Auto Trader Ten Point test - Jeep Commander

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 81 %

Jeep make eyecatching models – whether its admiring looks from 4x4 fans or angry glances from those who question its environmental credentials.

The Commander combines family-flexibility – it’s the US manufacturer’s first seven-seater – with impressive 4x4 capability.

But what’s it like to drive? Web Editor Adrian Higgins drove one for a week to find out.

1. Looks

This is a car with road presence in spades. The Jeep Commander has taken its traditional styling from the original Jeep Cherokee. Boxy and instantly recognisable it looks just like a Jeep should. You have to stop yourself scampering to get in it. Big fat Allen head bolts add to the robust, functional look.

9/10

2. Looks inside

As with the exterior, sit inside the Commander and what you see is chunky, stylish and classy. The information display is simple and easy to read while  the light interior colours give an even greater feeling of space – which can be further enhanced by the optional sunroof. The central console is substantial and uncluttered. Most importantly it lives up to expectations set by the external appearance.

8/10

3. Practicality

The Commander shares a platform with the curvier Grand Cherokee but manages to incorporate an extra row of seats to create Jeep’s first seven-seater, though that final row is on the floor rendering it more uncomfortable than the other seats. You’ll have no problem shifting the big stuff, how much will be determined by how many passengers you want to take at the same time. With seven people on board there is 212.4 litres of space. Fold the third row of seats and you get 1027.9 litres. Fold the second and third rows and you get 1939.7 litres. The Commander’s off road capability is deeply impressive with its Quadra-Drive system able to keep the SUV going even if only one wheel has traction.

8/10

4. Ride and Handling

For a vehicle of this size the Commander handles very well with the minimum of roll when cornering. It has no problems soaking up the bumps and delivers occupants to their destination in plenty of comfort.
 
8/10

5. Performance

The 3-litre Mercedes Benz engine is more than capable of powering this big hunk of metal at pace. The Jeep’s 215bhp engine powers it to 0-62mph in nine seconds and will motor it on to a top speed of 119mph.

8/10

6. Running Costs

Driving a seven-seater 4x4 comes at a price. But you’ll get an average of 26.2mpg – and that’s only 0.2 mpg less than seven-seater MPV the Kia Sedona. Tax hits big 4x4s hardest – following Chancellor Gordon Brown’s last budget in spring 2007 its £300 a year for the Commander and falls into Group 14 for insurance.

7/10

7. Reliability

Jeep does not boast the best reputation for reliability. But the Commander feels robust and there is no reason to think this European-built model will present problems.

7/10

8. Safety

There are plenty of driver aids to keep you out of trouble and side airbags for all three rows (as well as the front ones).The Commander comes with an anti lock braking system to stop the brakes locking, electronic stability programme to help reduce skidding and front and rear parking sensors on Limited models to prevent you flattening any G-Wiz parked in your street.
 
8/10

9. Equipment

Jeep makes a point of making sure its vehicles are well-specced and the Commander is no exception. The entry-level Predator models sport alloy wheels, power adjusted heated seats and cruise control while the Limited model adds a few nice extras including parking assist, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, dual zone air conditioning and leather trimmed seats. Options on our model included a luxury entertainment pack with sat nav, rear DVD system and privacy glass.

9/10

10. X-Factor

You could make a fair argument for identifying the generous extras you get as the Jeep Commander’s X-Factor. But we’d say it is its looks. Jeep has clearly defined vehicles for the male and female buyer and this one is aimed fairly and squarely for the ones with the hairy chests. We love it.

9/10

Rivals

You might also want to consider:
Land Rover Discovery
Mitsubishi Shogun
SsangYong Rexton

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