2022 Jeep Meridian three-row SUV unveiled in India, launch in June
Jeep India has unveiled the Jeep Meridian seven-seater SUV in India, ahead of its launch in June. Bookings for the seven-seater SUV are set to begin in May. The Meridian is the second launch for Stellantis in India in 2022, after the Compass Trailhawk. Following this will be the locally-produced Jeep Grand Cherokee later in the year.
The Jeep Meridian has been designed alongside the new-gen Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer, and incorporates many of those SUV's design cues in its styling. There is the new, deeper-set seven-slat grille and headlamps have been slimmed further from the Compass facelift. The new front bumper now has a single, lower airdam with deeper recess for the LEd foglamps. Along the sides, there is a new design for the 18-inch alloy wheels while the rear-doors have been engineered to open up to 80 degrees. The long roof now ends in a prominent L-shaped motif to merge with the larger rear quarter glass.
The rear is also heavily inspired by the larger Jeep offerings. Seen with the slim high-mounted LED taillamps that merge with the window. The tailgate has also been made boxier with the indented mid-section and a more angular rear bumper has been added.
2022 Jeep Meridian interior, features, safety
When seen alongside the Compass, the 2022 Jeep Merdian's interior is done up in a black and brown colour theme. The central chrome band on the dash now gets a more intricate design while the seats get a quilted pattern. The Meridian will only be available as a seven-seater and will get a second-row fold and tumble function for the split seats. There is a separate AC unit for the second and third rows while both these seats also get a recline function. A captain-seat version is expected to follow soon.
The features list is carried over from the Compass and includes many of the same highlights. This includes a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, powered taigate and ventilated front seats.
Notable safety features include six airbags as standard, TPMS and a 360-degree camera.
2022 Jeep Meridian engine, specifications
The Jeep Meridan will only be available with the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine as seen in the Compass. This unit should continue to make 173Ps and 350 Nm and will be paired with the nine-speed auto and a six-speed manual. The gearbox has been reworked for better responsiveness and driveability which Jeep claims will allow for a 0 to 100 kmph time of 10.8s and a 198 kmph top-speed. New for the Meridian is a front-wheel-drive auto variant.
The suspension set has been reworked for the new SUV although the multi-link rear suspension with frequency-selective dampers continues. Changes have also been made to reduce cabin vibrations by up to 25 per cent. The off-road modes, hill-hold function and low-range mode have been retained here too.
2022 Jeep Meridian expected price, rivals, launch dateThe Jeep Meridian will go up against the likes of the MG Gloster and Toyota Fortuner, with prices at a Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh premium over the Compass. Bookings for the Meridian will begin in May with deliveries in June 2022.
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