You Can Start Shopping For The Jeep Meridian Ahead Of Its Debut

• Features sleek headlights, distinctive front grille, and unique bumpers inspired by the Grand Cherokee.

• Set to retain the Compass’s dashboard layout and feature list.

• Likely to get a beefier 2-litre diesel initially, with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine possibly joining the lineup later.

• Launch likely around May.

• To rival the Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster and Toyota Fortuner.

As we’re just around the corner for Jeep to unveil the Meridian, our sources suggest that dealerships have begun accepting bookings for the three-row SUV ahead of its launch on March 29. Expect it to go on sale around May, considering production will commence around the same timeframe at the Ranjangaon manufacturing facility in Pune.

Since it is based on the five-seater Compass, you’d think the Meridian is just a ‘stretched’ version of the former. Well, it's a lot more than that, with plenty of bits inspired by the Grand Cherokee. It’s got sleek headlights, a distinctive front grille with the traditional seven slats, and unique bumpers with a connecting chrome bar. The overall silhouette is rugged, boxy and upright, giving the Meridian a butch presence.  

Head inside, and you’ll find the dashboard layout largely identical to the facelifted Compass, but the Meridian gets  a black and brown finish. The highlight from the earlier teased image is of course the third row seats that seem to be preferable for children. 

We already spotted the panoramic sunroof and the 10.1-inch infotainment system from the Compass. Expect more bits from the Compass such as a digital driver’s display, connected car tech, wireless phone charger, ventilated and powered front seats, as well as dual zone climate control. We hope it also gets the 10-speaker 450W Harman Kardon sound system, Alexa in-vehicle functions, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the international model (Commander). 

Under the hood, Jeep has confirmed three engines for the Meridian. While clear details haven’t been revealed, we think one of them will be a beefier 2-litre diesel engine, paired with manual and automatic transmission options and an optional all-wheel drivetrain. Stellantis’s latest 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine could also be added at a later stage. 

The Jeep Meridian will be offered in two trims and is expected to be priced from Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom), taking on rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner, and MG Gloster.