2007
Jeep Commander
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.
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