2008 Jeep Commander

The 2008 Jeep Commander is the automaker's largest model -- a seven-passenger SUV with Jeep's traditional off-road capabilities. At the lower end of the spectrum, the lineup starts with the five-passenger 4x2 Sport, while culminating with the Overland 4x4 seven-passenger model, with standard 5.7L HEMI.

Drivetrain

The 3.7-liter Power Tech overhead cam V6, standard in the Sport (all versions) and the Rocky Mountain (all versions), provides 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 235 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm to the rear axle, through the standard 5 speed automatic W5A580 overdrive transmission and open rear 213mm (8-3/8 inch) diameter ring and pinion differential (equipped with a 3.07:1 rear axle ratio). The base transfer case continues to be a New Venture Gear NV140 (a single speed transfer case) full time transfer case for the 4x4.

The 4.7-liter Power Tech overhead cam V8, standard in the Limited 4x2 and 4x4 models, optional on the Rocky Mountain and Sport models, provides 305 horsepower at 5650 rpm and 339 pound-feet of torque at 3950 rpm (an increase this year of 30 percent horsepower, 10 percent torque, and most importantly for 2008, and increase of 5 percent fuel economy) to the same 213mm rear axle as the 3.7-liter engine, but with a standard rear axle ratio of 3.73:1, through the standard 5 speed automatic 545RFE overdrive tranmission with alternate second gears for smoother downshifting. The 4.7-liter transfer case continues to be a New Venture Gear NV245 full time transfer case for the 4x4, with integral 4 wheel Brake Control system to allow up to 100 percent wheel torque to be sent to the axle with the most traction.

The mighty 5.7-liter Chrysler HEMI V8, now equipped with MDS to increase the fuel economy by up to 20 percent, delivers 330 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 375 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm in the Overland model as the standard engine, optional in the Limited models only. The transmission remains the same as the 4.7-liter equipment, but the rear axle changes to the tried and true heavy duty Dana model 44 with a ring and pinion of 226mm (8.5 inches). The transfer case equipment (NV245) becomes standard with the HEMI.

Jeep 'Quadra' 4x4 Systems

The Jeep Commander offers three different transfer case/driveline options for selection, depending on the model. The base is called Quadra-Trac I, which is a single speed (no reduction gearset for a 'low' range) transfer case, incorporating a 'power divider' to send power to the front driveshaft, and consequently, the front driving axle, only when slippage is encountered.

The second system, called Quadra-Trac II, is standard on the Commander Limited and optional on the Commander Sport and Rocky Mountain. This system contains an electronically controlled clutch pack that engages to transfer up to 100 percent of the available engine torque to the axle wit hthe most traction. This system also adds a Neutral and Low range selection for special situations.

The third and final system Jeep offers on the Commander is the most complex system, the Quadra-Drive II, standard on the Overland, but optional on all other models, in keeping with Jeep's 'You Talk, We Listen' attitude. This system has the 'brains' to deliver power only where it is usable, in a normal or low range, based on speed sensor inputs and distributed by Electronic Limited Slip Differentials ('ELSD' in Jeep speak) in both the front and rear axles as well as the transfer case. These three inputs allow the computer to constantly offer the power where it can be most safely utilized, by the tires with the most traction.

The tires on the Commander remain as Goodyear being the supplier, in sizes of P245/65R17 BSW all-terrain as standard, OWL as optional on all but the Overland models, where 245/65R18 BSW tires are standard. Jeep offers 2 different wheels, depending on the tires supplied. In the 17 inch diameter size, a 17' x 7.5' inch machined face aluminum wheel is utilized, and in the optional 18 inch size, an 18' x 7.5' Chrome clad aluminum wheel is supplied.

Trailer towing packages are optional on all models except the Overland, where the high end Trailer Towing Group IV is standard, in keeping with the nature of the fully equipped vehicle.

'It's A New Day' Enhanced Models

Jeep has announced enhancements to the 2008 Commander models, Overland and Limited, that include: No Charge MyGIG Infotainment System with integral Navigation system (a $900 value), Power Sunroof w/Command View dual skylights, available SIRIUS BackSeat TV, the SmartBeam headlamp system, which adjusts to ambient lighting conditions, illuminated (fade in and out) entry, and active 'three blink-then-off' lane change turn signal position.