The all-wagon line of Jeep, Chrysler brand devoted exclusively to four-wheel-drive vehicles, expands to four models in 2006. Jeep Commander is the newest member of the family and the first Jeep rigged with three rows of seats for a capacity of seven passengers. But Grand Cherokee SRT8, packing a 6.1-liter HEMI V8, becomes the most powerful Jeep -- and the quickest.

A big wagon with three powertrain options, Commander looks like a modern interpretation of Jeep classics, thanks to sheetmetal styling with crisp lines and planar surfaces. It shares a 109.5-inch wheelbase with Grand Cherokee but the structure measures inches longer, carving out more room in the cabin. A stepped roof design adds headroom for passengers on second and third rows as optional skylights bring in more light.

For powertrains, Commander offers the 330 hp and 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with multi-displacement system (MDS), which can switch seamlessly to fuel-saving four-cylinder; Jeep's 4.7-liter Power Tech V8 with 235 hp, and a 3.7-liter Power Tech V6 rated at 210 hp. For 4WD action, Jeep adds options with three different systems -- Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. Standard safety equipment includes an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP) and a traction control system (TCS).

Jeep's mid-size SUV staple for 2006 offers four different levels of equipment under labels of Laredo and Limited, new deluxe Overland and the souped-up SRT8. Grand Cherokee Laredo scores a more powerful standard engine with the 3.7-liter V6 pumped to 210 hp. The Limited draws from Jeep's 4.7-liter V8 with 235 hp but offers the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with MDS for 330 hp.

New Overland packs the HEMI V8 MDS engine combined with Quadra Drive II, Jeep's ultimate 4WD system. Soft leathers and real wood trim the cabin, while the exterior flashes unique platinum accents on grille, side moldings and 17-inch alloy wheels. Grand Cherokee SRT8 with a massive 6.1-liter HEMI V8 easily becomes the most powerful Jeep ever at 415 hp. It romps from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.

Jeep's compact-class Liberty SUV applies ESP as stock safety equipment on all three trims of 2006 -- Sport, Limited and Renegade. Other standards range from air conditioning and power windows and door locks to a remote keyless entry system, ABS and an audio package with six speakers and a CD deck. Powertrains this year extend to four-cylinder and V6 gasoline-powered engines as well as a 2.8-liter common rail diesel (CRD) with turbo-charging for 160 hp. The diesel becomes a torque-heavy variation for Sport and Limited trims.

Renegade goes further for running on rugged off-road trails by adding off-road foglamps and taillamp guards, functional rock rails, four protective skid plates on the undercarriage and an optional light bar on top. Fresh clear-coat paint colors for 2006 include Dark Khaki and Bright Silver, while add-on cabin gear extends to side air bags, a power sunroof and Sirius satellite radio subscription.

Jeep's icon wagon skews to multiple models for 2006 including new Wrangler Golden Eagle with premium gear and Ravine aluminum wheels trimmed in gold. Wrangler comes in two wheelbase lengths -- short and long. The short version trims as SE, X, Sport, Unlimited plus serious off-roader Rubicon. The stretched version is called Wrangler Unlimited with ten inches added to the wheelbase and a structure that is 15 inches longer. Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon packs diamond-plate sill guards, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles and Goodyear Wrangler "Maximum Traction/Reinforced" tires on 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Unlimited's comfort gear includes air conditioning and power steering, a fold-and-tumble back seat and a soft top with rollback roof panel that works like a sunroof. Jeep's mega-torque in-line-six engine with 4.0-liter displacement shows up in Unlimited and most Wrangler models, while Wrangler SE the price-leader gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 147 hp.