Jeep Meridian: At first glance, the Meridian’s lineage is unmistakable. The iconic seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and squared-off proportions announce its Jeep DNA loudly and proudly.
Yet this isn’t merely a stretched Compass—though the family resemblance is undeniable.
The Meridian stretches 4,769mm in length, standing 1,698mm tall, with a 2,782mm wheelbase that provides the foundation for its three-row configuration.
Its design achieves a delicate balance between ruggedness and sophistication—less utilitarian than the Wrangler but more purposeful than many crossovers that populate Indian roads.
Chrome accents adorn the window line and lower door sections, providing visual relief against darker paint options while complementing lighter colorways.
The slim LED headlamps connect seamlessly with the grille, creating a horizontal emphasis that visually widens the vehicle’s stance.
At the rear, slim horizontal taillamps connected by a chrome strip reinforce this visual width, while twin exhaust outlets integrated into the bumper hint at performance credentials.
The Meridian sits on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with intricate multi-spoke designs that manage to appear both premium and capable of handling rough terrain—a duality that defines the vehicle’s entire character.
Ground clearance of 203mm ensures that occasional ventures off the beaten path won’t result in expensive underbody repairs.
While the silhouette won’t turn as many heads as some more radical designs in the segment, the Meridian’s understated handsomeness carries an air of maturity.
It’s a design that suggests its owner has nothing to prove—the automotive equivalent of quiet confidence.
Jeep Meridian: Cabin- Where American Space Meets Italian Flair
Step inside the Meridian, and you’re greeted by a cabin that successfully marries spaciousness with a level of material quality that positions it firmly in the premium segment.
The dashboard architecture carries over some elements from the Compass but elevates the execution with expanded use of soft-touch materials and more generous proportions.
The centerpiece is a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Jeep’s Uconnect 5 interface—one of the more intuitive systems in this segment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The screen’s positioning atop the dashboard means minimal eye movement away from the road, while physical climate controls below provide tactile feedback that touchscreen-only interfaces sorely lack.
Behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel sits a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that offers multiple display configurations, from minimalist to information-dense.
The clarity of graphics and responsiveness to inputs represent a significant step up from earlier Jeep offerings in India.
Seating surfaces in higher variants feature brown leather upholstery with contrasting stitching that feels appropriately premium.
Front seats offer 8-way power adjustment including lumbar support, achieving that elusive balance between long-distance comfort and adequate lateral support for more spirited driving.
The second row provides ample space for three adults, with the flat floor (a benefit of the purpose-built platform) ensuring the middle passenger isn’t unduly penalized.
Thoughtful touches include dedicated AC vents, USB ports, and a center armrest with cupholders.
It’s the third row where compromises become apparent—as is the case with most vehicles in this segment that aren’t full-size SUVs. Space here is best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter journeys, though the large quarter windows prevent claustrophobia.
When not in use, these seats fold flat into the floor, creating a substantial 481-liter cargo area that expands to 1,769 liters with the second row also folded.
Noise isolation deserves special mention—extensive sound deadening materials and acoustic glass create a cabin remarkably insulated from road and wind noise, contributing significantly to the premium feel during highway cruising.
Powertrains: Diesel Dominance
While global markets receive multiple powertrain options, the Indian-spec Meridian comes exclusively with a 2.0-liter MultiJet II turbocharged diesel engine producing 170PS at 3,750rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1,750-2,500rpm.
This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available on higher variants.
The diesel unit’s refinement impresses, particularly at cruising speeds where it settles into an unobtrusive hum. Under hard acceleration, some clatter inevitably filters through, but it’s well-controlled by segment standards.
he substantial torque available from low in the rev range means the Meridian never feels underpowered despite its considerable 1,800kg+ kerb weight.
The 9-speed automatic deserves particular praise for its intuitive operation. Unlike some transmissions with excessive ratios that hunt constantly between gears, this gearbox seems to always find the right ratio for any given situation.
Manual shifts via the electronic selector are possible but rarely necessary given the transmission’s intelligence.
Four-wheel drive variants feature Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system with Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock modes that adjust various vehicle parameters to optimize traction.
While most owners will leave this in Auto for the vast majority of driving, the system provides genuine capability when conditions deteriorate.
It’s not a hardcore off-roader like the Wrangler, but the Meridian will venture far further into challenging terrain than most owners will ever dare to push it.
Fuel efficiency is respectable considering the vehicle’s size and weight, with the front-wheel-drive automatic returning approximately 14.5km/l under mixed driving conditions. The four-wheel-drive variant sacrifices roughly 1km/l in the interest of additional capability.
Road Manners: Surprising Sophistication
SUVs of this size often force drivers to accept numerous compromises—nautical body roll, vague steering, and a generally unwieldy nature. The Meridian defies these expectations through thoughtful engineering choices.
The independent suspension setup—McPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear—has been specifically calibrated for Indian conditions.
The result strikes an impressive balance between absorbing our roads’ numerous imperfections and maintaining composure during more enthusiastic driving.
Frequency Selective Damping technology adapts to different road inputs, firming up during quick direction changes while remaining compliant over broken surfaces.
Steering response is more precise than expected, with appropriate weighting that builds naturally as speeds increase.
While not sports-car sharp, it provides sufficient feedback to place the vehicle confidently even on narrower roads. The turning radius of 5.7 meters—while not compact—proves manageable in urban environments.
Braking performance comes from all-disc setups with good pedal feel, though the initial bite could be sharper.
High-speed stability impresses particularly, with the Meridian tracking true even on concrete highways with expansion joints that unsettle many competitors.
NVH control deserves special mention—extensive sound insulation creates a remarkably serene cabin even at triple-digit speeds, enhancing the premium experience and reducing fatigue during longer journeys.
Technology: Well-Equipped but Not Cutting-Edge
The Meridian’s technology package hits the essential notes for its segment without pushing boundaries.
The aforementioned 10.1-inch infotainment system offers responsive performance and intuitive menu structures, while the digital instrument cluster provides customization options to suit different drivers’ preferences.
The 9-speaker Alpine audio system delivers impressive sound quality with well-controlled bass and clear highs.
Wireless smartphone charging, multiple USB ports (both Type-A and Type-C), and 12V power outlets cater to modern connectivity needs.
Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert—a comprehensive suite that enhances safety without becoming intrusive.
The 360-degree camera system proves invaluable when maneuvering in tight spaces, though resolution could be improved.
Connected car features through the Jeep Life smartphone app provide remote functions including vehicle location, geofencing, emergency assistance, and status updates—increasingly expected features in this segment.
Where the Meridian falls slightly behind class leaders is in the implementation of newer technologies like augmented reality navigation, advanced voice assistants, or over-the-air update capability.
These omissions don’t significantly detract from the ownership experience but represent areas for improvement in future updates.
Ownership Experience: The Premium Proposition
Owning a Jeep in India means joining a relatively exclusive club. With prices ranging from ₹29.9 lakh to ₹36.95 lakh (ex-showroom), the Meridian positions itself as a premium offering, competing with higher variants of the MG Gloster, Toyota Fortuner, and lower variants of luxury-branded SUVs.
Jeep’s service network, while expanding, still doesn’t match the ubiquity of mass-market brands—something potential buyers in smaller cities should consider.
However, the company offers doorstep service options and extended warranty packages to address these concerns.
Maintenance costs align with premium expectations, with service intervals set at every 15,000km or one year. A typical service costs between ₹12,000-18,000 depending on the specific maintenance required.
The diesel engine’s proven reliability in the global market provides some reassurance regarding long-term durability.
Resale value remains somewhat uncertain given the model’s relatively recent introduction, though the strong performance of the Compass in the used market suggests the Meridian should hold value reasonably well by premium vehicle standards.
Jeep Meridian: Charting Its Own Course
In a market increasingly populated by three-row SUVs, the Jeep Meridian carves a distinct niche by emphasizing driving dynamics and authentic capability alongside family practicality.
It’s neither the largest nor the most feature-packed option in its segment, but it delivers a cohesive experience that feels thoroughly engineered rather than merely assembled from a features checklist.
For buyers who value driving engagement and genuine off-road capability in their family SUV—and are willing to pay a premium for American heritage with Italian influence—the Meridian makes a compelling case.
It won’t be the volume seller that more mainstream options achieve, but that exclusivity forms part of its appeal.
The Meridian isn’t perfect—the third row remains best for occasional use, some technology implementations lag class leaders, and the service network continues to expand—but its character shines through these minor shortcomings.
In a segment increasingly defined by vehicles that try to be everything to everyone, the Meridian’s focused approach to blending capability, comfort, and driving dynamics deserves recognition.
Perhaps the highest compliment one can pay the Meridian is that it feels like a Jeep should—capable, confident, and comfortable in its own skin—while adapting thoughtfully to Indian requirements rather than merely being transplanted from other markets.
It’s this authentic adaptation of the brand’s core values that makes the Meridian worthy of consideration for discerning SUV buyers seeking something beyond the ordinary.