Here’s Your First Look At The Jeep Meridian Ahead Of Its Impending Launch

• Meridian is based on the Compass’ underpinnings and platform.
• Exterior design elements inspired by the more premium Grand Cherokee.
• Inside, the dashboard has been lifted off from the Compass.
• Notable features include a 10-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver’s display, and panoramic sunroof.
• Gets a 2-litre diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic.
• Features up to 82 percent localisation.
• Prices expected to start from Rs 30 lakh.

This is the Meridian, Jeep’s new three-row SUV, aiming to take on the big guns like the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Skoda Kodiaq. Slated for launch in June 2022, the Meridian is part of Jeep’s massive plan, which includes the launch of the Compass Trailhawk and upcoming Grand Cherokee. Test drives and official bookings are slated to commence in May. 

The Meridian is essentially a three-row derivative of the Compass, and shares major of its underpinnings with the smaller SUV. It’s 4769mm long, 1859mm wide, 1682mm tall, and sits on a 2794mm wheelbase. 

Here’s how its dimensions compare with the donor SUV:

*We have used the Commander’s dimensions to give you a fair idea of its size. 

Now, to the design. While the Meridian might be a Compass derivative, it looks nothing quite like it. Jeep’s traditional 7-slat grille dominates the front-end, flanked by a pair of rectangular LED headlights. The bumper sports two large chrome strips for added bling, and you also get LED fog lights for more show. 

Also Read: Skoda Kushaq’s New Top-spec Monte Carlo Variant Slated To Arrive By May 2022

Unlike the Kodiaq, which has a more crossover-ish profile, the Meridian’s gets a nice, boxy, and upright stance, giving it a nice SUV-esque vibe. Improving the overall stance of the SUV is the 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that fill the squared out wheel arches nicely. Connected LED tail lamps, which adds a tinge of modernism, rounds off the design. 

Inside, the Meridian’s dashboard has been lifted off from the Compass, albeit in a new black/brown colour scheme. Not a bad move in our opinion as the facelifted Compass got a big spruce in quality levels and overall ambience. But the highlight here is the presence of a third row, and by the looks of it, seems best suited for kids or your pet. 

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In terms of features, the Meridian gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital driver’s display, connected car tech, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 9-speaker Alpine sound system, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats with ventilation, a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, and auto headlights and wipers. 

Passenger safety is taken care of by six airbags (standard), ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring system. 

Underneath the hood, the Meridian gets the familiar 170PS 2-litre diesel engine, paired with 6-speed manual and optional 9-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Compass, you can get the Meridian’ automatic transmission with a front-wheel drive, alongside the optional all-wheel drivetrain. 

The Jeep Meridian features up to 82 percent localisation, and is expected to be priced from around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) when it goes on sale in June. More details will follow as we inch closer to its launch. So stay tuned.