Jeep Commander (XK)

History

The Jeep Commander was first introduced at the 2005 New York Auto Show. And it was sold as a 5 or 7-passenger counterpart to the third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the initial inspiration coming from the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It shared its uniframe construction, independent short/long arm front suspension and its 5-link live rear axle with the Grand Cherokee on which it was based. However, It featured a more box-like appearance, with an upright windshield and squared-off sides; it more closely resembled the discontinued Jeep Cherokee (XJ), as well as the second generation Jeep Liberty/Cherokee. Another notable attribute was its stepped roof which was cleverly disguised by the roof rack; similar to the GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT. This allowed the second and third-row seats to be mounted higher than the first-row seats.

Features

Standard features included: electronic stability control, traction control, electronic roll mitigation, back up sensors, immobiliser, front dual-stage and side curtain airbags, TPMS, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, automatic headlights, UConnect infotainment system and a full-size spare wheel. Some optional features included: automatic wipers, a 276-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system, hands-free phone integration, dual zone auto climate control, remote start, a power liftgate, heated first and second row seats, auto dimming mirrors, hill start assist, hill descent control, and adjustable pedals. Smartbeam headlights were also available as well as HID headlights. Another interesting feature was its optional Command View sunroof package which included a power front sunroof and two smaller sunroofs over the second row seats. The Commander also had an optional entertainment package which included a DVD player, 9 in (229 mm) TV, and backup camera. In Europe and certain other markets like Chile, South Africa, and South Korea, the Commander offered a V6 Diesel engine.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Commander was offered with three different four-wheel drive systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. Quadra-Trac I was available on models equipped with the 3.7 L engine; it is a full-time system that requires no driver input. Quadra-Trac II was available on models equipped with a V8 engine; it is a full-time system as well but adds a low range as well as a neutral position for towing. Quadra-Drive II expands on Quadra-Trac II by adding electronic limited slip differentials to the front and rear axles. When equipped with Quadra-Drive II skid plates for the fuel tank, front suspension and transfer case were also added.

Trims

Base/Sport- 2006-2010: (Includes: 3.7L V6 engine or 4.7L V8 engine, AM/FM radio with CD player and six speakers, alloy wheels, cloth seats, keyless entry, power windows, door locks, and driver's seat, and five-passenger seating)

Limited- 2006-2010: (Includes: 4.7L or 5.7 HEMI V8 engine, AM/FM radio with six-disc integral CD changer and six Boston Acoustics speakers, security system, dual power seats, leather seats, and seven-passenger seating)

Overland- 2007-2009: (Includes: 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, AM/FM radio with GPS navigation and six-disc integral CD changer, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, leather-and-suede seats, and dual-panel Command View sunroof)

Both the Rocky Mountain (2007-2009) and 65th Anniversary Edition (MY2006 ONLY) were also offered, both based on the more basic Sport trim level, but adding features like a Boston Acoustics premium sound system with six (6) speakers and a 276-watt external amplifier, unique cloth seating surfaces with 'Jeep 65' (65th Anniversary Edition) or 'Rocky Mountain' (Rocky Mountain) embroidery on the front bucket seats, dual power front bucket seats, a third-row (3rd-row) folding bench seat, front fog lamps, automatic front headlamps, an AM/FM stereo with 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Radio Data System (RDS), unique darkened seventeen-inch (17"x7.5") alloy wheels, a full-sized spare tire and wheel (matching), unique logo-embroidered front and rear carpeted floor mats, and more, both offered as "value-added" trim levels.

Discontinuation

The Jeep Commander was discontinued after the 2010 model year, however, Chrysler announced that the 2011 Dodge Durango would be its successor; which is produced alongside its platform mate the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee at Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan. Another successor, using the Jeep Grand Wagoneer name, is planned for release in 2018.