Jeep
Commander
Toyota
Highlander
Jeep Commander vs Toyota Highlander: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Jeep Commander comes out ahead of the Toyota Highlander on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Commander
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of well-maintained examples, particularly those with the 5.7L Hemi V8, report high satisfaction, praising the vehicle's robust towing capability, comfortable and feature-rich interior, off-road competence for light to moderate trails, and commanding road presence. Many report achieving high mileage (200,000+ miles / 322,000+ km) with diligent maintenance.
Best version to buy
2008 or newer models with the 5.7L Hemi V8. Owners strongly advise avoiding early Hemi models (pre-2008) due to catastrophic engine issues, and the 4.7L V8 due to head gasket problems.
Known issues
- ⚠Chronic electrical system failures: encompassing window switches, wiring shorts, audio amplifiers, and general "gremlins." Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine-specific problems: early Hemi (pre-2008) catastrophic failures; 4.7L V8 head gasket failures; 3.7L V6 camshaft position sensor (CPS) failures and underpowered performance. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission failures: reports of complete rebuilds needed, hard shifting, and slippage, particularly at higher mileages. Frequency: recurrent.
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- ⚠8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Jeep Commander is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Toyota Highlander, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Toyota Highlander is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Jeep Commander or the Toyota Highlander?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Jeep Commander and the Toyota Highlander. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Jeep Commander or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander seats more passengers than the Jeep Commander on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Jeep Commander is classed as a SUV, the Toyota Highlander as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Jeep Commander or the Toyota Highlander?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Jeep Commander or the Toyota Highlander?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Highlander than the Jeep Commander. See the known issues comparison above.