First ever three-row Jeep accommodates seven

Jeep Commander

The rear view of the Jeep Commander

Tuesday,  September 13, 2005

The all-new Jeep Commander – classic in design and the first Jeep to offer three rows of seats that accommodates seven – signals the start of a Jeep product offensive scheduled for the next two years. The Commander is engineered to perform as only Jeep vehicles can and is equipped with advanced safety technologies that are sure to appeal to all customers.

“Jeep Commander is the first seven-passenger 4x4 that is as capable as it is distinctive,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group.

“Commander is also the only SUV in its class to offer two V-8 engines, as well as a best-in-class diesel V-6. In addition, the Jeep Commander expands and strengthens what is already an excellent lineup, consisting of the Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and initiates the expansion of the Jeep vehicle lineup that will take place during the second half of this decade.”

Heritage Exterior Design, Complemented by an All-New Interior

In developing the Jeep Commander, designers looked to past Jeep vehicles for inspiration: the Willys Station Wagons (1946 to 1962), the Jeep Wagoneer (1963 to 1991) and especially the Jeep Cherokee (1984 to 2001). All were classically Jeep in appearance, with classic lines, planar surfaces and rugged looks. The Jeep Commander is a modern interpretation of that design ethic.

The Jeep Commander's upright windshield, backlight 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 military bearing – upright and rugged.

Inside the vehicle, attention to detail is evident. From the gear shift knob, to the four round gauges that make up the instrument cluster, to the new steering wheel, Commander is refined and uniquely Jeep in appearance.

The newly designed seats are supportive and comfortable. And, for the first time in a Jeep vehicle, there are three rows of them, each row slightly higher than the one in front of it. This distinctive theater-style seating arrangement makes forward viewing easier. The second and third row seats fold forward to create a flat load floor. 

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-View™, the new and innovative skylights (complete with shades) over the second row of seats.

Engineered to Go Anywhere, Do Anything

Class-leading off-road capability and on-road refinement were mandatory for the Jeep Commander. So the Jeep 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.

New Engines Deliver Performance and Power

The new 3.0 CRD engine is a "next-generation" power unit from DaimlerChrysler producing class-leading levels of torque and towing, with efficient fuel economy. Based on the latest Mercedes-Benz technology, Bosch high-pressure fuel injection (1600+ bar), a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder, the new engine meets Euro 4 emissions standards. Additionally, the Commander's diesel emission system is equipped with a standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). 

Two Automatic Transmissions Offer Premium Refinement

The 3.0 CRD engine is mated to a new five-speed W5A580 automatic transmission that offers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy with the diesel engine. The existing 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission used with the 5.7-litre HEMI and 4.7-litre V-8 engines has been refined for higher-quality shifts and to maximize the Jeep Commander's towing capacity.

Sophisticated Suspension Provides Confident Ride and Handling

Jeep Commander shares its suspension and running gear with the Grand Cherokee. This includes a newly developed front suspension that provides the driver with greater control and more precise feedback from the new rack-and-pinion steering system. The new five-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling. A tight turning diameter of 11.2 m (36.7 ft.) – the same as Grand Cherokee – provides for nimble handling.

Safety and Security Designed in from the Beginning

Like all Chrysler Group vehicles, the Jeep Commander is designed to improve not only handling and accident avoidance, but also to provide excellent crash protection. One safety feature that the Commander offers is electronic roll mitigation. Using input from multiple sensors, the system deploys the air bags in certain rollover scenarios, as well as side impact events.

Crash avoidance features on the new Jeep Commander include standard:

• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)

• Brake Assist

• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

• All-Speed Traction Control System (TCS)

• A tire pressure monitoring system

• ParkSense™ (rear park assist)

• DVD-based navigation system

• Rain sensitive wipers

• Two Production Plants to Meet Global Demand

To meet the anticipated demand for the new Jeep Commander, two world-class facilities will be employed to build the vehicle on the same assembly lines as the Grand Cherokee. The Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan (USA) will build vehicles for primarily the North American market. Assembly for European and other world market customers will take place at the Magna Steyr manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria.

The new Jeep Commander is expected to reach international dealer showrooms from the first quarter of 2006.

The Jeep Commander is one of two new vehicles the Chrysler Group has unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Dodge Caliber is also on display.

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