2008 Jeep Commander SLT Crewcab 2wd

What s New for 2008 Engine and feature upgrades are in store for the 2008 Jeep Commander. The 4.7-liter V8 is considerably more powerful this year as well as being slightly more fuel efficient. Off-road technology and versatility are bolstered with the Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist electronic driving aids as part of the Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system. Inside the Commander has five-passenger seating available for the first time. To entertain the troops this year s Commander can now be had with the hard-drive-based MyGIG infotainment system and Sirius Backseat TV. Introduction Jeep s big people mover is back for its third year of production. It s the only seven-passenger SUV in Jeep s lineup and it carries the burden of providing rugged off-road abilities with luxury and convenience features for the whole family. Though its blocky exterior styling is obviously influenced by the beloved Cherokee of the 1980s and 90s the Commander is actually related to the current Grand Cherokee. It rides on the same wheelbase but is a little longer and notably taller. The height gain in particular allows the addition of stadium-style rear seating and a 50-50-split fold-flat third-row seat. For 2008 the Jeep Commander receives a few significant changes. Under the hood you ll find a revised version of the optional 4.7-liter V8 engine. It now makes 305 horsepower a whopping 70-hp increase over last year s 4.7-liter V8. Jeep even says that the new engine is slightly more fuel efficient (although gas mileage is still pretty abysmal). The base V6 and top-shelf 5.7-liter V8 remain but we think that the vast majority of buyers will be quite satisfied with the new 4.7-liter V8. Inside the tranquil and straightforward design benefits from new technology updates. Chrysler s increasingly common MyGIG entertainment system a hard-drive-based navigation system that can also store and play digital music files has replaced the old DVD-based navigation system. There s also Sirius Backseat TV which provides three channels of kid-friendly entertainment for the optional rear-seat entertainment system. Sadly there s no NFL Network for Dad. While these changes are welcome the 2008 Jeep Commander still suffers from problems it had from the outset. Most significantly its cargo capacity is meager for this segment of vehicle and the third-row seat -- the whole reason for the Commander in the first place -- is cramped and suitable for small children only. Meanwhile the tall height and rugged suspension don t do the vehicle any favors in terms of on-road manners. Though still a decent choice for a shopper wanting real off-road ability plus seven-passenger capacity we think most shoppers will be better off with more well-rounded midsize SUV choices like the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner. And if seven-passenger capacity is a priority crossovers like GMC s Acadia or Mazda s CX-9 are also excellent choices. Body Styles Trim Levels and Options The 2008 Jeep Commander is a midsize SUV. The three basic trim levels are Sport Limited and Overland. The entry-level Sport can now be had in five- or seven-passenger configurations. They both come standard with 17-inch wheels air-conditioning full power accessories a rear park assist system heated side mirrors and a CD player. Stepping up to the Commander Limited gets you seven-passenger capacity a rear back-up camera rain-sensing wipers auto-dimming mirrors power-adjustable pedals power front seats with driver memory settings heated front seats leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control. Separate rear air-conditioning and heating for the rear seats a sunroof with second-row skylights and an upgraded audio system with a hard drive iPod connection and satellite radio are also standard. Almost all of these features are optional on the Sport through optional packages. Topping the Commander range is the Overland trim with 18-inch wheels a power liftgate wood int