First Impressions
Four vehicle models ago the Commander made a mark as the first Jeep to offer three-row, seven-passenger seating. For many brand loyalists, this mid-size SUV found an instant home as a replacement to the retired Wagoneer. A distinct militarized design makes it more masculine than any soft-edged crossover competitor.
However, the 2010 Commander (view photos) is largely a carryover from last year’s model and still a fuel-sucking utility vehicle. Is this ride starting to look a little like a dinosaur?
We’d say more of a chameleon. Although rugged with three trail-rated four-wheel drive systems and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, the design is sleek enough you can confidently drive the Commander to a black-tie evening affair. It also features premium multimedia amenities like Internet access and real-time television programming. This makes the Commander a versatile ride for a large family with different vehicle needs.
Pricing, Trims and Options
Just two trims are offered on the Commander, the base Sport and the upscale Limited as the Overland has been dropped. All Commanders come with fog lamps, side roof rails and the Uconnect Media Center option to house web, phone, audio and navigation applications.
The Sport 4WD ($34,355) offers voice command for the Media Center and cloth bucket seats. There is also a ParkSense audio monitor for backing assistance.
The Limited 4WD ($43,610) brings premium leather-trimmed seating, a sunroof with two rear Command View Skylights and a 6.5-inch touch screen for the Media Center that offers navigation and ParkView rear backup camera assistance. There is also a 6-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system.
Several options or “groups” are offered. The Sport can opt for the Sun and Sound Group ($3,745) that includes every perk on the Limited, from the skylights to the stereo. The Limited can take on the Rear DVD Entertainment System ($1,720) with its 9-inch overhead LCD monitor, two wireless headsets and SIRUIS Backseat TV. And since the focus of a utility vehicle like the Commander is off-road capability, the Quadra-Drive II 4x4 Group and the Trailer-Tow Group are optional for both the Sport and Limited trims.
Commander owners also have access to endless Mopar accessories to further spruce up or put quality performance parts in their vehicle. A carbon fiber appliqué kit can personalize the console cluster while tubular rock rails add lower body protection.
Interior Features
While the driver’s seat and proportions are snug and accurate, the build of the dash is like a brick wall with a closed-in feel for the front passenger. Jeep delivers quality treatment to second-row passengers with two skylights, mezzanine-style seating and access to climate controls. Although the third row is easier to get in and out of than most, it’s a knees-to-the-chin seating experience.
We dinged the Commander for having a few shortcomings. There are no audio controls on the steering wheel. The driver’s 8-way power seating does not include lumbar support. With the third row employed, there is no rear cargo room to speak of. The Limited trim now has a power liftgate, but it does not have a one-touch closure button embedded in the gate – a necessity for any vehicle being touted as a family ride.
However, the Commander transforms into an living-room-on wheels with exciting entertainment technology provided by the Uconnect Media Center. Aside of Bluetooth hands-free calling and a voice-commanding navigation and audio system, there is also the option of an in-car router that receives 3G broadband Internet so passengers can surf the web on a laptop while you navigate the freeways. With the rear DVD system, you can watch live sports or television shows with either a SIRIUS Backseat TV or Mopar FLO TV subscription (the difference is in the channels). It’s all quite luxurious.
Compared to like-priced 3-row SUV competitors, the interior conveniences and the pricing are mostly on par with similar upscale trims. The spread is a few thousand from the cheaper Honda Pilot Touring V6 to the Jeep Commander Limited V6; MSRP for the Nissan Pathfinder LE-V6 sits between the two at $39,250.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
The Commander earned the highest or 5-star crash ratings from the NHTSA in frontal driver and passenger tests and 3-stars in rollover tests. Side driver and rear passenger safety were not tested. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not tested the 2010 Jeep Commander.
The following safety features are standard on the Jeep Commander:
- Advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags
- Side-curtain air bags covering all three rows
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- Brake Assist
- Traction Control
The 2009 model offered a lifetime powertrain warranty but the 2010 Jeep Commander (view photos) downsized to just a 5-year/100,000-mile one. Performance safety components also include Hill-descent Control and Hill-start Assist (HSA) with the optional Quadra-Drive II. Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) is also optional and controls oscillation when towing.
In terms of reliability, Consumer Reports rates the 2010 Commander as “average”. JDPower.com awarded the Commander with 2.5 of 5 Power Circles in predicted reliability.