• Classic, rugged Jeep styling
• First-ever three-row Jeep accommodates up to seven passengers
• Theatre-style “stadium” seating with panoramic Command-View™ sun roof
• V6 diesel and V8 petrol engines

The all-new Jeep Commander has arrived in Australia, the brand’s first seven-seat four-wheel drive, initiating the expansion of the Jeep vehicle line-up that will take place over the next four years.

The Jeep Commander is the first Jeep model to offer standard three-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers.

The 4x4 is offering more capability, more flexibility and advanced safety and security technologies that are sure to appeal to customers.

“The Jeep Commander is the first seven-passenger 4x4 that is as capable as it is distinctive,” said Gerry Jenkins, Managing Director, Chrysler Group Australia.

“With its class-leading diesel V6 and two V8 petrol engines, Jeep Commander expands and strengthens what is already an excellent line-up - consisting of Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

“And with a starting price of just $54,990, value is the word of the day!"

“Our customers and dealers have long been requesting a seven-seat Jeep and now with the Commander we have the perfect solution."

“The Commander broadens the Jeep brand’s appeal. And with its unique looks, an increasingly important quality in today’s crowded marketplace, it allows customers to differentiate themselves."

“The Commander has been deliberately designed with the similar rugged looks of the original Cherokee that so many people love,” said Jenkins.

The Commander is designed to accommodate seven people with three rows of seats arranged theatre-style.

Even whilst accommodating extra passengers, the Commander is only 37 mm longer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Jeep Commander shares the same four-wheel drive systems, suspension and powertrains as the Grand Cherokee.

Three powertrains will be available in the Commander - one diesel and two petrol engines. The new 5.7-litre V8 petrol, with cylinder deactivation for fuel efficiency, is available in addition to the 4.7-litre V8 petrol. The diesel engine is an all-new 3.0-litre V6 common-rail turbo diesel (CRD) from DaimlerChrysler.

With a starting price of $54,990, the Jeep Commander is a $1,000 premium over the Grand Cherokee model.

The launch of the all-new Jeep Commander signals the on-going Jeep product offensive scheduled for the next four years. Jeep Australia recently confirmed another new model for 2006; the 313 kW Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Modern interpretation of heritage design

The Jeep Commander’s upright windscreen and rear end, as well as its more vertical body sides and side glass, embody the vehicle’s classic Jeep styling. The side-view mirrors are also bold and purpose-built. Overall, Commander looks strong and confident because of its classic Jeep styling — upright and rugged. Commander engages the emotions because it is steeped in the heritage of Jeep design — integrating the past and present.

The satisfaction continues inside the vehicle, where great attention to detail is clearly evident. From the gear shift knob, to the four round gauges in the instrument cluster, to the new steering wheel, Jeep Commander is uniquely Jeep in appearance.

Newly designed seats are supportive and comfortable and, for the first time in a Jeep, there are now three rows of them. With each row slightly higher than the one in front of it, this distinctive “theatre-style” arrangement improves forward visibility for every passenger and delivers an optimal all-round view. The second- and third-row seats fold forward to provide a flat load floor. Jeep Commander is only 37 mm longer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, even though it accommodates three rows of seats. Since they share the same Jeep 4x4 systems, powertrains and wheelbase (2780 mm), Commander is just as manoeuvrable and off-road capable as the Grand Cherokee.

The Jeep Commander’s stepped roof provides second and third-row occupants with plenty of head room. Complementing the available front-mounted sun roof is Command-ViewTM the new and innovative skylights (complete with shades) over the second row of seats.

The lower portion of the dashboard panel is shared with Grand Cherokee, but the top section is all-new and prominently features four pairs of circular adjustable air vents and proudly displays 16 allen head bolts that also contribute to the mechanical, constructed look of the vehicle. Both the steering wheel centre and the gear selector knob present the Jeep logo framed in a bright ring with exposed simulated allen bolt heads to continue and enhance the overall design theme. A precise four-dial instrument cluster with LED illumination features black gauges with white graphics and red pointers for reading ease in all conditions.

Seating seven in style

The Jeep Commander has “theatre-style” seating that enhances the functionality of its three-row, seven-passenger layout. The second-row seats are mounted 117.3 mm higher than the front row, and third row seats are 120.45 mm higher than the second row — to ensure all occupants enjoy an excellent view of the surrounding cityscape or countryside.

The second-row 40/20/40 split seats are engineered so the outer sections fold down and tumble forward to allow passengers entry or exit from the third row on either side of the vehicle. All three second-row seatbacks can be folded onto the cushions to form a flat-load area.

For maximum comfort, Jeep Commander has standard heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system in the third row. Fully independent of the front system, it feeds warmed or cooled air to a single floor-level outlet and two circular rotating outlets on each side of the rear trim.

As well as seating seven in style, the Jeep Commander accommodates amazing space for passengers and cargo. With seven on board, there is room for 212 litres of luggage. Folding the third-row seats expands the cargo space to 1,028 litres, and also folding the second row gives an impressive total of 1,940 litres.

Engineered to go anywhere, do anything

Class-leading off-road capability and on-road refinement were mandatory for the Jeep Commander. So the Jeep engineering team went to the head of the class: they provided Commander with the same 4x4 systems, suspension and powertrains as the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee, including an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

“Jeep Grand Cherokee reset the SUV benchmark with its on-road refinement, off-road mastery and overall performance in key areas of customer satisfaction,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Now the all-new seven-passenger Jeep Commander, with the new 3.0-litre CRD V6 engine and a choice of two petrol V8 engines, including the 5.7-litre hemi with cylinder deactivation through the Multi-Displacement System, will become a compelling package for many customers.”

New engines deliver performance and power

The 3.0 CRD engine is based on the latest Mercedes-Benz technology, featuring Bosch high-pressure fuel injection (1600+ bar), a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The new V6 engine meets Euro 4 emissions standards. Additionally, the Jeep Commander’s diesel emission system is equipped with a standard diesel particulate filter.

Maximum power is 160 kW and peak torque is 510 Nm from just 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. The accelerator pedal is modified to reduce transmission kick-downs during normal driving but still allow for full pedal travel when quicker acceleration is demanded by the driver.

For customers requiring maximum performance, the 5.7-litre engine delivers power and torque: 240 kW and 500 Nm. Ninety per cent of peak torque is available over a broad revband (from 2,400 to 5,100 rpm) for excellent performance while trailer towing or travelling off-road, as well as during regular city and highway driving. To boost fuel economy, the engine is fitted with the Multi-Displacement System that deactivates half the cylinders during cruising and light acceleration to increase fuel economy by up to 15 per cent, depending on driving conditions.

The 4.7-litre V8 engine was fitted with numerous improvements and refinements for its application in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and these are carried over to the Jeep Commander. An improved exhaust gas recirculation calibration delivers better fuel consumption, and the cast oil pan now provides better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Maximum power is 170 kW at 4,500 rpm, and maximum torque is 410 Nm at 3,600 rpm.

Two automatic transmissions

The 3.0L CRD engine is matched to a five-speed W5A580 automatic transmission that offers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy with the diesel engine. The 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission used with the 5.7-litre V8 and 4.7-litre V8 engines has been refined for higher-quality shifts and to maximise the Jeep Commander’s towing capacity.

Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control. The transmission provides fully automatic shifting in the “drive” position or the driver can manually select each gear sequentially by moving the shift lever left or right from the “drive” position. This gives the driver precise control to match any on-road or off-road driving conditions.

Sophisticated suspension provides confident ride and handling

The Jeep Commander shares its suspension and running gear with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This includes short and long-arm front suspension that provides the driver with a greater sense of precision and control, and more precise steering, without compromising Commander’s off-road performance. The tight turning diameter of 11.8 m provides for nimble handling.

The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which is standard, aids the driver in severe driving manoeuvres on any type of surface. ESP uses signals from sensors throughout the vehicle to determine the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability.

Four-wheel drive capabilities

Two full-time four-wheel drive systems are available on the Jeep Commander.

Quadra-Trac II® incorporates the NV 245 transfer case that provides full-time active four-wheel drive. When wheel slippage is detected, up to 100 per cent of the available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction. The NV 245 also includes electronic shift with a true low-range gear and neutral for towing Jeep Commander behind another vehicle.

Quadra-Drive II® is one of the most advanced four-wheel-drive transfer case systems available, providing Jeep Commander with outstanding tractive capability. Electronic Limited Slip Differentials — front and rear — offer customers the ultimate in off-road capability. Quadra-Drive II provides electronic engagement of torque biasing for the front axle, as well as the rear. As a result, torque transfer is faster, and almost 100 per cent of the torque can be distributed to any of the four wheels, a capability that is unique to Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Safety and security

The Jeep Commander is designed to improve not only handling and accident avoidance, but also to provide excellent crash protection. Crash protection features available on the Commander include advanced multi-stage front air bags, extended up-time supplemental side-curtain air bags for all three rows, seat belts equipped with pretensioners and digressive load limiting retractors, and BeltAlert, a buckle-up reminder system for the driver.

Testifying to the tireless work of Jeep designers, the new seven-seat Jeep Commander has received the U.S. government's highest rating for frontal-impact crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Active safety features on the new Jeep Commander include standard:

• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• Brake Assist System
• Advanced Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
• All-speed Traction Control System (TCS)
• Tyre pressure monitor and warning signal
• ParkSense™ (front and rear park assist)
• Rain-sensitive wipers

Features at a glance

Jeep Commander standard features

• Choice of two engine/transmission/4x4 system combinations:
• 4.7-litre V8 engine matched with a five-speed automatic transmission, with Quadra-Trac II full-time four-wheel-drive system
• 3.0-litre V6 CRD engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, with Quadra-Drive II full-time four-wheel-drive system
• Three row heater-air conditioning system
• Power adjustable seats (8-way driver, 4-way passenger)
• Power door locks, windows and heated mirrors
• AM/FM/CD and six-speaker sound system
• Overhead console
• Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC)
• Body-colour grille, black bodyside moulding
• Cloth seats
• Short and long-arm independent front suspension
• Five-link rear suspension
• Rack-and-pinion steering
• Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
• Traction Control System
• Electronic Stability Programme
• Electronic Rollover Mitigation system
• 17-inch aluminium wheels
• 60/40 split-folding rear seat with folding outboard head restraints and retractable cup holders in seat cushions
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Sentry Key® engine immobiliser and remote keyless entry
• Advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags
• 1,940 Litre of cargo volume
• Cargo storage with reversible load-floor and water-resistant storage compartment
• Front and rear full-length side-curtain air bags

Jeep Commander optional features

• Premium Paint: $370
• Climate Group: $2,700 consists of Sunroof and Deep Tint Glass
• Quadra-Drive II – 4.7L: $2,100 (standard on 3.0L CRD)
• Park Assist front & rear: $675
• Entertainment Group: $1,596 consists of AM/FM CD 6 disc MP3 & Boston Acoustic Speakers
• All Terrain Tyres: No cost option
• Skid Plates: Standard on base model

Jeep Commander Limited standard features

In addition to Jeep Commander standard features (listed above), the Limited model adds:

• Quadra-Drive II system for all engine variants
• Jeep Memory System (controls power seats and exterior mirrors)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather interior trim
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Boston Acoustics six-speaker premium sound system with 276-watt digital amplifier and a six disc CD player
• ParkSense front and rear park assist
• Heated driver and front passenger seats
• Chrome grille and bodyside mouldings
• Kingston Burl wood trim and two-tone IP/door trim
• Infrared Dual Zone Climate Control
• Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side exterior mirrors

Jeep Commander Limited optional features

• 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine with Multi-Displacement System and five-speed automatic transmission including Quadra-Drive II
• Premium Paint: $370
• Climate Group: $2,700
• Skid Plate Group: $166
• All Terrain Tyres: No cost option

Pricing (RRP)

• Commander 4.7L V8: $54,990
• Commander 3.0L CRD: $59,990
• Commander Limited 4.7L V8: $66,990
• Commander Limited 3.0L CRD: $69,990
• Commander Limited 5.7L V8: $71,990

Exterior colours and trim

The Jeep Commander comes in nine exterior colours and three interior trim options

Production

The Jeep Commander is built at the Magna Steyr Manufacturing Facility in Graz, Austria, on the same production line as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Magna Steyr

Magna Steyr is a wholly owned group of the Canada-based Magna International Inc., which ranks among the world’s largest suppliers to the automotive industry. Magna International employs over 81,000 people at 223 manufacturing divisions and 56 engineering centres in 22 countries. Magna Steyr is the premier global supplier of complete vehicle engineering and assembly for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers.

2006 Jeep® Commander technical specifications

The information shown is based on data available at the time of publication (May 2006).

Body and chassis

Seven-seat, four-door sport-utility vehicle with all-steel unitised body/chassis unit. Choice of three (two petrol and one diesel) longitudinally mounted front engines driving the rear or all four wheels on demand, via a five-speed automatic transmission through an electronically controlled transfer case and available electronically controlled limited slip differential front and rear axles.

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