2010 Jeep Commander
- 2009 Jeep Commander
- Used Jeep Commander
Based on analysis of 64 Commander reviews and test drives.
Jeep Commander - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Jeep Commander ranks 12 out of 12 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 64 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Commander, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Jeep Commander is an also-ran in a competitive class, though it does offer plenty of space and capabilities to take a lot of passengers far off-road.
Most of the Commander's engineering went into off-road performance, and reviewers say it shows. 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. What's more, it's rough on-road ride and thirsty engines make it tough to justify when compared to class leaders.
While the Commander has one of the lowest prices in the Large SUV class, its poor performance and inhospitable interior mean you may want to shop elsewhere. 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.
If you're dead set on the Commander, check out this month's best Jeep Deals to see what discounts and incentives are available. Also, consider choosing a 2009 Commander over the 2010 model. The two model years are virtually identical, but the 2009 model is less expensive and has a lifetime powertrain warranty -- something the 2010 model does not offer.
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.
- "Don't let the badge mislead you. The Jeep Commander commands its brand only in name." -- Car and Driver
- "We think most consumers would be better served by looking elsewhere. The Commander's passenger and cargo space pale in comparison to that of full-size crossovers like the Ford Flex, GMC Acadia and Mazda CX-9, while its fuel economy and driving dynamics also trail these class leaders." -- Edmunds
- "The Commander should be attractive to families that need four-wheel-drive capability for vacations, camping, or challenging winters." -- Automotive.com
- "We're having a hard time determining who it is intended to appeal to--and whether that group will actually find it appealing. While it is a rugged, well-equipped SUV, the Commander seems to us to be an odd mix. Is it a vehicle for lugging the family around in (a militarized minivan), or is it a rugged mountain machine for a gaggle of guys? By catering to both, we think it fails to sufficiently appeal to either group." -- CNET
Commander Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The Jeep Commander's strong off-road capabilities mean compromises in on-road performance. Reviewers complain about the Commander's handling and engines. Read More
Commander Exterior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The Jeep Commander bares a striking resemblance to the original, and now discontinued, Jeep Cherokee, but in a class that tends toward sleeker looks, that translates into relatively little appeal. Read More
Commander Interior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
The interior of the 2010 Jeep Commander is not as luxurious or comfortable as competitors. Read More
Commander Safety - NA
The 2010 Jeep Commander offers such standard safety features as anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and front and side curtain air bags. It also fares well in federal government crash tests. Read More
Commander Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Jeep Commander reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Jeep Commander has a five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The 2009 Jeep Commander is very similar to the 2010 model, but the 2009 comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty. If you can, opting for the 2009 model, which is still on some dealer lots, could save you some headaches down the road. Read More
