Seven-seat Jeep Commander emerges

Jeep has pulled the drapes off a longer, more spacious version of the Jeep Compass SUV that will carry the Commander name when it goes on sale later this year in South America.

Featuring styling inspired by the recently updated Jeep Compass, the 2021 Jeep Commander is based on the same 'Small Wide' architecture that has been elongated to accommodate a third row of seating.

Compared to the Compass sold in Australia, the new Jeep Commander sports different headlights and a redesigned grille and front bumper, although the front fenders and doors look identical.

At the rear, the Commander gains a pair of slimline tail-lights and a different rear bumper and tailgate to the Compass.

Inside, the cabin is shared with the Compass, with the Commander getting a 10.25-inch instrument cluster that's paired with a 10.1-inch infotainment system.

It's thought in some markets the Commander will be offered with a choice between five and seven seats, but there's no pictures yet to show how the third row of seats fold.

Under the bonnet, the Jeep Commander is expected to come with either a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that's combined with a six-speed automatic, or a 2.0-litre MultiJet turbo-diesel that will be blended with a nine-speed auto.

Both front- and all-wheel drive will be available.

Made in Stellantis' Pernambuco factory in Brazil, there's no word if the Commander has been developed for right-hand drive markets.