Jeep’s New 7-seater SUV Spotted Testing In India For The First Time

• The three-row model has an upright tailgate, a rear quarter glass, and a flat roofline.

• The cabin will likely retain most of the Compass’ features and and then some

• Could feature beefed up passenger safety features, including driver assistance systems.

• Automatic transmission options coupled with both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains could be on offer.

• Will probably not called the ‘Commander’ in India

• Could be priced from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom).

Jeep’s upcoming three-row SUV has been spied testing on Indian roads for the first time. Based on the same platform as the Compass, the 7-seater is slated for an international debut later this year, followed by its India launch in 2022. 

While the model spied is draped in heavy camouflage, it did reveal a few interesting design elements. These include what seems like a rear quarter glass, a flat roofline, an upright tailgate, and circular wheel arches (instead of the squared-off arches in the Compass). Earlier teasers have already revealed a familiar seven-slat front grille with chrome-studded elements and sleek LED headlamps similar to the India-bound 2022 Grand Cherokee.  

Cabin shots have yet to surface, but we expect it to be a step up from the updated Compass, which comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, connected car tech, dual-zone climate control, and powered front seats. 

While the upcoming model will be a 7-seater, we could also have a 6-seater later with captain seats in the second row. 

It may also borrow passenger safety features from the Compass, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake, and electronic stability control. Additionally, Jeep could also provide the SUV with driver assistance systems like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring.

One of the engines could be a more powerful iteration of the Compass’s 172PS/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel. The second motor may be a detuned version of the Wrangler’s 268PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol. Expect the two engines to be paired with 8-speed and 9-speed automatic transmissions, with the option of 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains.

Currently codenamed the ‘H6’, the upcoming 7-seater may not be called the ‘Commander’ in India (it goes by that name in Brazil). That’s because Mahindra already has an ongoing trademark on the name, which it had filed for way back in 1991.  

Expect prices to range between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom). The three-row SUV will go up against the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, and MG Gloster.