When it comes to practicality the Commander both wins and loses. It wins thanks to a rear glass hatch that springs open remotely
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| The Commander wins points thanks to a rear glass hatch that springs open remotely with the press of a key fob button, but loses due to a non-removable third row seat. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
with the press of a key fob button, but loses due to a non-removable third row seat. GM will soon one-up the Commander thanks to an easy to remove, split third row seat in its forthcoming line of revised full-size SUVs. Yes, the two sections of GM's third row fold flat, similar to the Commander's, but they can also be entirely removed in a snap, maximizing cargo capacity. Chevy has also added a power option to the task of folding and tumbling their second row seats, enabling easy access to the third row. The driver merely pushes a button to initiate the process without having to vacate the royal thrown.
Although the top-of-the-line HEMI-powered Commander Limited has yet to adopt removable third row seating or power-actuated second row seats, it's a very functional vehicle just the same. Some buyers, no doubt, will appreciate Jeep more for offering
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| The highly refined 2006 Jeep Commander Limited is a tremendously capable seven-person SUV, on-road or off. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
multiple powerplants, beginning with a 210-horsepower 3.7-litre (226 cu in) V6 spinning out 235 foot-pounds of torque. Next up is a moderate 4.7-litre (287 cu in) V8 churning out 235-horsepower and 305 foot-pounds of torque. Capping the power escalation is the HEMI lurking silently and seductively beneath the hood of this week's tester.
Three different 4WD arrangements are also available depending on engine choice. In the U.S., a two-wheel-drive Commander can also be purchased, but here at home all Commanders are of the 4WD variety. As one might expect, Jeep's new SUV is well equipped in base form and lavishly appointed when the "Limited" badge is affixed. My Limited-level tester spoiled with heated leather seats, a moonroof, six disc in-dash AM/FM/CD audio, tri-zone climate control, SmartBeam auto dimming headlights, rain sensing wipers, and much more.
