Jeep is widening its presence in our country, having promised 4 new launches by the end of 2022 earlier this year. Out of these, the updated Compass and locally-assembled Wrangler have already been launched in India. The next SUV to be incorporated into its Indian fleet might well be the 7-seat version of the Compass, which is named the Commander in various international markets. In fact, Jeep Brazil had officially launched a teaser of the upcoming Jeep Commander before its debut. While the Indian launch is almost imminent, it might have a new name for our market. The Commander was earlier seen across the dealerships in China which gives a fair idea of how the 7-seat Compass might look like. Let us check out the details in depth.
Also read: Locally-assembled Jeep Wrangler launched at Rs 53.90 lakh!
Jeep Commander – Expected Exteriors
The teaser of the Commander shows an SUV with large dimensions, which is what the SUV will be to accommodate the third-row of passengers. While the overall trademark of the American luxury SUV brand will likely remain intact with the upcoming Commander as well, there will be substantial changes on the outside to distinguish it from the regular Compass. Obviously, this will be, essentially, an extended wheelbase version of the Compass. The front will most likely feature the trademark seven slat upright grille with chrome inserts, the bumpers will be redesigned and sporty, there will be LED Headlamps and DRLs like with most modern cars. The sides will feature large wheel arches, a long side body to accommodate the third-row seating, roof rails, accentuated window belt and sturdy side body panels. The rear will house the LED taillamp unit, roof spoiler and a redesigned bumper. Overall, there will be similarities to the current-gen Compass, at least on the outside.
Also read: Citroen C5 Aircross vs Jeep Compass – Engines, Prices, Specs, Features, Safety Comparison!
Jeep Commander – Expected Interiors and Features
Being the newest addition to the Jeep family, the Commander is expected to be feature-packed as well. The interiors of the current-gen Jeep Compass were completely different from the last-gen. There was a noticeable difference and upgrade in the quality and design of the interiors of the Compass. Continuing that trend, the interiors of the Commander will also be model and might be in line with the latest Jeep Compass with all the latest Connected Car Tech from Jeep, Digital Touchscreen Infotainment Systems, Digital Instrument Cluster, Sport Steering Wheel with Audio and other Controls, high quality fit and finish on the dashboard and door panels, Panoramic Electric Sunroof and plenty of other comfort features. There will be a plethora of safety equipment on offer as well.
Also read: Why are companies like Jeep, Citroen, VW & Skoda focusing so much on localization?
Jeep Commander – Expected Engines, Transmissions, Prices & Rivals
While there have been no official announcements with regards to the powertrain options, we expect the same engines as the Compass but in a different state of tune. The Jeep Commander will likely come with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is also present in the current-gen Compass. However, in the Commander, it will make around 200 hp and might come with either a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic gearbox option. There might be the 1.4-litre turbo petrol making 163 hp and 250 Nm. Needless to mention, being a Jeep, the Commander will most likely come with a 4×4 driver system with a lot of off-roading tech and equipment. The prices of the Jeep Commander will definitely be north of Rs 30 lakh, ex-showroom and might even go up to Rs 38 lakh price point for the top trims. This places the premium SUV directly in the zone of products like the popular Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster and recently launched Isuzu mu-X. All these are 7-seat SUVs with plenty of off-roading tech to power you through almost any terrain.
Also read: Jeep Compass vs Isuzu mu-X – Which is the better off-roading SUV?
