2006 Jeep Commander Preview

If a person must suffer through such challenges, they'd better be surrounded in leather seats and trim, the former with heated

Jeep says its seats are "supportive and comfortable," an absolute necessity. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

cushions no less, plus woodgrain surfaces set into a unique two-tone dash, premium audio, and a DVD-system complete with headphones for those moments of all-important silence. Jeep says its seats are "supportive and comfortable," an absolute necessity, plus the ones in back are stacked in a stadium configuration, with each row positioned slightly higher than the former so that all occupants can see the road ahead. This should keep yells for "shotgun" to a minimum. Power everything is a must too, as the thought of getting out and walking around the vehicle to let the kids in the other side might be overwhelming after a day replete with countless tasks, one of which may or may not include providing an income so that said family can afford such a nice, well-equipped SUV.

For this reason the Commander's upright windshield, backlite and rear end, plus its vertical body sides and side glass, should provide those in the driver's seat with an exceptionally good view to the road ahead and

The third row of seats is said to fold flat into the floor, allowing for optimal load carrying capabilities. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

traffic alongside and behind. The sideview mirrors are also large and square, ideal for their intended purpose.

The third row of seats is said to fold flat into the floor, allowing for optimal load carrying capabilities and a sizeable 1,030-litres (36.4 cubic feet) of stowage room. Drop the second row down and this area grows to 1,950-litres (68.7 cubic feet), but if all are on board there's not much space to load luggage at 170-litres (6.0 cubic feet).

Still, it's important to factor in that despite the Commander's commanding presence, its only five centimetres (two inches) longer than the new Grand Cherokee, so it will be just as maneuverable in parking lots and through mountain trails.