|
Acceleration
"Commander shares Grand Cherokee's engines, but weighs 400 lb more, blunting
acceleration by comparison. Still, helped by alert automatic transmission, V6
has surprising spirit, with adequate power off the line and around town, though
it labors in highway passing, merging. Satisfying acceleration with strong 5.7
Hemi V8. No opportunity to test with 4.7 V8. Commander is rated to tow up to
7200 lb."
Value
"With its square-rigged styling and seating for seven, Commander gives Jeep buyers
a clear alternative to the sportier Grand Cherokee, even if the two are similar
under the skin. All-wheel-drive V8 Commanders live up to Jeep's expected off-road
prowess, and any version admirably balances comfort and real-SUV utility, though
their cramped 3rd row is among the least accommodating in this class. "
Ride
"Quite good for an SUV, especially one suited to off-road duty. Absorbs most
bumps with little harshness. Solid-feeling structure enhances impression of carlike
comfort, though some testers cited some unwanted float over highway-speed dips,
swells."
Economy
"Test AWD base V6 averaged 14 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving. No opportunity
to measure with other versions. Jeep recommends 87-octane fuel for V6 and 4.7
V8, 89 octane or higher for 5.7 V8."
Noise
"Among the quietest truck-type SUVs. All models muffle tire, wind noise well.
Engines emit refined growl under throttle."
Comfort - Front
"Ample head, leg, shoulder room for even large adults, but flattish seat bottoms
lack support for longer trips. Good visibility all-around. Large door openings
for easy entry/exit. "
Comfort - Rear
"High roof, elevated theater-style seating, generous glass area add to sense
of space. Good head, leg room for most adults, but overfirm seats detract from
long-trip comfort. And three-abreast travel best left to brief rides. Cramped
3rd row suits only grade-schoolers. Tall step-in, modest door openings."
Cargo Room
"Ample space made more useful by wide, flat floor, large hatch opening. High
cargo floor means straining to load larger/heavier items, however. The 2nd-row
seatbacks fold in three even sections for multiple passenger/cargo configurations. "
|
