2006 Jeep Commander

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7-liter HEMI V-8 with efficiency-enhancing MDS (Multi-Displacement System) and Quadra-Drive II. Jeep's most advanced 4x4 technology, QD II's front and rear Electronic Slip Differentials (ELSDs) can transfer all available torque to any single wheel with traction. All are coupled to the same electronically controlled five-speed overdrive automatic.

Since the dawn of time, Jeep front suspensions have been rugged but primitive solid axles. That is, until the '05 Grand Cherokee broke that tradition and joined the modern world with a new short/long-arm ( SLA) independent front suspension. Despite the howls of some off-road traditionalists, IFS brings major advantages - more precise steering, more comfortable ride, improved on-road handling, a lower center of gravity, and a 100-pound reduction in unsprung mass.

The Commander adopts this same front arrangement along with Jeep's multi-link rear suspension, with gas-charged shocks and stabilizer bars front and rear. Steering is power rack-and-pinion; brakes are four-wheel discs with ABS and Brake Assist. Electronic Stability Control (ESP) with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), which senses a potential roll-over condition and works to eliminate it, is a key component of the most comprehensive safety package on any Chrysler Group vehicle to date. Advanced multi-stage front and three-row side curtain airbags, a tire-pressure warning system, and ParkSense rear park assist are also standard.

Driving it home

We sampled both the base V-6 Commander and the top-of-the-line HEMI-powered Limited and found little to criticize in either. Not surprisingly, given their hefty (4581-5169 pounds) weights and high centers of gravity, aggressive on-road cornering is not their forte, but impressive off-capability is. Performance with the V-6, at least at light two-passenger loads, is more than adequate even for passing on two-lane roads. Steering is nicely weighted and fairly precise, on-road ride is smoother and much quieter than expected, and braking is strong and fade-free.

Most impressive was the Limited's leather- and woodgrain-trimmed interior. The buttery leather front buckets provided excellent comfort and support on off-road ruts and bumps as well as on long freeway runs. The nicely designed automatic climate dials provided precise control and quality feel. Even the perfectly placed, stirrup-like round inside door handles were tactile delights. With just 28.9 inches of legroom, however, we would not want to spend much time in that far-back row. Behind it are grocery hooks and a bin with a clever three-way lid, but precious little cargo room with the seatbacks up.

Jeep says the Commander is the market's most capable seven-passenger 4x4 and offers "premium amenities" and (with available HEMI V-8) best-in-class on- and off-road performance. There's nothing else quite like it, so they're very likely right.

2006 Jeep Commander

Base Price: $27,985, including $695 destination

Engines: 3.7-liter SOHC V-6, 210 hp/235 lb-ft; 4.7-liter SOHC V-8, 235 hp/305 lb-ft; 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, 330 hp/375 lb ft

Transmission: Five-speed automatic, rear- or four-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 109.5 in

Length x width x height: 188.5 x 74.1 x 71.9 in

Curb weight: 4581 lb (3.7-liter 4x2)

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 17/21 mpg (3.7-liter 4x2); 15/20 mpg (4.7-liter 4x2); 14/19 mpg (5.7-liter 4x4)

Safety features: Multi-stage front and three-row side curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, ABS with Brake Assist, ESP with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), tire-pressure warning system

Major standard features: 17-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD six-speaker stereo, cruise control, power front windows, power heated mirrors, eight-way power driver's seat, air conditioning, and tire pressure monitoring warning

Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

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