All in all,

Heavy-duty work or just plain old fun, the Commander is ideal. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

while I didn't get to go off-roading this Jeep was a joy to drive about town. It handles really well for its size and is a smooth, solid, steady ride. If you happen to be a 4x4 buff, the Commander can be fitted with an off-road package that includes heavy-duty axles, an upgraded suspension, skid plates and Quadra-Trac II 4WD.

Off-road package or not, the Commander is also a particularly good value, starting at just $40,995, with an as-tested price of $41,450, the only option in V6-mode being the 6-disc MP3 stereo system. If you want a rugged looking SUV with decent performance and have more than three friends, then this may be the ride for you.

Specifications (V6):

• Price Range (MSRP): $40,995 - $50,470
• Price As Tested (MSRP): $41,450
• Body Type: 5-door SUV
• Layout: front engine, 4WD
• Engine: 210-hp, 235 lb-ft of torque, 3.7L, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA
• Curb Weight: 2,170 kg (5,975 lbs)
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,787 / 1,900 / 1,826 / 2,781 mm (188.5 / 74.8 / 71.9 / 109.5 in)
• Seating Capacity: 7 (2/3/2)
• Cargo Capacity (behind 3rd row/2nd row/front row): 170 / 1,030 / 1,950 L (6.0 / 36.4 / 68.7 cu-ft)
• Ground Clearance (chassis / front axle / rear axle): 251 / 227 / 218 mm (9.9 / 9.0 / 8.6 in)
• Towing Capacity (estimated): 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs)
• Fuel Economy: 14.8 / 10.9 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevy Trailblazer EXT / Tahoe / Suburban, Ford Explorer / Expedition, GMC Envoy XL / Yukon XL, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover LR3, Lexus GX 470, Mitsubishi Montero, Nissan Pathfinder / Armada, Toyota Sequoia
• Web Site: www.jeep.ca