Jeep Meridian

Hey car buyers! Looking for your next big family SUV in India? We know finding the perfect car means juggling a lot of important things. Your budget, safety for your loved ones, how much it costs to maintain each month, what cool features it offers, and of course, how good the company's service is. It's a big decision! Today, we're taking a deep dive into a premium 7-seater SUV that's been making waves: the Jeep Meridian. Does it tick all the right boxes for you? Let's find out!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Jeep Meridian in India comes with a single, powerful engine option:

• Engine Type: 2.0-litre Multijet II Turbo Diesel engine.
• Power Output: 170 hp (approximately 170 PS).
• Torque Output: 350 Nm of peak torque.

This engine is known for its strong performance, especially on highways, and good low-end grunt for city driving.

Design Overview

Exterior:

• The Meridian proudly carries the iconic Jeep DNA. It looks like a proper, muscular SUV.
• It features the signature 7-slat Jeep grille, slim LED headlamps, and sleek LED DRLs, giving it a modern yet rugged appeal.
• The extended length (compared to the Compass) and strong character lines give it a commanding road presence.
• Chrome accents and stylish alloy wheels add to its premium look.

Interior:

• Step inside, and you are greeted by a premium and well-appointed cabin.
• The dual-tone dashboard (often brown and black) with soft-touch materials creates an upscale feel.
• The seats are comfortable and supportive, especially for long journeys.
• While the first two rows offer excellent space, the third row is best suited for children or short trips for adults.
• The overall fit and finish are top-notch, reflecting its premium positioning.

Key Features

The Meridian is packed with modern features to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity:

• 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Panoramic Sunroof
• 360-degree Camera (for easier parking and maneuvering)
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
• Ventilated Front Seats (on top variants)
• Powered Tailgate
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Connected Car Technology

What is the Ground Clearance of Jeep Meridian?

The Jeep Meridian offers a ground clearance of 187 mm. This is quite respectable for an SUV and helps it tackle broken roads and mild off-road trails with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Jeep Meridian?

• With all three rows up, the boot space is a compact 170 litres. This is enough for a couple of soft bags.
• With the third row folded down, the boot space expands significantly to 481 litres, making it very practical for family trips.
• With both second and third rows folded, it offers a massive 824 litres of cargo room.

What is the Dimensions of Jeep Meridian?

• Length: 4769 mm
• Width: 1859 mm
• Height: 1698 mm
• Wheelbase: 2794 mm

Powertrain Options

Currently, the Jeep Meridian is available exclusively with the 2.0-litre Multijet II Turbo Diesel engine. Buyers can choose between two transmission options:

• 6-speed Manual Transmission
• 9-speed Automatic Transmission

The Meridian also offers both 2x4 (Front Wheel Drive) and 4x4 (All-Wheel Drive) configurations, catering to different driving needs.

Safety Features

Jeep has equipped the Meridian with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect its occupants:

• 6 Airbags (Standard on most variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) (for 4x4 variants)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• All-wheel Disc Brakes
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Rating Type	Jeep Meridian NCAP Rating Status
Bharat NCAP	As of now, an independent Bharat NCAP rating specifically for the Jeep Meridian is not yet available.
Global NCAP	Similarly, a specific Global NCAP rating for the Jeep Meridian is not independently published.

Note: While the Meridian does not have its own published NCAP rating, it is built on a robust platform (shared with the 5-star ASEAN NCAP rated Jeep Compass) and is equipped with advanced safety features, reflecting Jeep's commitment to safety.

Rivals of Jeep Meridian

In the competitive Indian SUV market, the Jeep Meridian goes up against some strong contenders:

• Toyota Fortuner
• MG Gloster
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Hyundai Alcazar (a segment below but often cross-shopped for 7-seater needs)
• Mahindra XUV700 (top variants)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages:

• Premium Feel: The Meridian feels truly premium both inside and out, justifying its price tag.
• Strong Diesel Engine: The 2.0L diesel engine offers excellent performance and highway cruising ability.
• Comfortable Ride: It offers a plush and comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps well.
• Good Handling: Despite its size, the Meridian handles well, offering confidence on winding roads.
• Jeep Heritage & Capability: For those who appreciate off-road prowess, the 4x4 variants live up to the Jeep name.
• Feature-Packed: Loaded with modern features for a convenient and connected experience.

Disadvantages:

• Diesel Only: The absence of a petrol engine option might deter some buyers.
• Third-Row Space: While it's a 7-seater, the third row is more suitable for short distances or children.
• Price: It's a premium offering, and its price point is on the higher side, placing it directly against established rivals.
• No Manual 4x4 Option: The 4x4 is only available with the automatic transmission.
• Boot Space (3rd row up): Very limited with all seats in use.

Conclusion

So, is the Jeep Meridian the right 7-seater SUV for your Indian garage? It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a premium, well-built, and capable SUV with a powerful diesel engine. It offers a luxurious cabin, a long list of features, and that undeniable Jeep DNA. While it faces tough competition and has a few minor drawbacks like the lack of a petrol engine or a truly spacious third row, its strengths in performance, comfort, and build quality make it a very compelling choice. If budget isn't your primary concern and you desire a rugged yet sophisticated family SUV that stands out, the Jeep Meridian deserves a serious look. Test drive it to truly experience what it has to offer and see if it fits your lifestyle perfectly!