The Jeep Commander Returns For China-Market Only:
You Have Seen The 7-Passenger Grand Commander, Meet The 5-Passenger Version...
Many of you by now have heard of the 2018 Jeep Grand Commander (K8). Grand Commander is a seven-passenger mid-sized Jeep SUV based off of the Cherokee (KL) for the Chinese market. However, Jeep has now launched a five-passenger model called the Commander. Yes, the Commander name has returned. Instead of being a boxy-shaped Jeep based off of the rear-wheel drive Grand Cherokee, it’s based on the front-wheel drive Cherokee’s CUSW (Compact U.S. Wide) platform.
While the Jeep Cherokee is also manufactured and sold in China alongside the new Commander and Grand Commander models, the Commander is sold as a premium alternative to the Cherokee. Commander and Grand Commander, fill in a gap between the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.
There is two choices of engines for the 2018 Jeep Commander. Both are 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines paired with a 9-speed automatic. One of the powertrain combinations has a power output of 230 horsepower (172 kW) and 258 ft.-lb of torque (350 N∙m) or 262 horsepower (195 kW) and 295 ft.-lb of torque (400 N∙m). Expect a gas/electric powertrain to make its debut, in the not so distant future.
Just like it’s 2019 Jeep Cherokee sibling, the Commander gets full LED headlamps and tail lamps. All Commander models get a panoramic sunroof and a roof rack as standard equipment. Commander models also get an electric tailgate with height adjustable memory.
Commander and Grand Commander models can be optioned with the Jeep Active Drive I intelligent four-wheel drive system. There is no Trail Rated model for either vehicle, so neither have the Jeep Active Drive II system found on the Cherokee Trailhawk.
Commander front-wheel drive models are equipped with 18-inch wheels and 235/60R18 tires. Four-wheel drive models get 19-inch wheels with 235/55R19 tires. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models. The front suspension structure consist of a MacPherson independent front suspension system, while the rear consist of a multi-link independent rear suspension system.
On the interior, all Commander models come standard with leather wrapped steering wheel, shifter lever, and luxury leather seat (top-trim levels get Nappa Leather seating). Also standard are 8-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats with 4-way electric lumbar support. Most trims come standard with front heated seating as well.
Base Commander trims come with a 3.5-inch instrument display while the rest of the Commander lineup gets a 7-inch color LCD instrument display system. A 7-inch UConnect system is standard on the base Commander trim level, while the 8.4-inch UConnect is standard on the rest of the trim levels. Apple CarPlay & Baidu CarLife Mobile Internet are standard across all models. While navigation is only available on the top-tier level of the vehicle.
All Commander models come with keyless entry and push to start system, tire pressure monitoring and display system and rear radar parking system with brake assist. Most models come standard with front park assist and ParkView rear backup camera. Equipment like LaneSense lane assist system with automatic correction, automatic parking system and active front collision warning system with brake assist are only available on the top-tier model.
Pricing for the Commander begins at the equivalent of $37,822 U.S. for a base model front-wheel drive model, while the four-wheel drive top-tier trim level starts at the equivalent of $45,975 US.
Chinese-Market Jeep Commander Image Gallery:
