2006 Jeep Commander

The Commander, Jeep's new SUV, is a boxy, upscale off-roader on steroids. Driving it really does make you feel "in command." The driver sits up high, surrounded by enough metal to shrug off sideswiping Minis and hybrids. The driver also has access to comforts not found in most Holiday Inns. Of course,

TV commercials tout the Commander's seven-passenger seating. And yes, there are designated spaces for seven, but shoehorning seven 190-lb, 6-ft adults into them would be cruel and inhumane, especially for the two in the back row. A better fit would be four or five gradeschoolers in back and two adults up front.

The front seats, where I spent most of my time, are roomy, with plenty of hip, leg, and headroom. The seats sport lumbar supports, eight-way power for the driver, four-way power for the passenger, and heating for both. A power sunroof comes with two small "CommandView" skylights over the second row of seats. Maybe it's just me, but 1 rarely look straight up when searching for a nice, scenic view and I rarely need more light when traveling. The skylights are different enough to elicit comments, but I hope they don't add much to the cost or maintenance, or detract from safety.