Built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Commander offered a seven-seat option in a package that looked like the Jeep Cherokee XJ.
Boxy-looking, rugged appeal, and hard-core stance: these were the main attributes of the Commander. It was a vehicle built for big families or those who had a Jeep Cherokee XJ while they were in college. Unfortunately, the car’s sales were hit by the world financial crisis, and despite its good on- and off-road abilities, it remained mostly unknown, and sales were lower than expected.

The flat front fascia with big, squared headlights was a tribute paid to the older Jeeps for starters. Its flat panels for the fenders, hood, and almost straight windshield resembled the Grand Wagoneer and the Cherokee at the same time. A set of plastic moldings enhanced the wheel fenders’ look, and they were bolted in with chromed bolts. The big side windows were accompanied on top of the car by a set of two glass sunroofs.

Inside, the carmaker offered the car with an option for three rows of seats and room for seven. When the rear seats were folded, they left room for a big trunk, which could have been further enlarged by folding down the middle row. For the dashboard, Jeep chose a classic design theme with flat surfaces and a touch of modern features such as the infotainment unit installed on the center stack.

Under the hood, Jeep offered a 3.0-liter diesel engine for the European market, carried over from the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class along with the 5-speed automatic gearbox, renamed as Autostick.