2010 Jeep Commander largely unchanged. Medium SUV is basically a stretched version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Commander comes in Sport and Limited trims. The Jeep Commander is a niche vehicle for people who like to go off-road and need a lot of passenger room. However, reviewers say that the passengers you haul down the trail in the Commander won't be happy campers. While some high-tech interior features, like Chrysler's uConnect multimedia entertainment system are available, the Commander just isn't as comfortable as competitors. The Overland model has been discontinued. Each is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Low range gear for off-roading is a standard Limited, optional on Sport. All the Commander seat seven passengers.
Sport has a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. Standard Limiteds and optional on the Sport is a 357-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. 305-hp 4.7-liter V8 has been discontinued. All engines team with 5-speed automatic transmission. The commander assessed to tow up to 3500 pounds with the V6 and 7400 pounds with the V8. Security features that are available include ABS, traction control, charging system, curtain side airbags, front and side airbags. DVD entertainment, navigation system, glass-camera and power adjustable pedals are among the choices. Also offered are Chrysler's Uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-GB hard drive to store digital music and image files, and navigation systems.
If you're looking for a comfortable SUV with plenty of seating space and towing capabilities, check out the Chevy Tahoe. Though it doesn't have the off-road chops of the Commander, some critics say it can handle the off-road terrain that most consumers will throw at them. If you just need people-moving ability and don't plan to go off-road or tow, check out the Chevrolet Traverse. It can seat as many as the Commander, costs a little less, is more comfortable to drive and gets better fuel economy. While it isn't as rugged as the Commander, if you can confine your driving to the pavement, it may be a better choice for you.
The 2010 Commander is largely a carryover from the 2009 model year, and is available in two trims: Sport and Limited. It's also available as a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle. If you're dead set on the Commander, check out this month's best Jeep Deals to see what discounts and incentives are available.
The Jeep Commander offers three different transfer case/driveline options for selection, depending on the model. The base is called Quadra-Trac I, which is a single speed (no reduction gearset for a “low” range) transfer case, incorporating a “power divider” to send power to the front driveshaft, and consequently, the front driving axle, only when slippage is encountered.
The second system, called Quadra-Trac II, is standard on the Commander Limited and optional on the Commander Sport and Rocky Mountain. This system contains an electronically controlled clutch pack that engages to transfer up to 100 percent of the available engine torque to the axle wit hthe most traction. This system also adds a Neutral and Low range selection for special situations.
The third and final system Jeep offers on the Commander is the most complex system, the Quadra-Drive II, standard on the Overland, but optional on all other models, in keeping with Jeep's “You Talk, We Listen” attitude. This system has the “brains” to deliver power only where it is usable, in a normal or low range, based on speed sensor inputs and distributed by Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (“ELSD” in Jeep speak) in both the front and rear axles as well as the transfer case. These three inputs allow the computer to constantly offer the power where it can be most safely utilized, by the tires with the most traction.
The tires on the Commander remain as Goodyear being the supplier, in sizes of P245/65R17 BSW all-terrain as standard, OWL as optional on all but the Overland models, where 245/65R18 BSW tires are standard. Jeep offers 2 different wheels, depending on the tires supplied. In the 17 inch diameter size, a 17” x 7.5” inch machined face aluminum wheel is utilized, and in the optional 18 inch size, an 18” x 7.5” Chrome clad aluminum wheel is supplied.
Trailer towing packages are optional on all models except the Overland, where the high end Trailer Towing Group IV is standard, in keeping with the nature of the fully equipped vehicle.
Jeep has announced enhancements to the 2008 Commander models, Overland and Limited, that include: No Charge MyGIG Infotainment System with integral Navigation system (a $900 value), Power Sunroof w/Command View dual skylights, available SIRIUS BackSeat TV, the SmartBeam headlamp system, which adjusts to ambient lighting conditions, illuminated (fade in and out) entry, and active “three blink-then-off” lane change turn signal position.
