comes standard with a 3.7-liter SOHC V6, rated at 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Also standard on Sport are air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, power windows, power heated mirrors, front bucket seats with adjustable lumbar, ParkSense, liftgate glass that flips open by remote control, all-terrain tires on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, tire-pressure monitor, a full-size spare tire, and cruise control with switches on the steering wheel. Commander Sport 4WD adds Quadra-Trac I, an automatic full-time all-wheel-drive system enhanced by electronic traction control.

Limited 2WD comes standard with the 4.7-liter V8 and HD transmission, plus a wide array of comfort and convenience features, including automatic climate control; leather upholstery with perforated inserts; leather-wrapped steering wheel; Boston Acoustics sound system with six-CD player, MP3 playback, and Sirius Satellite radio; power adjustable, heated front seats; power adjustable pedals; rear-seat heat, ventilation; power sunroof; remote starter; rain-sensitive windshield wipers; SmartBeam automatic headlights; universal garage door opener; and a security system. Limited can be distinguished by its chromed grille and exterior chrome accents. 

The new top-of-the-line Overland comes standard with the Hemi and a trailer-tow group. It raises the interior plush factor with suede-trimmed leather seats embroidered with the Overland logo; leather-wrapped shift knob and grab handles; Berber floor mats; and woodgrain trim on the center stack, console, steering wheel and front door panels. Overland also adds conveniences, such as a power liftgate, ParkView reversing camera, GPS navigation, UConnect hands-free communications, and a cargo net. Outside, Overland is distinguished by Platinum-look trim and a unique wire-lattice grille. Overland 4WD comes with Quadra-Drive II.

Safety Features

Available features include a tire pressure monitoring system, rear parking assistance, a DVD-based navigation system, SmartBeam headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. The Commander is the first Chrysler Group vehicle with electronic roll mitigation, which deploys the optional side curtain airbags in certain rollover and side-impact events.  Other standard safety features on the 2007 Jeep Commander include an electronic stability system, antilock brakes, all-speed traction control, and side-curtain air bags. 

The 2007 Jeep Commander is a large and versatile vehicle that can handle rough terrain, tow medium loads, but also meet the needs of families. For another take on the Commander read The Car Connection's review. Its seven-passenger seating capability is complemented by seats that fold flat for big cargo capacity. The Jeep Commander offers great capability over rugged terrain, great ground clearance, and excellent traction.  To further research the 2007 Commander, click here.