Jeep Meridian is the American brand’s bold entry into India’s premium 7-seater segment. Designed to combine Jeep’s legendary off-road capability with modern luxury and comfort, the Meridian is based on the same platform as the Compass but extended to accommodate three rows of seating. With a strong road presence, feature-packed cabin, and powerful diesel engine, the Meridian aims to challenge established players like Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Tata Safari.
Imposing Exterior with a Premium Touch
Jeep Meridian features the brand’s iconic seven-slot grille, flanked by sleek LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs. The SUV has a wide, muscular stance, upright proportions, and elegant chrome accents that enhance its premium appeal.
On the sides, squared-off wheel arches, bold character lines, and large 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels add to the rugged appeal. The rear looks clean and classy, featuring sleek LED taillamps connected by a chrome strip, a roof-mounted spoiler, and Jeep badging that completes its upscale SUV look.
Plush Interiors and Tech-Loaded Cabin
The interiors of the Jeep Meridian reflect a fine blend of luxury and practicality. The dashboard gets soft-touch materials and is finished in a rich dual-tone brown and black combination. Premium leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and metal accents enhance the overall feel.
At the heart of the cabin is a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The 9-speaker Alpine sound system (in top trims) ensures a rich audio experience, and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster provides crisp, real-time driving data.
Other notable features include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging
- 360-degree surround view camera
- Dual-zone climate control
- Powered tailgate
- Multiple USB ports across all rows
Spacious and Practical for Families
Being a 7-seater, the Meridian focuses on passenger comfort in all three rows. The second row offers excellent legroom and reclinable backrests, while the third row, although more suited for children or shorter adults, is usable for short trips. The seats are easy to fold, and the boot space is decent even with all seats up, making it a suitable SUV for weekend getaways and family road trips.
Performance: Power Meets Refinement
Under the hood, the Jeep Meridian comes with a 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine producing 170 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic, with the latter offering smooth gear shifts ideal for both city and highway driving.
The SUV is available in FWD (4×2) and AWD (4×4) variants. The 4×4 version gets Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, which includes modes like Sand, Snow, and Mud, enabling it to take on off-road trails with ease.
Ride Comfort and Handling
Jeep has engineered the Meridian with a focus on comfort. Its suspension is tuned for Indian roads and easily absorbs potholes and uneven surfaces. High-speed stability is commendable, and the steering is well-weighted for confident driving.
Whether it’s long highway cruises or city commutes, the Meridian delivers a refined and composed experience. Despite its size, the SUV remains manageable in traffic and parking situations, thanks to its excellent visibility and 360-degree camera system.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Safety is a top priority in the Jeep Meridian. It comes equipped with:
- Six airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Traction Control
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
- ISOFIX mounts
- All-wheel disc brakes
Top variants also include ADAS features such as:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Warning
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Detection
These advanced features make it one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Variants and Pricing
Jeep offers the Meridian in two main variants – Limited and Limited (O) – available in both 4×2 and 4×4 options. The pricing starts at around ₹33 lakh and goes up to ₹39 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it between mid-size and full-size SUVs in India.
While it may cost slightly more than rivals like the Tata Safari or Mahindra XUV700, the Jeep badge, AWD capability, and luxury quotient make it an aspirational choice.
Conclusion
Jeep Meridian is a well-rounded package that offers something for everyone — be it adventure seekers, city commuters, or families looking for a comfortable long-distance cruiser. It retains the brand’s off-road spirit while delivering the luxury and technology expected from a premium SUV. If you’re in the market for a tough-yet-sophisticated 7-seater with international pedigree and strong road presence, the Jeep Meridian deserves serious consideration.
