2006 Jeep Commander Preview

But interestingly enough, Jeff Bell, Vice President Jeep, Chrysler Group, didn't mention this obvious difference when stating what

"Commander signals our commitment to remain the leader in the sport-utility market, a market that Jeep invented more than 60 years ago." (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

made the Commander a significant vehicle in its class.

"The 2006 Jeep Commander is significant for a number of reasons," said Bell. "First, Commander signals our commitment to remain the leader in the sport-utility market, a market that Jeep invented more than 60 years ago. This is the first seven-passenger 4x4 that is Jeep Trail Rated. Second, Commander is the only SUV in its class to offer two V8 engines. In addition, the Jeep Commander expands and strengthens what is already a stellar lineup, consisting of the Wrangler, Liberty and Grand Cherokee. And finally, the all-new Jeep Commander initiates the expansion of the Jeep vehicle lineup that will take place during the second half of this decade."

There you have it, Jeep's reasoning behind building the new Commander, and some of its benefits to you, the customer. There's a whole group of SUV buyers that will step up to the plate merely because HEMI will be inscribed on the back right hand corner of the liftgate, signifying that one of the most potent V8 motors in the business resides under the hood. For the time being, Jeep is only stating that its 5.7-litre

The Jeep Commander expands and strengthens what is already a stellar lineup, consisting of the Wrangler, Liberty and Grand Cherokee. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

HEMI, optimized in Commander trim to produce the least horsepower of any HEMI at 330 and a high torque rating of 375 lb-ft, and also featuring Chrysler Group's cylinder deactivating Multi-Displacement System (MDS), will be made available, possibly keeping its uprated 425-horsepower 6.1-litre version, which joined the Commander on stage during yesterday's New York auto show press event powering the Grand Cherokee SRT8, the brand's first foray into SRT glory, to be unveiled at a later date. The 5.7-litre HEMI will be optional, with the Chrysler Group's SOHC 4.7-litre V8 featuring 235-horsepower at 4,500 rpm and a robust 305 lb-ft of torque from as low as 3,600 rpm being the second engine option, after a standard 3.7-litre V6 with 210-horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque available at 4,000 rpm.