Two trim levels, three engines and three different four-wheel drive systems offer consumers a wide variety of ways to equip a 2006 Jeep Commander, which comes only as a seven-passenger SUV that is constructed on the smaller Jeep Grand Cherokee’s frame and mechanicals.

Jeep starts out with the base Commander, which includes standard features such as 50/50 split third-row seating, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, an eight-way power driver’s seat, CD player, cruise control and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Moving up to the 2006 Jeep Commander Limited grants access to the powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine while adding luxury touches like a chrome grille, fog lamps, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, leather-trimmed seats with memory feature, dual-zone climate control, power adjustable foot pedals, and a power sunroof with CommandView skylights.

The 2006 Jeep Commander comes with a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine that is merely adequate given the SUV’s size and passenger capacity while delivering a barely perceptible increase in fuel economy of one mile-per-gallon in city driving over the optional 4.7-liter V8 engine that provides good power and torque. But, we think the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is a must for this vehicle for two reasons. First, we love the power and torque this engine offers and two, with this large vehicle you need the big V8 for hauling and towing, not to mention powering your way through those off-road conditions you might find in the woods. But let’s face it – no matter which motor you choose, fuel economy is an oxymoron with the Commander.