Jeep and Hummer both entered the consumer market with products that were initially designed to meet the superior standards of the U.S. military. Starting with that single product, it was only a matter of time before each auto brand utilized those same daring, rigid designs to suit varying civilian demands.
The Hummer, using the Humvee as a prototype for the civilian model, entered the consumer market priced for the luxury class who craved a macho machine. GM released the H1 in 1992, and by 2005, the automaker had two more versions of the Hummer for civilian consumption. With the H1 version of the Hummer receiving its civilian equivalent to an honorable discharge in 2006 (or perhaps dishonorable, considering fuel economy), the non-military based Hummer H2 SUV has been promoted to the front lines.
Willys-Overland Motors popularized the off-road market when it started selling surplus Jeeps to the public after World War II. Through the years, Jeep has moved from providing vehicles for the modest consumer to schlepping more upscale models during the 1990s. The Jeep Commander is Chrysler's soldier of fortune in the civilian war against the H2.
Let’s take a look at these brawny machines of steel and rate them on a scale of 100 that's influenced by such things as performance, goodies and design.
Jeep Commander Overland 4x4
Price: $41,080Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8
Horsepower: 330 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
MPG: City: 13; Highway: 17
Performance - 18/20
Working with 4,936 pounds, the lower-trimmed Jeep Commander Sport relies heavily on the standard 3.7-liter, six-cylinder powerplant. Knowing that this engine would be received with deep yawns, Jeep made it possible for serious buyers to adopt either the 4.7-liter V8 or the high-performing 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 330 (standard on the Overland) horsepower on the Jeep Commander's upper echelon.
The multi-speed, automatic transmission with overdrive, providing a solid, proper gear transitions as you travel over various surface types, comes standard on the Limited and Overland models. The Jeep Commander's 4x4 option, however, is the only way to genuinely declare your Jeep worthy of its seven-slot grille. Assuring that Jeep's “Trail-Rated” image is properly represented, Quadra-Drive 2 is available with a full-time transfer case and an electronically controlled clutch pack that gives the Commander best-in-class traction as it detects tire slip and smoothly redistributes torque to the wheels that do have traction.
Exterior design - 15/20
Many Jeep enthusiasts may feel nostalgic when looking at the Jeep Commander. With a squared-off appearance, the resemblance to the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee is uncanny and intentional. Sharp, straight lines form a boxy shape that fully communicates Jeep's off-roading persona. Based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s platform, the Jeep Commander was created from the auto brand's desire to market two distinctive vehicles from one chassis (consider the Jeep Patriot and Compass).
Only 1.85 inches longer than the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Commander appears grander in size thanks to a roof line that towers 4.16 inches higher.
Interior design - 8/10
Thanks to the high, stepped roof, the Jeep Commander preaches to the tall with forward and rear headroom residing at a class-leading dimension of 42 and 40 inches, respectively. Using interior design appointments that border on Range Rover territory, the overall cabin appearance projects a very rich feel that involves interior accents of real Walnut Burl wood and premium leather seats -- the Jeep Commander delivers luxury without compromising basic ergonomics.
Capable of seven-passenger capacity, the Jeep Commander Overland's third-row bench is mostly a novelty suitable for children primarily. When the Jeep Commander's seven-passenger seating capacity is not in use, the two rear seats can be folded in a variety of configurations for up to 68.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Sound system/goodies - 8/10
The Jeep Commander’s centerpiece is the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, which comes as standard equipment on the Overland.
Some of the highlights found within the MyGIG System are the DVD-based navigation, rear-seat video entertainment with two wireless headphones, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and a much needed back-up camera.
For additional electronic wizardry, the Jeep Commander Overland's standard Uconnect with iPod Interface features Bluetooth hands-free communications that allows you to make calls using voice commands. Uconnect also interfaces your iPod with the Jeep Commander’s radio controls and pushes your favorite tunes through the 276 Watt, six-channel, Boston Acoustics sound system.
Using Bluetooth capacities, the CD/DVD drive or a USB port, MP3 files and photographs can be loaded directly to the MyGIG System’s 20GB hard drive.
For increased passenger comfort inside the Overland, a dual-zone, automatic, climate control system is included along with eight-way, power-heated front seats, which only add more weight to the standard amenities list.
Bang for your buck - 16/20
With no shortage of upscale SUVs invading suburban streets, the Jeep Commander stands as an obtainable soldier to any family army. The top of the line, HEMI-equipped Jeep Commander can be loaded with a full array of options for under $50,000. However, the 4x4 Jeep Commander Overland pricing closely borders the heavily trimmed Jeep Grand Cherokee, which includes the same engine. In fact, for the additional $400 price difference, you're gaining little more than the third-row seat.
Driving experience - 17/20
The Jeep brand efforts to bring high-class refinement to American four-wheel drive trucks have amounted to creating well-balanced comfort over all terrains. However, the limited fuel economy with the larger, more capable Jeep powerplant will keep the Jeep Commander situated closer to the gas stations, which isn't just a major letdown to the off-road trek, but also to it's class-leading hopes. Instead, the Jeep Commander Overland is content to lend itself to long-weekend camping trips with its 7,200 pounds of towing capacity so you can bring along the boat or trailer too.
Overall score - 82/100
While possessing a “Trail-Rated” four-wheel drive system, a robust HEMI engine and rock-steady construction, the Jeep Commander effortlessly coasts over secluded dirt roads to the cottage. However, the path to finer living appears to be much more to the Commander's liking.
Hummer H2
Price: $56,410Engine: Vortec, 6.2-liter V8
Horsepower: 393 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm
MPG: City: 10; Highway: 13
Performance - 17/20
New for 2008, the Hummer H2 has been given a 6.2-liter engine and 68 more ponies to up the horsepower to 393. The power gain is much appreciated to move the mammoth 6,614 pounds of rigid body construction. While running through a six-speed automatic gearbox, the retuned engine is slated to launch the Hummer H2 from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds according to GM estimates. But, measuring a Hummer H2’s performance against sports-car standards is unfair.
The Hummer H2's 8,200 pound of towing muscle is a dominating figure of performance thanks to some major low-end torque. With 4x4 appearing standard on the Hummer H2, there are four operational modes of four-wheel drive capabilities at the discretion of the driver. The system can be programmed for either a basic all-wheel drive mode or it can be set to manually lock the front and rear differentials when needed.
Exterior design - 20/20
The Hummer H2 continues to intimidate people, whether it's an environmentalist or your neighbor. Relying upon the military-grade H1 SUV as a strong influence, the Hummer H2 succeeds in creating an image of raw masculinity through embellished proportions. The Hummer H2's body panels are flatter than a pancake and display a pure contempt for wind tunnel numbers. In case the unmistakable Hummer H2 styling fails to affirm the individualized terror you might be seeking, there are a number of dealer accessories to chose from, such as three-grille guard versions and tubular assist side steps.
Interior design - 7/10
Like the engine, the Hummer H2's interior received a much-needed redesign for 2008. Using a large quantity of low-quality plastics, the cabin design of the previous Hummer H2 was a worthy candidate for a drill sergeant’s taunts that declared it “a weak maggot.” The retouched interior now features a generous use of aluminum trimming along the inner door panels, the dash and within the steering wheel. The beefy aircraft-style shifter and the gigantic storage space amongst the center console were the few design characteristics wisely carried over. Also new for 2008, a third-row seat that permits seven-passenger capacity has been added as an available feature on the Hummer H2. Choosing to leave behind those two extra, third row passengers expands the cargo room to 40 cubic feet.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
There is no need to rough it inside the Hummer H2. At the front, eight-way power adjustable seats are upholstered with standard leather in either Ebony or Sedona/Ebony.
The dual-zone heating and cooling system comes with additional controls for rear passengers to bring climate-controlled comfort to a rough and tumble 4x4 vehicle. For entertainment, a powerful nine-piece Bose speaker set combines with the in-dash, six-disc CD changer and satellite radio for customized accompaniment to varying driving tastes (syncing with your on- or off-road adventures). An optional DVD system includes 8-inch screens in the front headrests -- you know, for those times when bogging becomes dull.
Bang for your buck - 12/20
At $56,410, you’ll only purchase a Hummer H2 base model, and a rear-view camera and DVD navigational system will still be costly options.
Notwithstanding the fairly placed sticker price, the Hummer H2's fuel economy is a never-ending attack on your wallet. The Hummer H2 runs on twice the amount of gas as a modern passenger car, which means that your local service station can finally afford to repave its tarmac.
Driving experience - 15/20
For the fortunate ones who can afford to drive a Hummer H2, this is the closest thing to a tank you can purchase. The Hummer H2’s wingspan spread 81.2 inches without the mirrors, which makes it tough for urban driving -- we’re just thankful that we taught our girl how to operate the electronically controlled mirrors.
The chances are that when you're driving the Hummer H2, other motorists and pedestrians will wonder what type of person would drive such a vehicle. Well, soldiers were the type to drive the Hummer, and it's unlikely that you're ever going to climb a 60-degree grade or plow through two feet of water, but isn't it nice to know that you have that option?
Overall score - 78/100
With the adventure-seeking, four-wheel drive system rendered near meaningless in major cities, the Hummer H2's all-terrain prowess is going to be as underutilized as the top speed of an Enzo Ferrari. Purchasing this vehicle is the landmark statement of what could be called frivolous spending if it wasn't for the fact that the Hummer H2 will go great with that leather bomber jacket.
and the winner is....
Now that the guns have fallen silent within this battle between Jeep Commander and Hummer H2, the persistent efforts of both rivals are recognized. While the Hummer H2's image triumphs over any vehicle in the marketplace, the Jeep Commander wins this battle of the large, four-wheel drive luxury vehicles. In the Overland trim, the Jeep Commander is a better, rounded vehicle without sporting any overpowering touches.For practical people, both the Jeep Commander and the Hummer H2 are oversized, gas-guzzling land yachts. For the other percentage of the population, a large SUV represents a right to forgo living within one's needs. That’s quite a departure from the earlier 4x4s that were built for a practical need.
Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.jeep.com/en/
http://www.edmunds.com/
http://www.hummer.com/#/AMERICAS/us/en-us/
http://www.caranddriver.com/
www.gizmag.com
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