Jeep Updates the Commander, But This Is Not the End of Changes

Jeep quietly introduced a facelifted Commander last year. It features a modernized front end as well as a rotary shifter. A new mild hybrid powertrain is reportedly coming in 2027.

Jeep introduced the updated Commander in the South American market. The crossover received an updated design and minor interior changes.

Updated Exterior

Externally, the three-row crossover underwent a mild restyling that brought it closer to newer models, such as the updated Compass. As part of the update, the Commander received a shorter grille with seven slots, flanked by new LED headlights.

The changes continue below, where an updated bumper with a more pronounced central air intake appeared, especially on the sporty Blackhawk version. Designers also equipped the crossover with new fog lights and stylized side air intakes, giving the vehicle a more rugged look.

Furthermore, the Commander received updated alloy wheels and revised taillight graphics. The latter also include a new full-width light signature.

Interior Modernization and Powertrains

The interior changes are more modest but include a rotary gear selector that replaced the traditional lever. It features a knurled knob, a metal bezel, and a Jeep logo. More expensive versions also received a new surround-view camera system.

In the Brazilian market, the model is offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Hurricane engine producing 268 hp, allowing the Commander to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in seven seconds.

Customers can also choose a 2.2-liter Multijet turbo-diesel engine with 197 hp or a 1.3-liter Turbo Flex engine with 174 hp.

Future Hybrid Version

While these versions have been available since the crossover’s quiet introduction last summer, new reports indicate the lineup will be expanded with a mild hybrid variant. Known as the T270 Hybrid, this variant is likely to combine the aforementioned Turbo Flex engine with a 0.9 kWh battery and a 28 hp electric motor. Details are still unclear, but it is reported that this powertrain will be launched next year.

Armored Commander

Separately, it is worth noting that Jeep recently expanded its certified armoring service to include the Commander in the Brazilian market. This allows customers to obtain Level III-A protection, sufficient to withstand most handguns, including the .44 Magnum.

The armoring is performed in partnership with four companies. This means customers can buy an armored Jeep from dealers or order one. The models will also be covered by a five-year factory warranty.

The introduction of the updated Commander, especially with a focus on South American markets, indicates Jeep’s strategy to keep the model relevant in regions where it remains popular. The focus on modernizing the design and introducing contemporary elements, such as the rotary selector, aligns with the brand’s overall trends. The announcement of a future hybrid version, even as a mild hybrid, is a significant step in the context of the global shift to electromobility, demonstrating that even for large crossovers, gradual emission reduction is becoming a priority. The armoring service, in turn, emphasizes the vehicle’s versatility and its perception as a reliable vehicle for various operating conditions.

Leave a Reply