2006 Jeep Commander Reviews, Pricing & Specs
The CarGurus verdict
The Jeep Commander combines third-row seating with off-road ability but falls short on cabin quality and cargo space.
The 2006 Jeep Commander fills a previously empty position in the off-road brand’s lineup. The big three-row SUV has imposing styling, available V8 engines, and seating for up to seven passengers. It slots above other mid-size SUVs like the Ford Explorer but under full-size SUVs like the Expedition. Compared to these vehicles, the Commander has terrific off-road ability but lacks cabin quality, cabin space, and towing capability.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
Shoppers will quickly be able to identify the Commander as a Jeep. The tall, square outline and seven-slat grille give it the look of a modernized and upsized Jeep Cherokee (a model which was phased out in 2001). Inside, the Commander has the simple, contemporary look of its stablemate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The cabin features heavy use of hard plastics and other low-grade materials. Rivals like the Ford Explorer have better cabin quality.
Jeep offers the Commander in two trims: base and Limited. The base trim comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, power windows, power heated mirrors, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD player stereo system. It also comes standard with cruise control and an eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat.
Moving up to the Limited trim adds leather seats, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and memory settings for both front seats. Other features on the Limited include power-adjustable pedals and dual-zone climate control.
Performance
The Commander offers one V6 and two V8 engine options. The base 3.7-litre V6 makes power specs of 210 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A 4.7-litre V8 powertrain comes standard on the Limited trim. Its engine generates 235 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. The Limited also offers a 5.7-litre V8 engine as optional equipment. This Hemi engine produces 330 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. It also features Jeep’s Multiple Displacement System, allowing it to shut off half the cylinders when full power is not required. When properly equipped, the 5.7-litre Hemi allows the Commander to tow up to 3,265 kilograms (7,200 pounds).
All engines route power through a five-speed automatic transmission to four-wheel drive (4WD; rear-wheel drive, or RWD, is not offered in Canada). Jeep actually offers multiple 4WD drivetrain systems, called Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. The first is a full-time system that requires no driver input. This can be found on the base V6. Quadra-Trac II is a more conventional system with a transfer case and 2-High, 4-High, and 4-Low modes. Quadra-Drive II provides front and rear electronically limited-slip differentials and can send power to any wheel when a loss of traction is sensed.
With all this off-road kit, the Jeep Commander is extremely capable on the trail and will outperform any rival SUV on the dirt, mud, and rock. The Commander balances that with composed and comfortable on-road handling.
Form & function
The 2006 Commander provides a total of 1,945 litres of cargo space with all seats folded. Folding only the third row provides 1,030 litres, and putting up all seats drops cargo space to just 170 litres. The Commander has a helpful rear-opening hatch window, which can be remotely opened.
Unfortunately, cars like the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Ford Explorer best the Jeep Commander on cargo space. The Trailblazer has 2,265 litres of total cargo space, and the Explorer provides a total of 2,429 litres of cargo space. This difference in cargo space can largely be attributed to the Commander’s third-row seats, which allow for a seven-passenger capacity.
Technology
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2006 Jeep Commander include antilock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Commander also comes standard with dual-stage front airbags and side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.
The 2006 Jeep Commander earns a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Cost-effectiveness
The V6-powered Commander returns fuel economy of 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 10.7 on the highway, making it the most efficient version of the SUV. The most-efficient V8 version is the 4.7-litre, returning 15.6 L/100 km city and 10.9 highway. The least-efficient configuration is the 5.7-litre V8, returning 16.5 city and 11.2 highway.
The model year 2006 Jeep Commander has a starting price of $41,480. A Jeep Commander Limited starts at a new car MSRP of $51,680.
Note: Images show a US model.
What owners say
"The 2006 Jeep Commander has received mixed feedback from owners. Many appreciate its spaciousness, powerful V8 engine, and off-road capability, making it ideal for families and adventurous driving. However, some drivers are disappointed with its poor gas mileage, limited rear visibility, and high maintenance costs. Overall, it’s seen as a reliable SUV that performs well in various conditions but comes with its drawbacks."
The car features were great, this is a good value as priced. Really haven't tried to compare models.
September 7, 2025Love everything about this jeep - 4th jeep and by far my favorite. Fun to drive, always ready for any occasion, very versatile - you can haul/tow/carpool etc. just as much a family car as it is a working car. zero issues, only fun.
January 15, 2014Really enjoyed the space this vehicle has. The sunroofs over the backseat passengers create roomy atmosphere as well. The V8 has the power to pull your water toys up and over mountain effortlessly even fully loaded with camping gear. Great Truck comfortable and very reliable!
December 7, 2011What owners say
The car features were great, this is a good value as priced. Really haven't tried to compare models.
September 7, 2025Love everything about this jeep - 4th jeep and by far my favorite. Fun to drive, always ready for any occasion, very versatile - you can haul/tow/carpool etc. just as much a family car as it is a working car. zero issues, only fun.
January 15, 2014Really enjoyed the space this vehicle has. The sunroofs over the backseat passengers create roomy atmosphere as well. The V8 has the power to pull your water toys up and over mountain effortlessly even fully loaded with camping gear. Great Truck comfortable and very reliable!
December 7, 2011We like the fact that this has all the bells and whistles one would want in a rugged SUV type vehicle. It has a very comfortable ride, but you pay for it in gas mileage around town. On the highway, it gets close to 19 mpg.
December 7, 2010Performance: Acceleration is adequate considering the weight of the vehicle. Breaking and handling are superb. Build Quality: Like a tank Appearance: Exterior sleek box with luxury inside. Cost of ownership: High, gas mileage about 11mpg Fun factor: Extremely fun, recommend to all SUV lovers
July 9, 2009This is an awesome vehicle. Solid, powerful (hemi) and one of the most stylist vehicles on the road (Limited Edition)
April 11, 2008For its age and miles it appears to be a good serviceable vehicle. Its not fancy or pretty but it looks to me like a good example of a function over fashion SUV.
August 24, 2022The Commander is a very spacious vehicle, with plenty of power behind the Hemi V8 in the Limited trim. Visibility from the B pillars forward is great, but there are a lot of blind spots from the B pillars back, especially if the third row of seats is up. The Limited trim is very well equipped.
September 20, 2021this particular vehicle has surpassed any thought of being a lemon. It was in the shop once to have the transfer case fluids replaced. That's It! All back seats fold down. Plenty of storage when they are down. 7 passenger belts with all seats up. When all are up the cargo capacity is very limited, with exception to outside top rack area.
April 13, 2015This Commander has been a great vehicle for our family of 4 for everything from short trips to the school, to vacations, to tailgating and for work purposes. It has been kept up very well, and is in good condition.
September 6, 2012
