Durango vs. Commander

[GotToGetAway]

Debating getting a Dodge Durango or a Jeep Commander. Both have seating for 7.
Anyone have experience with either? Or can anyone offer advice on which can handle beach gear better and handle steep roads and switchbacks?

Thanks!

[Steve S]

I believe the Durango has more room. My BIL rented one for his family of 6 on last trip and remarked it didn't drive as big as it looked.

[P-600]

We ended up with a Durango for a couple of days when our other rental $#!t the bed. Greg from Courtesy was nice enough to let us use his car. It was really spacious and felt much bigger than the Navigator that I drive. Sorry, no info on the Commander.

[GotToGetAway]

Thanks to both of you. I've heard other forumites have good experiences with the Durango, but have never heard of anyone with experience with the Commander. If no one comes forth, then Durango it is!

[Ann]

We rented a Jeep Commander from Amalie Car Rental on St. Thomas last June and it worked out great. There were five women with way too much luggage and we had adequate room. We were staying in a villa on Gifft Hill Road and the Commander handled the road just fine. I don't have any experience with the Durango so I cannot compare the two. I highly recommend Amalie Car Rental - they were so great to work with.

[GotToGetAway]

Thanks Ann. I tried to rent through Amalie as I have heard so many good things about them, but they won't rent to us with 7 passengers because they said there will be no room for luggage and I could not convince her otherwise (we are traveling light).

[sailorgirl]

Thanks Ann. I tried to rent through Amalie as I have heard so many good things about them, but they won't rent to us with 7 passengers because they said there will be no room for luggage and I could not convince her otherwise (we are traveling light).

Why do they need to know how many people? I can understand needing to identify all drivers but the car is rated for 7, so it's not a question of over crowding. let two folks hike over to the beachcomber hotel for a drink and swing back to pick them up

[GotToGetAway]

Actually, Amalie's largest vehicle is the Pathfinder. They referred me to Discount for the Durango or Commander because they said they will only rent Pathfinders to 6 passengers due to luggage space (even though their website says it seats 7). I didn't want to lie, but I suppose they didn't need to know.