The Jeep Meridian is more than just a seven-seater version of the highly successful Compass; it is the culmination of Jeep’s commitment to the Indian market under the global Stellantis banner. Designed and engineered specifically for the D-SUV segment, the Meridian brings the brand’s rugged DNA and unmatched off-road capability into a more luxurious, family-focused package.
The 2025 model year continues to refine this proposition, with recent updates focusing on feature parity (like the introduction of ADAS on the top trims) and strategic pricing adjustments to sharpen its competitive edge against rivals like the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, and Tata Safari. This comprehensive review dives deep into every facet of the Meridian, from its price positioning to the exhilarating feeling of its renowned 4×4 system on challenging terrain.
Price, Variants & Market Positioning in India
The Jeep Meridian is positioned squarely in the premium end of the D-SUV segment, offering a genuine international flavour that bridges the gap between mass-market offerings and true luxury brands.
A. Ex-Showroom Price Range (Approx.)
The Meridian’s pricing reflects its premium features, engine technology, and brand heritage.
₹23.33 Lakh−₹36.21 Lakh
B. Key Variants & Lineup Strategy
The Meridian lineup is streamlined yet offers crucial choices between 4×2 (Front-Wheel Drive) and 4×4 (All-Wheel Drive), Manual (MT) and Automatic (AT), and the level of luxury features.
| Variant Tier | Key Drivetrain Options | Highlighted Features | Target Buyer |
| Longitude | 4×2 MT/AT | Entry point, essential Jeep styling, 5-seater option. | Value-focused families, primary city use. |
| Limited (O) | 4×2 MT/AT,4×4 AT | 7-Seater, Panoramic Sunroof, Dual-Zone Climate Control, 6 Airbags. | Comfort & feature seekers, long-distance highway use. |
| Overland | 4×2 AT,4×4 AT | ADAS, Ventilated Seats, 360∘ Camera, Digital Cockpit. | Luxury buyer, technology enthusiast. |
| Trail Edition | 4×2 AT,4×4 AT | Off-road focused styling, 4×4 Jeep Select-Terrain modes. | Adventure enthusiast, rugged look preference. |
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Market Insight: The introduction of the Overland trim with ADAS shows Jeep’s response to segment rivals, ensuring the Meridian remains technologically relevant at the top end.
Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics
The heart of the jeep Meridian is the proven and powerful 2.0 Litre Multijet II Turbo Diesel engine, making it a powerful diesel-only contender in its class.
A. Engine Specifications
| Specification | 2.0L Multijet II Turbo Diesel |
| Displacement | 1956 cc (4-Cylinder) |
| Max Power | 170 PS (168 bhp) @ 3750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 350 Nm @ 1750−2500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual (MT) / 9-Speed Automatic (Torque Converter AT) |
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B. Real-World Performance
- Engine Refinement: The 2.0L Multijet engine is known for its strong mid-range torque delivery. While there is a noticeable diesel clatter at idle and under heavy acceleration, the NVH levels are well-controlled once cruising at highway speeds.
- 9-Speed AT Performance: The 9-speed Torque Converter automatic, exclusive to the Meridian’s AT and 4×4 versions, offers smooth, unhurried shifts, making it an excellent highway cruiser. However, it can sometimes feel hesitant to downshift quickly under sudden throttle input compared to modern DSG units, requiring a planned approach for fast overtakes.
- Handling and Ride Quality: The Meridian’s Monocoque chassis (unlike the Fortuner’s ladder-frame) delivers superior ride comfort and handling dynamics.
- Highway Stability: It feels incredibly planted and stable at triple-digit speeds, inspiring confidence.
- Suspension: The independent suspension setup with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) soaks up small and medium-sized bumps with ease, providing a plush ride essential for long family trips.
- Steering: The steering is light for city parking but weighs up nicely at speed, offering good feedback.
C. Off-Road Capability (4×4 Models)
The Meridian’s true Jeep DNA shines here. The 4×4 variants feature:
- Jeep Select-Terrain System: Provides pre-set modes (Sand/Mud, Snow, Auto) for optimal traction control.
- Best-in-Class Geometry: High 214 mm ground clearance, coupled with impressive approach and departure angles, allows it to confidently tackle steep inclines, deep ruts, and slippery surfaces that rivals might struggle with.
- Independent Suspension: While primarily road-biased, the independent rear suspension provides excellent wheel articulation for a sophisticated soft-roader, making it genuinely capable off the beaten track.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
As a large diesel SUV, the Meridian’s fuel efficiency is competitive for its segment and weight.
| Transmission/Drivetrain | ARAI Claimed Mileage (Approx.) | Real-World City Mileage (Approx.) | Real-World Highway Mileage (Approx.) |
| 4×2 Manual | 16.2 kmpl | 11−13 kmpl | 15−17 kmpl |
| 4×2 Automatic | 14.9 kmpl | 10−12 kmpl | 14−16 kmpl |
| 4×4 Automatic | 14.1 kmpl | 9−11 kmpl | 13−15 kmpl |
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Verdict: The Meridian delivers expected diesel mileage. Highway cruising is where it is most efficient, but city usage, particularly with the 9-speed AT and 4×4 system, brings the figures down to single digits under heavy traffic, underscoring the performance trade-off.
Luxury Features & Interior Experience
The Meridian sets itself apart from rugged competitors by offering a truly premium and luxurious cabin environment, shared with the Compass but extended for seven occupants.
Read more : Renault Triber
A. Cabin Aesthetics and Materials
- Design: The cabin features a sophisticated, dual-tone layout (often black and tan/brown) with high-quality, soft-touch materials, metallic accents, and leather upholstery. The overall fit and finish are segment-leading.
- Seating Comfort: All seven seats are upholstered in premium leather. The driver and co-driver seats are electrically adjustable and feature ventilation, a must-have luxury feature for the Indian climate (available on top trims).
B. Key Luxury and Tech Highlights (2025 Model)
| Feature | Description | Segment Significance |
| ADAS (Level 2) | Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). | New for 2025 Overland Trim. Closes the gap with Korean rivals. |
| Digital Cockpit | 10.25-inch Full Digital Instrument Cluster. | Highly customizable, bright, and modern. |
| Infotainment | 10.1-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. | UConnect 5 OS is slick, intuitive, and lag-free. |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Large dual-pane sunroof enhances cabin airiness. | Standard on Limited (O) and above, a key buyer attraction. |
| Audio System | 9-Speaker Alpine premium sound system. | Excellent sound fidelity for music enthusiasts. |
| 360∘ Camera | 360∘ Surround View Camera with dynamic guidelines. | Essential for maneuvering a vehicle of this size in city traffic. |
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C. Seating and Practicality
- Second Row: Generous space, aided by the long 2782 mm wheelbase. The seats recline, and the 60:40 split allows for flexible seating and cargo configurations.
- Third Row: Access is decent, thanks to the one-touch tumble and fold mechanism for the second row. However, the third row remains best suited for children or short trips for adults, typical of monocoque-based 7-seaters.
- Boot Space: 170 Litres with all three rows up (expandable to over 800 Litres with the rear rows folded), providing more space than its direct monocoque competitors.
Safety Rating and Features
While the Jeep Meridian has not been tested by Global NCAP (GNCAP), its safety credentials are based on its robust platform and extensive safety kit.
A. Platform Confidence
The Meridian is built on the same FCA Small Wide Platform as the Jeep Compass, which received a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating in 2017. This structural rigidity, combined with the comprehensive safety features, provides high assurance to buyers.
B. Key Safety Features
- Airbags: 6 Airbags (Dual Front, Side Chest, and Side Curtain) are standard across the higher variants.
- Core Electronic Aids:
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- ABS with EBD
- Traction Control
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- HSA (Hill Start Assist) and HDC (Hill Descent Control).
- Braking: All four wheels feature disc brakes, providing strong and reliable stopping power even under load.
- Advanced Safety (ADAS – Overland Trim): The inclusion of Level 2 ADAS features ensures the Meridian competes head-on with newer rivals in proactive safety technology.
Final Verdict: A Blend of Luxury and True Capability
The Jeep Meridian 2025 is a compelling choice for the buyer who wants the rugged, aspirational identity of a Jeep without sacrificing the luxury and comfort of a modern monocoque SUV.
The Meridian’s Core Strengths
- Driving Dynamics: The ride quality, highway stability, and handling are exceptional for a 7-seater SUV.
- True Capability: The 4×4 system with Select-Terrain provides genuine off-road capability that its direct monocoque competitors cannot match.
- Premium Interior: The cabin quality, fit, finish, and features (ventilated seats, Alpine audio, ADAS) deliver a segment-leading premium feel.
- Road Presence: Its length and classic Jeep styling give it an authoritative stance on the road.
The Trade-Offs
- No Petrol Option: The lack of a petrol engine option limits choice for buyers who prefer gasoline or a hybrid drivetrain (like the Toyota Fortuner or Skoda Kodiaq offer).
- Engine Noise: The diesel engine can be noisy, particularly during hard acceleration.
- Third Row Space: While better than some, the third row is still not comfortable for long adult journeys.
Final Conclusion: The Jeep Meridian is the ideal choice for the executive family or enthusiast who spends most of their time on the highway but demands the comfort and luxury features of a premium car, backed by the assurance of a capable 4×4 system for weekend adventures. It offers a unique and highly desirable blend of SUV toughness and European refinement.
Would you like a detailed comparison of the Jeep Meridian Overland 4×4 AT against the Toyota Fortuner 4×4 AT focusing on performance, luxury, and off-road capability?
