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2009 Jeep Commander road test
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The Jeep Commander is basically a stretched version of the Grand Cherokee. While the Jeep Grand Cherokee may be sportier in look and feel, the Jeep Commander is a midsize SUV with seating for up to seven. For the 2009 model year the Jeep Commander can be ordered with more power and more features. Trim levels are Sport, Limited and Overland. Engine choices include a 3.7-liter V-6 rated at 210 horsepower, an SOHC 4.7-liter V-8 rated at 305 horsepower and the 5.7-liter HEMI rated at 357 horsepower. Fuel economy with the V-6 with all-wheel drive is estimated at 14 mpg in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. Rear-wheel drive versions get one mpg better.
All the engines are matched to a five-speed automatic transmission and the Jeep Commander is tow-rated at 7400 pounds.
Since the Jeep Commander weights in approximately 400 pounds heavier than the Grand Cherokee, the acceleration is less spirited. And while the Commander is square and truck based, it offers good ride quality and it does feel solid. The brakes and the steering felt very good on our tester.
We did find the gauges with their small lettering hard to read. Base prices range from $29,000 up to more than $45,000 and the option packages can add up, so be careful when checking the option list. On our scale of one to five, four tires and a spare the 2009 Jeep Commander rates a five – if you want to do some “real” off-roading.
Speaking of real off-roading, the Jeep Commander is available as a rear-wheel drive vehicle or an all-wheel drive vehicle. The higher end models come standard with a low-range gear in the transfer case and it can be ordered in the lower cost Sport model.
We also found the navigation system to be very complicated and the square design made the Commander susceptible to cross winds. Overall, if you need a “real” off-road vehicle the Jeep is a winner.
However, if you are a poser (and you know who you are) who wants only an off-road “looker,” then consider a premium crossover SUV designed more for comfort than off-roading.
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