You won't mistake the new Jeep Commander for anything but a Jeep. With its boxy styling — which Jeep claims is inspired by the 60s-vintage Wagoneer — it actually looks a lot like the original Cherokee before it drove off into the sunset back in 2001. In fact, when I first saw the Commander at Mudfest — the Northwest Automotive Press Association's annual SUV competition — at first glance I wondered if Jeep had brought the Cherokee out of retirement. As one of 26 other auto writers, I wasn't alone in that conjecture.

Walkaround: Completely new for 2006, the Commander is significantly larger than the old Cherokee. However, because of its familiar lines, it didn't get a second glance from almost anyone. What make the Commander's styling somewhat unique, are exposed, stainless, Allen-head bolts inside and out. The bolts fastening the wheelwell flares to the body for example are visible, as are numerous ones -some just for show - in the front seating area. There's serviceable bolt heads on the dashboard but fake ones around the gearshift assembly. Go figure.

Interior: For the first time in its 60-year history, there's a Jeep that can carry seven people - on or off-road. That's due to what has to be the most popular SUV innovation in recent years — you guessed it, the third row seat. That's one of those things American families - especially soccer moms who require more seating but wouldn't be caught dead in a minivan - have demanded. They like the high ride-height, SUV styling, and four-wheel drive, but needed the seating accommodations.

My midnight blue test vehicle had the Graystone and Khaki leather interior combination. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and each row sits a bit higher than the one ahead of it so visibility is good. To ensure decent headroom, the roofline of the Commander also rises the farther back you go. Still, the third row seemed a bit cramped, and climbing back there requires some physical agility navigating uneven floor surfaces.

The Commander has some cool skylights in the roof above the second row. The tinted-glass windows, which have manual shades to keep out glaring sunlight, don't open, but do add an airy feel inside.

Our test vehicle was also equipped with the optional $1,200 GPS navigation system, which also controls the 5-CD AM/FM and optional Sirius satellite sound system, as well as the climate controls and the $275 hands-free phone. The control buttons surrounding the screen are pretty small and a little difficult to read, but simple to use once you figure out what controls what and exactly where it is. It was also equipped with what's called the “Electronic Infotainment Group,” which at $1,200, includes the folding screen rear video system.

The Commander is built on the Grand Cherokee platform, so while the Cherokee measures 34.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind its rear seats, the Commander has a scant 7.5 cubic feet behind its third row. With all seven seats in the upright position, the narrow stretch of cargo space right up against the rear tailgate is less than a foot. It will accommodate a few plastic grocery bags buts that about it. The third row seat does fold flat, as does the second-row, for a maximum cargo space of 68.9 cubic feet - compared to 67.4 in the slightly shorter-length and narrower Grand Cherokee. But the cargo floor sits pretty high up from the pavement, meaning you have to lift heavy bags up to stow them.

The Commander also boasts more standard safety equipment on it than any other Jeep - or any other product - from Jeep's parent company, the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler. Included are side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, tire pressure warning system, Electronic Stability Control, traction control and anti-lock brakes. However, only outer passengers get head restraints. The middle the second row seat doesn't.

Under The Hood: Our test vehicle was equipped with the 330-horse, 5.7-liter Hemi V8. There are two other engine choices, the base 210-horsepower 3.7-liter single overhead cam V6, and a 235-horsepower 4.7-liter single overhead cam V8. Both powerplants have the same performance numbers in the Commander as in the lighter-weight Grand Cherokee. All transmissions choices are automatics, and the Commander is offered in both two and four-wheel drive configurations. The maximum towing capacity is 7,200 pounds.

The Hemi makes the Commander the most powerful seven-seat SUV on the market - despite the fact the 420-horse Hemi available in the Grand Cherokee SRT8 was not available in the Commander at its 2006 debut.

Behind The Wheel: I drove the Commander both at Mudfest, and again the following week as part of my regular vehicle rotation, so it got much more detailed scrutinizing over a wide variety of conditions.

At Mudfest, the Commander acquitted itself admirably in four-wheel-drive low through the slick, wet, mud and over the slippery, hill course, as well as on the pavement. Over some felled logs, its independent front suspension and rear, five-link design handled the up-and-down motions with poise. The power, rack-and-pinion steering has a nice touch, giving it surprisingly agility for its size. In slalom maneuvers there was none of that unwieldy, uncertain, top-heavy feeling found in some smaller SUVs.

Although the Commander looks like a Jeep, it's missing the rough, noisy ride. It's impressively quiet inside with a cushioned ride that makes it a pleasant highway cruiser.

I really like the Hemi - here and in every other Chrysler vehicle I've driven with it. It's powerful (Duh!), moving the Commander with authority, even when loaded with people. It delivers strong, steady power in traffic and when passing, and emits a satisfying, powerful growl.

The EPA ratings for the 4-wheel drive, Hemi-powered Commander are 15/city and 19/highway. The two-wheel drive version with the V6 is 17/city and 21/highway. Regular gas is acceptable for all powerplants.

Whines: The Commander's starting MSRP is around $27,000 for a two-wheel-drive V6-powered model, making it seem like a bargain — especially compared to the smaller Grand Cherokee. However options can drive prices to luxury-car level real quick. Our 4-wheel drive test model, with the Hemi, leather, navigation and the infotainment system stickered at $43,070.

Bottom Line: The Commander is comfortable, practical and surprisingly agile. Jeep's first seven-passenger SUV offers a satisfying alternative for families eschewing the minivan, while living up to Jeep's off-road heritage.