Jeep Commander

Introduced for 2006, the Commander was built on the same platform as the Grand Cherokee but looked boxier like the old Grand Wagoneer. Its third-row seat increased passenger capacity to seven, but both the second- and third rows are cramped. The third row is OK for kids but not adults. Rear vision is severely compromised when the third-row seats are in use. The Commander offered a lackluster 3.7-liter V6 and two V8s: a 4.7-liter and the powerful but thirsty 5.7-liter Hemi, which moves this vehicle effortlessly but returned a mere 13 mpg in our tests. Handling is secure but not agile.