The Jeep Meridian is a remarkable addition to the premium SUV market, designed to cater to the demands of families and off-road enthusiasts alike. Combining rugged capability with luxurious refinement, the Jeep Meridian represents the American automaker's commitment to building versatile and reliable vehicles.

This 7-seater SUV is based on the globally acclaimed Compass platform but stretched and upgraded to meet the expectations of Indian and international buyers who crave space, comfort, and performance.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Jeep Meridian—from its design, engine performance, features, and technology to its off-road prowess, safety standards, and why it's a compelling choice in its segment.

The Jeep Meridian was officially launched in India in 2022, becoming Jeep's first 7-seater SUV in the Indian market. It directly rivals premium SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq, and Mahindra XUV700.

The Meridian combines Jeep's iconic DNA—rugged design, off-road capability, and rich heritage—with a more family-friendly package.

Design and Exterior Styling

The Jeep Meridian retains Jeep's bold and rugged aesthetic. Its commanding road presence, upright stance, and signature seven-slot grille stand out. However, unlike its sibling Compass, the Meridian has a longer wheelbase and a stretched body to accommodate the third row.

Key Exterior Features:

• LED projector headlamps with DRLs
• Chrome-finished front grille
• Dual-tone roof
• 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
• Roof rails and chrome window lining
• Sculpted bonnet and muscular wheel arches

The Meridian is 4,769 mm long, 1,859 mm wide, and 1,698 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,782 mm. These dimensions make it larger than the Compass and provide ample cabin space for three rows of seating.

Interior and Cabin Comfort

Step inside the Jeep Meridian, and you're greeted with a well-appointed, premium interior. The cabin oozes sophistication with its dual-tone theme, soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems.

Interior Highlights:

• Panoramic sunroof
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with UConnect
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster
• Ventilated front seats
• Powered driver's seat with memory function
• Dual-zone climate control
• Wireless charging pad

The second-row seats are comfortable, with a slide and recline function, and the third row is best suited for kids or short journeys. The Meridian's cabin has ample storage spaces, cupholders, charging ports in all rows, and a boot capacity of 170 liters (with all rows up) that can be expanded by folding the third-row seats.

Engine and Performance

The Jeep Meridian has a single engine option: a 2.0-liter Multijet II turbocharged diesel engine. This engine is the same tried-and-tested one found in the Jeep Compass but tuned for better torque delivery in the larger Meridian.

Engine Specifications:

• Displacement: 1,956 cc
• Maximum Power: 170 hp @ 3,750 rpm
• Peak Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
• Transmission Options: 6-speed manual / 9-speed automatic

Performance on Road:

On highways, the Jeep Meridian feels composed and offers a comfortable ride. The turbo-diesel engine provides sufficient power for overtaking and cruising. Despite its size, the Meridian handles corners well, with minimal body roll, thanks to its stiff suspension setup and well-balanced chassis.

Off-Road Capabilities

While the Jeep Meridian is designed to be a family SUV, it doesn't shy away from off-road duties. True to Jeep's heritage, the Meridian is more than capable when the terrain gets tough.

Off-Road Features:

• Jeep Active Drive 4x4 system
• Selec-Terrain Traction Management System
• High ground clearance of 214 mm
• Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control

Whether muddy trails, snow-laden roads, or gravel tracks, the Meridian inspires confidence with its intelligent 4x4 system and stable underpinnings.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Jeep Meridian is constructed with a sturdy monocoque chassis and is loaded with safety equipment to keep all occupants secure. Jeep hasn't compromised on safety, offering active and passive safety features.

Standard and Advanced Safety Features:

• 6 airbags (front, side, curtain)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
• ABS with EBD
• Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines
• Front and rear parking sensors
• TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
• 360-degree camera (on top variant)
• ISOFIX child seat anchors

The Jeep Meridian is also designed to meet global safety standards and is expected to score well in crash tests.

Competitors and Market Position

The Jeep Meridian competes in the D-segment SUV market, where buyers increasingly seek a premium driving experience combined with practicality.

Key Competitors:

• Toyota Fortuner
• Skoda Kodiaq
• MG Gloster
• Mahindra XUV700 (AX7L variant)
• Volkswagen Tiguan (5-seater alternative)

While the Toyota Fortuner remains a top seller due to its brand loyalty and reliability, the Meridian scores with its refined interiors, better ride quality, and technology features.

Pros and Cons of Jeep Meridian

Pros:

• Premium and spacious cabin with high-quality materials
• Strong diesel engine with refined performance
• Jeep's off-road credibility with AWD and Selec-Terrain system
• Loaded with modern features and infotainment

Cons:

• No petrol or hybrid engine options
• Third-row space is tight for adults
• Slightly premium pricing compared to some rivals
• Limited service network in smaller towns (for some customers)

Why You Should Buy the Jeep Meridian

If you're in the market for a luxury SUV that doesn't compromise on style, space, or off-road capability, the Jeep Meridian stands out. It's a well-balanced product for those looking to upgrade from a mid-size SUV or families who want a vehicle suitable for city drives and long-distance adventures.

Reasons to Consider Jeep Meridian:

• You want a premium 7-seater SUV with rugged Jeep DNA.
• You prefer diesel engines with high torque and reliability.
• You value interior comfort, infotainment, and safety.
• You plan frequent highway drives or occasional off-roading.
• You seek an alternative to Japanese SUVs with European flair.

Conclusion

The Jeep Meridian represents the evolution of Jeep's strategy in India and other emerging markets. It brings global quality, American heritage, and practical luxury into a 7-seater SUV. It caters to various consumers, from adventure enthusiasts to urban professionals and families who need the extra row of seating without sacrificing comfort or technology.

With its robust build quality, capable engine, and refined interiors, the Jeep Meridian is a complete package that's hard to ignore in the premium SUV space.

Read More: Volkswagen Allspace: A Perfect Blend of Space, Style, and Performance