Jeep is preparing to launch the new Compass Trailhawk in the Indian market in February 2022. The company will also launch a new 7-seater SUV by mid-2022. Reportedly to be called the Jeep Meridian, the new 3-row SUV will rival the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq and the Toyota Fortuner.
The Jeep Meridian has already been spotted several times during its test rounds in the country. A latest set of images show the Jeep Meridian testing in production-ready bodywork. The 3-row SUV is already on sale in Brazil as the Commander; however, the India-spec model will carry a different name.
The Jeep Meridian comes with an upright front fascia, featuring a slim grille and sleek headlamp cluster. The vehicle gets square-ish wheel arches. The SUV shares styling cues from the Compass and bigger Jeeps including the Grand Wagoneer and the Grand Cherokee. It gets a newly designed bumper, LED tail-lights, large faux vents with LED DRLs and fog lamps with a chrome strip running across the front.
Dimensionally, the new SUV is 4,769mm long, 1,859mm wide and 1,682mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,794mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 158mm to accommodate a longer body. Compared to the Compass, the new Meridian is around 364mm longer, 41mm wider and 42mm taller.
The interior of the Jeep Meridian is similar to the updated Compass. It features a 10.21-inch all-digital instrument console and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system will be compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It will be offered in 6-and 7-seat options with former having captain seats in the second row.
The upcoming Jeep Meridian 7-seater SUV will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, which is likely to get a 48V mild hybrid system. It is likely to produce around 200bhp of power, and will be paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox with AWD system.
