Drivers Log.(News)

2006 Jeep Commander Limited

Date in fleet: Sept. 1-8 As-tested price: $42,075 Powertrain: 5.7-liter V8; 4wd, five-speed automatic Output: 330 hp @ 5000 rpm, 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Curb weight: 5169 lbs Fuel mileage (EPA combined/AW observed): 14.66 mpg/16.87 mpg

RAYNAL: I really appreciated this boxy Grand Cherokee-based ute over the holiday weekend. You can get a Commander with a choice of a V6 and two V8s, plus three four-wheel-drive systems. Something for everyone.

This thing really drives pretty nicely, hauling kids, cargo, bikes and all kinds of other stuff. I took two road trips, one to our cottage and one to a friend's house, and filled the thing up with people, sports and swimming equipment, coolers, etc.

Highway tracking is excellent. This is truly a stable SUV, even at 5100 pounds, and the engine provides plenty of poke. The interior is quite roomy (I really like the seats), though the seats in the way back are for kids only.

It is plush and comfortable; come winter I'd really fall in love with the all-weather ability. Would I take one over an LR3? Absofreakin'-lutely. Considering our long-termer's $54K sticker, and that the Commander has more power, more torque and less weight, it's not even close.

GRITZINGER: I drove the Commander back to back with our long-term LR3, and I give the Jeep high marks for being a near-Land Rover. All the pieces are there: navigation, seating for seven, cargo room, utility, off-road prowess, V8 power, reasonable highway manners, rear passenger sunroofs-the Commander is virtually an LR3 clone.