Jeep Commander (06-09) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 12 February 2009
Admirers of big-and-butch off-roaders will like the seven-seat Jeep Commander. Its traditional styling harks back to the rugged Jeeps of the 1970s and 1980s, while its sophisticated 4x4 system ensures that Jeep's trademark off-road dependability continues. However, on the road it's disappointing - it rolls too much, the steering is vague and it doesn't feel confident through corners. But with a light and roomy cabin plus a long standard equipment list, it is comfortable to drive - especially if you're travelling long distances on the motorway. It's not cheap to run though - even the diesel engine only manages 26mpg.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£27,590 - £34,533

Used price range:

£7,260 - £18,894

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Seven seats as standard, strong diesel, generous standard kit, comfortable cruiser, very capable off road

Ungainly styling, poor on-road handling, uneconomical engines, vague steering

Admirers of big-and-butch off-roaders will like the seven-seat Jeep Commander. Its traditional styling harks back to the rugged Jeeps of the 1970s and 1980s, while its sophisticated 4x4 system ensures that Jeep's trademark off-road dependability continues. However, on the road it's disappointing - it rolls too much, the steering is vague and it doesn't feel confident through corners. But with a light and roomy cabin plus a long standard equipment list, it is comfortable to drive - especially if you're travelling long distances on the motorway. It's not cheap to run though - even the diesel engine only manages 26mpg.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3.5 out of 5

    "There are only two engines in the line-up - a huge (and thirsty) 5.7-litre V8 petrol and a 3.0-litre..."

  • Handling

    2.5 out of 5

    "Despite the toned down looks, the Commander, like many Jeeps, is really at home off road with superb..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3.5 out of 5

    "All models come with 'theatre seating' so the Commander is able to seat five adults and two children..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "The Commander isn't quite as practical as its size would suggest. Although the tailgate opening is..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "There's a choice of two trims - Predator and Limited. Predator has ABS, ESP, tyre pressure warning..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "There's a great forward view for the driver, thanks to the elevated driving position and large..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2 out of 5

    "Insurance is affordable for a car this size with the diesels in groups 13 or 14 and the V8 petrol in..."

  • Green credentials

    1 out of 5

    "The Commander scores disappointingly on the eco front. Even the CRD engine only manages 26mpg and..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Commander hasn't been crash tested by Euro NCAP, although it is related to the five-seat Grand..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "This Jeep shares many parts with the five-seat Grand Cherokee, while the diesel engine is sourced..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2 out of 5

    "Jeep hasn't had a model of this size with seven seats before. Therefore, to make an impact among..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "There are very few 5.7-litre V8 models around which is hardly surprising given the extortionate..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "You'll struggle to sell a petrol model, nearly every buyer will want the diesel model. A low mileage..."

Gallery

  • Interior Jeep Commander (06-09)
  • Exterior Jeep Commander (06-09)
  • Exterior Jeep Commander (06-09)
  • Exterior Jeep Commander (06-09)

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Owners' reviews