NASREC, Johannesburg – The Jeep Commander is the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seats allowing for more passengers – seven total – to visit more places and enjoy its go-anywhere, do-anything capability.
The 2008 Jeep Commander features a wide array of innovative technologies including the MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.
The innovative MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System features built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication system. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There’s space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs – more than 100 hours of music. There also is a voice-memo recorder feature.
New for Jeep Commander is Hill Descent Control (HDC). Operational in the “4WD Low” position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Jeep Commander’s HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle in forward or reverse.
Another new feature for Jeep Commander is Hill Start Assist (HSA). This feature allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver’s release of the brake pedal. The ABS system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch.
Also new is Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which helps to reduce trailer sway and provides improved trailer stability and increased towing safety.
The Jeep brand has been building industry-leading 4×4 vehicles for more than 65 years. The Jeep Commander has Jeep’s legendary off-road capability combined with on-road driving comfort. As a result, the Jeep Commander is the most capable three-row, seven-passenger 4×4. And, of course, it’s Jeep Trail Rated®.
DESIGN
Six-plus decades of Jeep history gave Commander’s design team an unrivaled automotive heritage from which to draw. Key sources of inspiration were the Willys Station Wagons (1946 to 1962), the Jeep Wagoneer (1963 to 1991) and, most of all, the Jeep Cherokee (1984 to 2001).
Introduced in 2006, the Jeep Commander is immediately recognisable as an authentic Jeep due to its classic Jeep design elements: seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings, round headlamps and flat surfaces, plus a steep windshield, backlight and rear end. The result is a rugged, constructed appearance that says “Jeep.”
Commander is the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seats. Firm and broad-shouldered, the seats are positioned theater-style: The second row is higher than the first; the third row is higher than the second. Additional head room is created by literally raising the roof. It is 80 mm higher, beginning over the second row and producing a stepped effect. The second-row seats split 40-20-40; the third row, 50-50. The middle and rear rows fold forward to create a flat load floor for maximum utility. Behind the third row is a storage bin, located in the load floor. Underneath it are provisions for storing the jack and tools. The bin’s top panel is removable and reversible. The carpeted side is level with the third row of seats, and the opposite side is molded-in plastic. It’s for storing the gear that active lifestyles demand.
Located in the roof above the second row are CommandView™ Skylights. These dual skylights of tinted glass are optional and are packaged with the power sun roof that is positioned above the front passengers. Standard on Commander Limited, the package expands the vehicle’s sense of interior roominess. The CommandView Skylights also have roller shades that can be used to block out light when desired. An optional rear-seat DVD player is located between the skylights.
An attractive roof rack rail has two integrated tie-downs on each side. Assist handles with chrome inserts, which extend from the roof rail down the back of the D-pillars, adding to the rugged, utilitarian appearance of the vehicle are available on Limited versions. On top of the rear bumper is a diamond-plate-texture step pad. The pad’s nonskid surface is helpful when stepping on the rear bumper to gain access to the roof of the vehicle. Reinforcing the constructed look, standard on the Overland and optional on Limited models, are decorative bolts that appear to attach the classic Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares to the body.
The two-tone color scheme on Commander’s instrument panel and interior trim exemplify the vehicle’s attention to interior detail. The upper instrument panel is new. Character is provided by 16 Allen head bolts. A “JEEP” logo dominates the center of the steering wheel and the new shift knob. The four gauges in the instrument cluster are simple and purposeful.
The result is Commander’s Jeep heritage exterior design, complemented by a modern interior of well-conceived amenities and features.
ENGINEERING
Four-Wheel-Drive System
Quadra-Drive II®
The Quadra-Drive II® Jeep 4×4 system offers customers the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.
The heart of the system is the active transfer case. This transfer case includes a center differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.
A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD – an industry-first application front/rear/center and the benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD uses electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximizes traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4×4 system.
All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For example, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.
Two Engines
3.0-liter CRD V6
The 3.0-liter engine provides the 2008 Jeep Commander with a powerful diesel engine that is efficient, durable and smooth. It produces 160 kW at 4 200 r/min and 510 Nm at 1 600 to 4 000 rpm. The Commander diesel offers performance similar to its HEMI V8 powered sibling, yet returns fuel consumption expected of vehicles far smaller in size.
5.7-liter HEMI V8
The 5.7-liter HEMI with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) gives Commander best-in-class performance. MDS imperceptibly deactivates half the cylinders of the 5.7-liter HEMI during cruising and light acceleration to increase fuel economy up to 20 %, depending on driving conditions. A sophisticated ETC system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and maintains a more consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active, compared with the former mechanical throttle control system. The HEMI produces 246 kW at 5,000 r/min and 508 Nm at 4 000 r/min.
New for the HEMI engine is a “Fuel Saver Mode” display, included as part of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center, which informs drivers when they are in four-cylinder mode, allowing them to modify their driving habits for improved fuel efficiency.
Suspension Steering Systems and Transmissions
The short- and long-arm independent front suspension on Commander provides the driver with a greater sense of precision and control and more precise steering, and reduces vehicle weight and head toss, all without compromising Commander’s stalwart off-road performance. The five-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.
The Electronic Stability Program, which is standard, aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe maneuvers on any type of surface. It works by using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle that then determine the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability.
Commander’s rack-and-pinion steering imparts more precise steering to the driver, providing quick response during all types of maneuvers.
All Commander engines are mated to five-speed automatic transmissions. These transmissions have higher torque capacity, giving Commander class-leading towing capacity of 3 300 kg, equal to that of the Grand Cherokee. Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control. The shifter provides fully automated shifting when in the “drive” position. Or the driver can manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from the “drive” position. This gives the driver control to precisely match any on-road or off-road driving requirement.
The Quadra-Drive II 4×4 Group available includes tow hooks, a stamped-steel transfer case skid plate that mounts to the transmission cross member, and a fuel tank skid plate that provides off-road protection to the transfer case.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
The 2008 Jeep Commander expands the Jeep lineup and offers consumers more capability, more flexibility, more safety and more premium amenities
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First Jeep with three-row, seven-passenger seating
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The most capable three-row, seven-passenger vehicle on the market
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Three rows of seats that are theater-style
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Fold-flat, 40-20-40 second-row seating allows for easy entry and exit to and from the third row, while fold-flat, 50-50 third-row seats provide flexibility for passengers and cargo
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Jeep Commander Limited features chrome exterior accents and wood and leather interior accents.
Commander’s all-new design was inspired by three legendary Jeep vehicles: the Willys Station Wagons (1946 to 1962), the Jeep Wagoneer (1963 to 1991) and especially the Jeep Cherokee (1984 to 2001)
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With its flat, planar surfaces and upright stance, Commander has a rugged, masculine presence
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Styling cues include the Jeep signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel openings
Legendary Jeep off-road 4×4 capability and class-leading four-wheel-drive capability
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Quadra-Drive II 4×4 systems
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The Quadra-Drive II Jeep 4×4 system gives customers the ultimate in off-road capability by combining the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (front/rear/center) for best-in-class tractive performance
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Staying true to its legendary 4×4 heritage, Jeep Commander is Trail Rated®
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The 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine provides best-in-class horsepower and torque, and best-in-class off-road performance for a three-row SUV. The HEMI’s Multiple-displacement System increases fuel economy by up to 20 %. Also available on Commander is the 3.0-liter CRD V6 engine.
Jeep Commander has the highest level of safety and security technology and features ever offered on a Chrysler vehicle
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Commander has standard side-curtain air bags covering all three rows, including rollover sensors, standard Electronic Stability Program, advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, advanced Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), brake assist, All-speed Traction Control, ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control
More Jeep with more premium amenities
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MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with navigation, CommandView Skylights, remote start, driver-accessible DVD player and overhead-mounted DVD screen for improved viewing comfort, rear audio mode unique from driver, full-screen navigation system, ParkView™ and ParkSense®
Safety and security features
The Jeep Commander features the following safety and security systems:
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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Rough Road Detection
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Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
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BeltAlert
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Brake Assist
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Brake/Park Interlock
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Brake Traction Control System (BTCS)
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LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHildren)
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Child Protection Rear Door Locks
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Crumple Zones
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Digressive Load-limiting Seat Belt Retractors
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Electronic Roll Mitigation
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Electronic Stability Program
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Energy-absorbing Steering Wheel and Column
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Enhanced Accident Response System
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Express Up-down Front-door Windows
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Four-wheel Brake Traction Control System
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Head Restraints in All Outboard Seating Positions
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Hill Descent Control
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Hill Start Assist
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Knee Bolsters
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ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System
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ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera
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Rain-sensitive Wipers
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Remote Keyless Entry
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Seat Belt Pretensioners
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Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer Theft-deterrent System
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Side-curtain Air Bags with Roll Detection System
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SmartBeam Headlamps
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Three-point Belts in All Seating Positions
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Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with Warning Indicator
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Trailer Sway Control
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UConnect® Hands-free Communication System
Color availability
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Light Graystone Pearl Coat
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Mineral Gray Metallic Clear Coat
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Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat
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Stone White Clear Coat
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Black Clear Coat
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Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Pricing
Jeep Commander is available from Jeep dealerships in the following derivatives:
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Jeep Commander 3.0l CRD Sport R454 900
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Jeep Commander 3.0l CRD Limited R519 900
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Jeep Commander 5.7l V8 HEMI Limited R499 900
