Used Jeep Commander in Iowa

The Jeep Commander (XK) is a mid-sized SUV introduced in 2006. It was first introduced at the 2005 New York Auto Show. It is the 7-passenger counterpart of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has much more boxy styling, with an upright windshield and squared-off sides. The roof is stepped for the second and third-row seats (which are mounted higher than the first-row seats), but is disguised, as on the GMC Envoy XL, by a roof rack. It also features three moon roofs called Command View.           

While the Jeep Wagoneer was the Commander's initial inspiration, it is built upon the WK Grand Cherokee and resembles the discontinued third generation Jeep Cherokee (XJ). The Commander offers a base V6 engine with an optional 4.7L Magnum & 5.7L Hemi V8: The Jeep commander comes with the optional entertainment package which includes a DVD player and TV and rear parking camera.

            

The name Commander calls to mind images of daring swashbucklers on fearless adventures at the far corners of the earth. As such, Jeep's latest SUV is aptly named; it possesses every inch of the go-anywhere bravado implicit in it moniker. With three rows of seating and room for up to seven passengers, the Commander is the most spacious SUV Jeep has ever produced. Although not quite as capable off-road as the smaller Jeeps, among SUVs in its size class the Commander is a superb trail-buster, able to tackle rock-strewn paths and steep mountain tracks without breaking a sweat.           

Find Used Jeep Commander in Des Moines

Buyers have a choice of three trims. The Commander Sport is decently equipped; amenities include power windows and door locks, a power driver seat, air-conditioning and a sound system equipped with a CD player. The pricier Limited trim honeys the mix significantly with features like heated leather seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, rain-sensing automatic wipers, satellite radio and a power sunroof with twin skylights for those ensconced in the second row. The Commander Overland is similarly equipped but features special interior and exterior trim. Buyers can also snag options like a navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.            

The Jeep Commander debuted in the 2006 model year. Prior to 2008, the 4.7-liter V8 generated 235 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Prior to 2009, the 5.7-liter V8 made 330 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque, while getting slightly worse fuel economy than the current Hemi.

            

Other updates to the Commander were light. For '07, the Overland trim debuted and a year later, the Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist electronic driving aids arrived for Commanders with Quadra-Drive II. Five-passenger seating and upgraded entertainment features arrived that year as well. The Commander Limited and Overland's interior materials quality were improved for '09. For more information on the current offering of the Jeep Commander visit the official page onJeep.com

            

In editorial reviews, the Jeep Commander has earned praise for its off-road capabilities and powerful engine choices. Opinions about ride quality are mixed; some have found the Jeep to provide a tranquil ride but others, expecting a more secure feel, deem it wallowy. Handling on pavement is competent for a nearly 5,000-pound vehicle, but not the least bit sporting. Although the smaller 4.7-liter V8 does a fine job of hustling the Commander with authority, the 5.7-liter V8 is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient.