Overview of the 2024 Jeep Commander

The Jeep Commander nameplate returns for 2024 with a bold mix of rugged off-road DNA and family-oriented practicality. Positioned between the compact Cherokee and the larger Grand Cherokee, the Commander aims to attract buyers who need three-row seating but don’t want to sacrifice Jeep’s legendary trail heritage. After spending a week with the 2024 model, we’ve put together a thorough look at what works, what doesn’t, and how it stacks up in a fiercely competitive segment dominated by the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.

Jeep has clearly focused on making the Commander a versatile daily driver that can handle weekend adventures without complaint. The 2024 iteration brings updated styling, a revamped infotainment system, and subtle suspension tweaks to improve on-road comfort. However, the most important question remains: does the Commander deliver enough value to earn a spot in your driveway?

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The 2024 Jeep Commander retains the signature seven-slot grille and boxy silhouette that instantly identify it as a Jeep, but the design has been sharpened with cleaner lines and more aggressive front and rear fascias. The squared-off wheel arches and high beltline give it a planted, ready-for-action stance. LED lighting is standard across all trims, and the optional 19-inch wheels add a touch of premium presence.

Dimension-wise, the Commander measures 193.5 inches in length, 74.2 inches in width (without mirrors), and 70.6 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 112.4 inches. That puts it right in the middle of the three-row midsize SUV class—slightly shorter than the Ford Explorer but with a wheelbase that rivals the Toyota Highlander. Ground clearance is a solid 8.3 inches in standard form, which improves to 8.9 inches with the optional air suspension. Approach, breakover, and departure angles are 18.0, 18.6, and 23.5 degrees, respectively, meaning the Commander can handle moderate off-road trails without scraping its bumpers.

Available exterior colors include Granite Crystal Metallic, Sting-Gray, Redline Pearl, and a new High Velocity Yellow that adds a dose of personality. The Commander also offers black roof rails and optional roof-mounted crossbars for carrying bikes or cargo boxes.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Space

Step inside the 2024 Commander, and you’re greeted by an interior that balances ruggedness with modern comfort. Soft-touch materials cover the dashboard and door panels, and the seats are well-padded for long journeys. The second-row seats slide and recline, providing flexible passenger space. Even the third row, often a weak point in this class, offers enough legroom for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. Maximum passenger capacity is seven, with a 2-3-2 seating layout.

Cargo space is generous: behind the third row, you get 17.2 cubic feet—enough for a few suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries. Fold the third row (via a simple handle release), and that expands to 42.9 cubic feet. With both second and third rows folded, the Commander offers 84.6 cubic feet of total cargo volume, which is competitive with the Honda Pilot (83.9) but falls short of the Chevy Traverse (98.2). Underfloor storage compartments in the cargo area add hidden space for valuables. An optional hands-free power liftgate makes loading easier when your hands are full.

Seating Comfort and Materials

All three rows feature supportive cushions, and the front seats offer available heating and ventilation. The second row gets its own climate control vents and available heated outboard seats. Third-row passengers have a small vent for airflow, but legroom is best suited for kids. The seats are covered in either cloth or available leather upholstery, with contrast stitching on higher trims. Overall, the interior feels upscale but not luxurious—aimed at buyers who appreciate durability over decadence.

Technology and Connectivity

The centerpiece of the Commander’s dashboard is the standard 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, with an available 10.1-inch upgrade. The system is crisp, responsive, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface uses large icons and a customizable home screen, making it one of the easiest infotainment systems to use while driving. A 9-speaker Alpine premium audio system is optional, delivering clear sound with decent bass.

For rear-seat passengers, the Commander offers optional entertainment screens that play content from streaming apps via the onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. There are also USB-A and USB-C ports throughout the cabin, ensuring devices stay charged. A wireless charging pad is available in the front center console.

Performance and Powertrain Options

The 2024 Jeep Commander offers two engine choices, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides strong acceleration for daily driving and is the more fuel-efficient option. The available upgrade is a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 that delivers 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6 feels smoother and more refined, especially under hard acceleration, but its fuel economy lags slightly behind the turbo-four.

Fuel economy estimates vary by drivetrain. With front-wheel drive (available on lower trims) and the turbo-four, the Commander is rated at 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined. All-wheel drive drops those figures to 21/27/23. The V6 with all-wheel drive returns 19/26/22. Those numbers are competitive with the Toyota Highlander (21/29/24 with the turbo-four) but slightly behind the Honda Pilot (20/27/23 with its V6). Towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the V6 and towing package—enough for a small trailer or boat.

On-Road Ride and Handling

Jeep made strides with the Commander’s suspension tuning for 2024. The independent front and rear suspension delivers a composed ride on paved roads, absorbing potholes and expansion joints without excessive body float. The steering is light but provides decent feedback, making the Commander easy to maneuver in tight parking lots. However, the vehicle’s weight—around 4,400 pounds in all-wheel-drive form—means it doesn’t feel as agile as the Mazda CX-90 or as planted as the Ford Explorer at highway speeds. The 8-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and paddle shifters are standard for manual control when descending steep grades.

Off-Road Performance

Here’s where the Commander stands apart from almost every competitor. All-wheel-drive models come with Jeep’s Active Drive I system, which can send torque to the rear axle and disconnect the rear driveshaft when not needed for efficiency. For serious off-roaders, the Active Drive II system adds a low-range gear for crawling over rocks and deep ruts. The available Off-Road Group includes skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a raised ride height. An adjustable air suspension is also offered, providing up to 2 inches of additional ground clearance at the push of a button.

Opting for the Trail Rated package adds hill descent control, an upgraded cooling system, and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system with modes for Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock. In our testing, the Commander easily climbed moderate inclines, crossed water up to 20 inches deep, and traversed loose gravel without drama. No other three-row SUV in this price range offers this level of built-in off-road capability. If you regularly head to remote campsites or tackle forest service roads, the Commander is a standout choice.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The 2024 Jeep Commander comes with a robust set of standard safety features, and higher trims add more advanced systems. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Lane Keep Assist system provides gentle steering corrections to keep you centered in your lane. Rear parking sensors are standard, and a surround-view camera system is optional.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet released full crash test ratings for the 2024 Commander, but the structurally similar platform scored four stars overall in previous years. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2023 Commander "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests, with "Acceptable" headlight ratings. We expect the 2024 model to perform similarly. The optional Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Drowsiness Monitor add extra peace of mind on long highway trips.

Note: For the latest safety ratings, check the IIHS website and NHTSA databases.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2024 Jeep Commander is offered in three primary trims: Latitude, Latitude Lux, and Limited. Pricing starts at $37,990 for the front-wheel-drive Latitude with the turbo-four engine. All-wheel drive adds $2,000. The Latitude Lux starts at $41,990 and adds leather seats, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and the larger touchscreen. The Limited trim begins at $45,990 and includes the V6 engine, ventilated front seats, premium audio, and the full suite of driver assistance features.

Option packages can push the Limited well past $55,000, especially if you add the Off-Road Group ($1,995), panoramic sunroof ($1,495), or air suspension ($1,795). That puts the Commander in territory where buyers could also consider the Grand Cherokee L or a Kia Telluride SX. However, the Commander’s off-road prowess and distinct styling justify the premium for some shoppers.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros

  • Off-Road Prowess: No other three-row SUV offers this level of factory off-road capability, including low-range gearing and adjustable air suspension.
  • Spacious and Flexible Interior: With seven seats and generous cargo space, the Commander handles families and gear easily.
  • User-Friendly Technology: Uconnect 5 is intuitive, fast, and supports wireless smartphone integration.
  • Strong Torque from Turbo-Four: The base engine delivers excellent low-end punch for daily driving and towing.
  • Distinctive Styling: The Commander stands out from the rounder, more generic-looking rivals.

Cons

  • Fuel Economy Could Be Better: The V6 and all-wheel-drive combo returns only 22 mpg combined; turbo-four is better but still trails hybrids like the Highlander Hybrid.
  • Third Row Is Tight for Adults: While acceptable for children, the third row lacks the legroom of the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride.
  • Price Creeps Up Quickly: Well-optioned Limited models cross into luxe territory, risking comparison with more refined vehicles.
  • Handling Not As Sharp as Some Rivals: The Commander’s comfort-oriented suspension and weight mean it’s not sporty; the Mazda CX-90 is more engaging to drive.
  • Limited Rear Visibility: The high beltline and thick C-pillar create noticeable blind spots; blind-spot monitoring is standard for a reason.

Comparing the 2024 Jeep Commander to Key Rivals

In the three-row midsize SUV segment, the Commander faces stiff competition. The Ford Explorer offers rear-wheel-drive-based handling and a more powerful optional engine (400 hp with the hybrid), but it lacks off-road credibility. The Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient and offers a hybrid option, but its third row is tighter and off-road capability is minimal. The Honda Pilot has a roomier third row and stronger reliability reputation but feels less rugged. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade lead the segment in interior luxury and passenger space, but they offer all-wheel drive only for traction, not for serious off-road use.

If you rarely leave paved roads, the Commander’s off-road advantages may go unused, and you might be better served by a more refined or more efficient competitor. But if you live in a snowy climate, own a small camper, or simply want a family SUV that can follow gravel roads and muddy trails without stress, the Commander is a compelling choice. For more detailed comparisons, check reviews from Car and Driver and Edmunds.

Final Verdict

The 2024 Jeep Commander succeeds in offering a unique combination of three-row family practicality and genuine off-road ability. Its spacious interior, strong engine options, and user-friendly technology make it a great daily driver, while the available Trail Rated package lets it go where no Highlander or Explorer can follow. The compromises—tight third row for adults, middling fuel economy, and a high price for fully loaded trims—are real but manageable if the Commander’s core strengths align with your lifestyle.

For buyers who need a vehicle that can carry seven people on Monday and tackle a muddy campsite on Saturday, the Commander is one of the few vehicles that delivers on both fronts. It’s not the best at any single thing, but it is the best Swiss Army knife in the segment. Visit the official Jeep Commander page to build your own and see available inventory near you.

Disclaimer: The author drove a 2024 Jeep Commander Limited with the Off-Road Group for this review. Prices and specs are subject to change. Please confirm with local dealers.