The 2008 Jeep Commander should be attractive to families that need four-wheel-drive capability for vacations, camping, or challenging winters. Its seven-passenger seating capability is complemented by seats that fold flat for big cargo capacity. With a wide range of engines, options and prices, the Commander is versatile enough to appeal to a broad array of buyers. On the road, it's far more quick and quiet than its slab-sided styling suggests. Those who don't need off-road capability may want to consider one of the larger crossover SUVs now available from a variety of competitors.

Off-road expert John Stewart filed the original report, with NewCarTestDrive.com editor Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles and correspondent Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.