A few weeks after Jeep published the first set of official images and videos for the Commander, the SUV has been officially unveiled. The new Commander, developed and produced in Brazil, is based on the Small Wide Platform underpinning the Compass, but it features a longer and fully redesigned body allowing for a 7-seater cabin. Jeep’s new SUV is destined for South America whilst we don’t expect it to reach the US or European markets. Styling is on par with Jeep’s latest offerings. While sharing a few elements with the Compass sister model (trapezoidal wheel arches, plastic cladding, character lines) the Commander comes with its own design identity.
At the front, the signature seven-slit grille is connected with the chrome-decorated full-LED headlights, and the sculpted bumper features large intakes. The horizontal window-line and the optional dual-tone treatment resemble the 2022 Grand Cherokee. Likewise, the slim LED taillights look similar to the ones on the 2021 Grand Cherokee L, although positioned higher, merging with a chrome bar. From the profile, it is evident that the wheelbase and the rear overhang have grown compared to the Compass. Indeed, the Commander is 4,769 mm long, 1,859 mm wide and 1,682 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,794 mm. This makes it 158 mm longer, 41 mm wider, and 42 mm taller than the Compass, with a 158 mm increase in the wheelbase.
The interior is mostly shared with the Compass, but the Commander comes with different options for the trim and the upholstery making it look more premium. The biggest difference though is that the Commander is roomier with an extra pair of seats in the third row. The second row can move up to 140 mm forwards and backwards, prioritizing legroom or boot space, while the second and third rows are reclining. The boot is 233 lt when all 7-seats are in place, growing to 661 lt in 5-seat configuration and reaching up to 1,760 lt when all passenger seats are folded. There is also an additional 31 lt available in storage departments all around the cabin.
The Jeep Commander is available in two trim levels – Limited and Overland. Limited is distinguished by the 18-inch wheels, and black leather/suede seat upholstery while Overland comes with larger 19-inch wheels, body-colored plasstic cladding and brown leather/suede seat upholstery. Both come standard with the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the 10.1-inch infotainment screen (Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity). Overland also adds a premium 450-Watt Harman Kardon sound system with 9-speakers and a subwoofer, Amazon’s Alexa in Vehicle technology, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free tailgate plus 12V sockets in the boot.
In terms of safety, seven airbags and an array of ADAS systems including adaptive cruise control, are standard equipment. The Commander can be further customized with a list of 18 accessories by Mopar (pet seat, glass holder, roof rack etc). The Commander is based on the Small Wide platform which is underpinning the Compass but it comes with a new setup for the front and rear suspensions, calibrated to the model’s larger dimensions and increased weight (between 1,658 kg and 1,908 kg depending on the variant). Under the bonnet, there is a choice of two engines. The turbocharged 1.3-liter (T270) bi-fuel motor produces 185 hp and 270 Nm of torque and is exclusively combined with a 6-speed automatic gearbox sending power to the front wheels. The 2WD version also has a Sport Mode and a Traction Control + setting for more grip in light-offroading situations.
The 2.0-liter (TD380) turbodiesel engine produces 170 hp and 380 Nm combined with a 9-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels through Jeep’s all-wheel-drive system featuring differential lock, a three-mode terrain selector (Sand/Nud, Snow, Auto), and Hill Descent Control. In this version, the infotainment screen also gets the Jeep Off-Road Pages displaying the degree of vertical and lateral inclination, selected traction system, and differential lock status. The most off-road capable Commander has a 212 mm ground clearance, a 26° approach angle, and a 24° departure angle.
The Jeep Commander will be produced at the Polo Automotivo de Goiana factory with the first deliveries in the Brazilian market expected for October. Pricing starts from 199,990 Brazilian Real (US$ 38,037) for the cheapest Commander Overland Turbo Flex AT6, all the way up to 279,900 (US$ 53,231) for the flagship Commander Overland Turbo Diesel 4×4 AT9.
