Although I complained yesterday about the Commander's lack of hauling capability, I can't deny that I like the driving position in this vehicle and I like the way it rides and handles -- a couple of things that continue to make this Jeep so seductive in the face of high gas prices. The driver seat is well shaped, and the seat-bottom cushion is long, providing good thigh support for those with long legs. It's a shame the steering wheel doesn't telescope, but I found it easy to get comfortable, and visibility is quite good. The cushioning has a squishy feel reminiscent of the '99-'04 Grand Cherokee, which likely explains why the seats got uncomfortable on Karl's cross-country trip, though they held up just fine during my hour-long drive last night...
The Commander has the same wheelbase (109.5 inches) as the smaller Grand Cherokee, but with its extra 1,000 lbs of curb weight and different suspension tuning, it rides much differently on the highway. Mainly, it's smoother and more composed. It's also quiet and feels surefooted on winding two-lanes, even in the dark. It's an easy vehicle to like -- until I remember the $1,425 fuel bill from our editor in chief's road trip.
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