Considering the size of Jeep models (excluding the Renegade), one might think that it would be impossible to let one slip into the country undetected. Yet that’s exactly what Jeep Philippines did when it managed to field the 2021 Grand Commander as its fifth offering with little to no fanfare.
China's Jeep Grand Commander has quietly entered the Philippines
Jeep’s local entry to the seven-seater wars has been around since 2018, launched as a China-exclusive model under the auspices of GAC Fiat Chrysler. In the mainland, the Grand Commander also has a 5-seater version called the Commander, a seeming callback to the midsize SUV of the same name which Jeep sold between 2005 and 2010.
The model is underpinned by a stretched version of the Jeep Cherokee’s FCA Compact Wide platform, measuring 4,873mm in length, standing 1,892mm wide, and with a height of 1,738mm. It shares the same 2,800mm wheelbase with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, one of its projected segment rivals. Despite the fact that it uses a unibody chassis, the Grand Commander has a wider stance than most of its truck-based competitors.
The Grand Commander is similar in dimensions to the former Jeep Commander
The trademark seven-slat grille up front is a highlight of the crossover’s imposing exterior, flanked by what appear to be LED headlamps on either side. Generous amounts of body cladding can be found on the front lip, fenders, and the rear skirt, accompanied by dual tailpipes.
For the Philippine market, the Grand Commander brings an all-leather interior with power-adjustable front seats. Triple-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and LED ambient lighting are among the standard amenities. Tech features include a 7-inch instrument panel and an 8.4-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, patched to six speakers.
In terms of safety, the Grand Commander packs anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, adaptive cruise control, stability and traction control, and hill-start assist, along with a full complement of airbags. Driver-assist features include forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, electronic roll mitigation, and emergency braking.
A full-leather cabin accommodates up to seven occupants
Powering this large crossover is a 2.0-liter Hurricane turbocharged inline-four gasoline mill, rated at 227 hp and 350 Nm of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission channels the power to the drive wheels. In China, the model is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), with two electric motors powered by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Commander currently retails for Php 3,490,000. Quite a princely sum for the brand’s newest seven-seater, but if Jeep Philippines plays its cards right, it just might have a serious contender on its hands.
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