The Jeep Commander, which offers seating for either five or seven, was first introduced in 2006, and it is the first Jeep product to offer three rows of seats. A choice of V6 and V8 engines is available. Last year's base model has been re-named Commander Sport for 2007. The Commander offers more capability over rugged terrain than most drivers will ever need, benefits of its ground clearance and excellent traction. In most states, the optional 4.7-liter V8 can operate on gasoline or up to 85 percent Ethanol. The rear seats in the Commander are progressively stepped up, giving back-seat riders a view of the road. Changes for 2007 include new options and a new trim level for the trail-rated SUV. The ultra-luxury Commander Overland joined the lineup, with more standard equipment, platinum-chrome exterior accents, and wood, leather and suede inside. Other new features for 2007 include a rearview camera, a power liftgate, a remote starter, and active turn signals. The Commander's responsiveness and agility is its high point. It handles surprisingly well for a tall, seven-passenger SUV. The Commander is built on the Grand Cherokee's platform and shares the same wheelbase. Commanders also get the same four-wheel-drive systems, suspension and powertrains as the Grand Cherokee, including an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

Powertrain

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. In terms of horsepower, the V6 and V8 engines are not that far apart, but the 4.7-liter V8 offers more torque, important for towing, driving off road and when accelerating.

Trims

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. The V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission designed to balance performance and fuel economy. 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. Door handles, which were black last year, are body color for '07. 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. Limited 4WD has Quadra-Trac II, a full-time active four-wheel-drive system that includes a two-speed transfer case (so you can select a lower gear range for crawling through seriously rugged, muddy, or sandy terrain; or neutral for towing); plus electronic traction control.

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.

Handling

The 2007 Commander is a smooth and comfortable highway cruiser. Wind and tire noise are surprisingly quiet, considering the lack of aerodynamics on the Commander. With second- and third-row seats raised, there's a significant blind spot at five o'clock. Acceleration is adequate with the 3.7-liter V-6. The 4.7-liter V-8 provides improved passing power, and under light load situations it offers nearly as much oomph as the larger Hemi V-8. The Commander’s rack-and-pinion steering feels more precise than in many truck-based SUVs. Driving through the city, the Commander is quicker, better balanced, and more aggressive than the average SUV, and far more so than its appearance suggests.

Interior

The cabin of the 2007 Jeep Commander offers a pleasant atmosphere. It is cozy and comfortable. The seats are nicely shaped and padded, and the steering wheel, has the substantial feel of leather and exposed stitching. 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. The third-row seat is best for children, but would fit an adult if necessary. 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. 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 Sport has a diamond-plate console shifter bezel, new for 2007. Also new are color coordinated cup holders. Four round gauges exist on the instrument cluster, which is surrounded by a two-tone dashboard. 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. The Commander offers a sense of spaciousness; overhead skylights add an airy feeling for passengers in the second row. The skylights are fixed and don't open, but they have pull-out shades to filter light and reduce heat. The load floor height is relatively high, however, at 36.2 inches, meaning it requires extra effort to lift cargo up and in.

Exterior

The Jeep Commander is the second-largest civilian-production Jeep in history. The Commander is two inches longer and more three inches taller than the Grand Cherokee. 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. The Commander's stepped roofline makes headroom for the rear-seat passengers, but the stepped effect is camouflaged by a roof rack rail. 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. Its body sides are more vertical than those on most SUVs, consistent with Jeep design heritage. The roof rack rail has three integrated tie-downs on each side. On Limited and Overland, assist handles extend from the roof rail down the back of the D-pillars, adding to the rugged, utilitarian appearance of the vehicle. On top of the rear bumper is a diamond-plate-texture step pad. The pad's nonskid surface is helpful when stepping on the rear bumper to gain access to the roof of the vehicle for tying down kayaks, bicycles and other gear.

Safety

Safety features on the 2007 Jeep Commander include an electronic stability system, antilock brakes and all-speed traction control are standard, and side-curtain air bags with a roll detection system. 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.

The 2007 Jeep Commander is a versatile vehicle that is suitable for families that need four-wheel-drive capability for whatever reason. On the road, it's far more agile, quick and quiet than it looks. The Commander’s fuel economy range is estimated at 20 mpg Hwy, and 16 mpg City. 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. The new for 2007 ultra-luxury Commander Overland adds to the mix something for those looking for extra amenities.