Jeep India plans to launch three new cars in fiscal year 2022: the Compass Trailhawk, Meridian, and locally produced Grand Cherokee. The Jeep Compass is presently the company’s best-selling vehicle in India, and it’ll need a backup soon, since a volume-based compact SUV is rumored to be in the works.
Taking advantage of the Compass’ popularity, Jeep will unveil the Meridian, a new three-row SUV, in the middle of this calendar year, and it has already been sighted testing numerous times. The Jeep Meridian is expected to go into production in the next months, ahead of its formal market debut, and it might have a big impact in the luxury segment.
It will compete with the updated Volkswagen Tiguan and the recently released Skoda Kodiaq facelift. The Jeep Meridian made its international debut as the Commander a few months ago, and it will most likely be available as a six- and seven-seater to accommodate a wider spectrum of customers. Jeep has made dimensional alterations to provide room for the third row, since it is now longer and has a longer wheelbase.
The Jeep Meridian has specific design aspects that set it apart from the five-seater. The three-row SUV will have the same dashboard and centre console on the inside as well, but expect a different cabin concept and the use of new surface materials and trimmings to give it a more luxurious feel.
LED headlamps, tail lamps, and turn indicators, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest UConnect technology, Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility, multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, wireless charging pad, panoramic sunroof, multiple airbags, and more will be included in the list of features.
The three-row SUV is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine similar to the Compass, but with 48 V mild-hybrid technology. It will be more powerful than the Compass, with a potential output of around 200 horsepower.
The engine will be mated to a nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which will send power to all four wheels. When the Jeep Meridian is released in India, costs are expected to start at around Rs. 30 lakhs (ex-showroom).