Interestingly enough, some of the new SUV's electronic safety hardware, such as its All-Speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic

Some of the Commander's electronic safety hardware, such as its All-Speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), works extremely well off-road. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Stability Program (ESP), works extremely well off-road. No doubt its tire pressure monitoring system would act as a good reminder to refill the tires to proper spec if you'd deflated them prior to going off-road, a common trick that improves the ride over rough surfaces while enhancing traction. The Commander also includes standard ABS, but I'm not yet convinced that it does a heck of a lot when on the trail.

Something else which was designed to improve city and highway driving that also benefits when off-road is the Commander's

Jeep offers three four-wheel drive systems in the Commander, by my top-line tester featured the top-line Quadra-Drive II system. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

extremely robust five-speed automatic transmission, fitted with AutoStick manual mode and driver adaptive technology. This is a sophisticated gearbox, light years ahead of anything Jeep's domestic rivals offer in a 4x4 capable SUV and ideal for rowing through the cogs or even more importantly when on the trail, holding a given gear.

Jeep offers three four-wheel drive systems in the Commander, my tester featuring the top-line Quadra-Drive II - Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Trac II are also available. If these seem familiar, it's because they're the same as offered with the Grand Cherokee, as are the Commander's two transfer cases, complete with a Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), and Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD).