2009 Jeep Commander Limited 4WD

The 2009 Jeep Commander Limited 4WD is touted as a family-oriented, luxury, four-wheel-drive (4WD) SUV, and its standard and optional comfort and convenience features, mirroring those of its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sibling, seem to bear this out. The full-time 4WD system on this full-size Sport Ute comes with electronic hi-lo gear selection, a center locking, limited-slip differential, descent control, and a hill-holder gear, making it a bit more off-road-friendly than the Sport 4WD trim, especially with the Limited 4WD’s optional skid plates protecting the transmission, fuel tank, and front suspension.

Also mirroring the RWD trim, the ’09 Limited 4WD offers a standard 305-hp, 334-lb-ft/torque 4.7-liter E85-capable Flex Fuel V8 engine, accompanied by a standard five-speed auto-manual transmission. The 4.7-liter V8 is rated at 13/18 mpg by the EPA. A 5.7-liter VVT V8 and five-speed high-performance auto-manual transmission are also available for the Limited 4WD, enabling its 357 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque to tow up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped. EPA estimates for the 5.7-liter V8 are 13/17.

By Eric Tallberg