Essentially the engine that has proved itself in other Jeep models, the standard 235-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 has its work cut out for it, despite 305 lb.-ft. of torque that peaks at 4,000 rpm, because the 2006 Commander is heavier than its siblings at 4,783 pounds. It delivers when expectations are low, but for our money one of the V8 engines is a better choice. The 4.7-liter V8 is fine and drives well, and for most it may be the perfect engine thanks to its 235 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque.

But it’s the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that gets our blood going. With 330 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque it is the best performer – except when it comes to conserving fuel. With this engine, we were able to climb steep gravel hills as well as climb over rocks and logs in our path with no trouble. Helping to mitigate the Hemi’s fuel consumption issue, Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology smoothly deactivates half the engine’s cylinders to increase fuel economy on the highway by as much as 20 percent, according to Jeep. As a result, a Hemi-powered Commander rates 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.

Every 2006 Jeep Commander is equipped with a five-speed automatic, but the V6 gets its own transmission with different gearing. The five-speed unit paired with the V8 engines includes Electronic Range Select (ERS) manual-mode shifting giving the driver complete control.

Three unique four-wheel-drive systems are available on the 2006 Jeep Commander. Quadra-Trac I is a full-time all-wheel-drive system with no transfer case to shift, making it light-duty equipment best suited to on-road driving.

Quadra-Trac II is the system for advanced traction in both on-road and off-road driving conditions. In its full-time setting it offers 4WD for any condition and is particularly aimed at driving on hard surfaces. A dual-speed transfer case facilitates true low-range gearing that gives you the ability to crawl through the toughest of conditions. Quadra-Trac II also provides a neutral setting for easy towing behind another vehicle.

Quadra-Drive II is the most advanced 4WD system of the group and offers the most complete configurations and the toughest performance if you plan on going into the wilds. Quadra-Drive II offers the best traction in all conditions thanks to Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) at the front, center and rear which takes the Commander’s traction to new levels.

The 2006 Jeep Commander’s suspension is comprised of a short- and long-arm independent setup in front with a multi-link solid rear axle equipped with a track bar. Power rack-and-pinion steering guides standard P245/65R17 Goodyear Fortera tires, while four-wheel-disc antilock brakes bring the Commander to a stop.

Electronic Stability Control (ESP) is standard equipment on all 2006 Jeep Commanders, a good idea since this is a tall SUV with a relatively short wheelbase, creating a high center of gravity.