The long-awaited Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV has recently made its debut in the Indian market. The new 7-seater SUV is likely to be launched in May 2022. Jeep dealers have already started accepting pre-bookings for the Meridian SUV at a token amount of Rs 50,000.
The Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV is based on the 5-seat Jeep Compass. The company claims that except for the windshield, front seat frame and instrument panel, the Meridian is completely different from the Compass. In this article, we bring you the key differences and similarities between the Compass and the Meridian.
Meridian Vs Compass Engine Options
| Specs | Meridian | Compass |
| Engine | 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Diesel & 1.4L Petrol |
| Power | 173bhp | 173bhp/163bhp |
| Torque | 350Nm | 350bhp/250Nm |
| Gearbox | 6MT & 9AT | 6MT, 9AT & 6MT, 7DCT |
| Drive Layout | 4×2 & 4×4 | 4×2, 4×4 & 4×2 |
The Meridian is powered by the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that powers the Compass. While powering the 5-seater model, this engine produces 170bhp and 350Nm of torque. It is expected that the Meridian’s 2.0L unit will offer similar power and torque; however, the powertrain will be calibrated to suit the needs of bigger & larger model.
Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed torque convertor automatic. While the manual version will get 4×2 drivetrain system, the automatic SUV will come with both 4×2 and 4×4 setup. The SUV offers 4 driving modes – Sand, Snow, Auto & Mud. In the Compass, the automatic version is only offered in four-wheel-drive layout.
Moreover, the Compass is offered with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is good for 163bhp and 250Nm of torque. The Meridian will only come with diesel engine. In the future, the new model will receive a petrol engine. It is likely to powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Commander in Brazil. This engine churns out 187bhp of power and 270Nm of torque.
Meridian Vs Compass – Size Difference
| Dimensions | Meridian | Compass | Difference |
| Length | 4,769mm | 4,405mm | 364mm |
| Width | 1,859mm | 1,818mm | 41mm |
| Height | 1,682mm | 1,640mm | 42mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,749mm | 2,636mm | 158mm |
| Boot Space | 233L – 1760L | 438L |
– Dimensionally, the new Meridian is similar to the Commander. It measures 4,769mm in length, 1,859mm in width and 1,682mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,794mm.
– In terms of proportions, the new Jeep Compass is 4,405mm long, 1,818mm wide, 1,640mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,636mm.
– The wheelbase has been increased by 158mm to accommodate a longer body. Compared to the Compass, the new Jeep Meridian is around 364mm longer, 41mm wider and 42mm taller.
– The Meridian has a boot space of 233-litres, which can be extended up to 1,760-litres by folding the second & third-row seats. On the flip side, the Compass has a luggage carrying capacity of 438-litres.
Meridian Vs Compass Design Changes
The Jeep Meridian comes with all-new design and all the body panels are completely new. The SUV shares styling cues from the bigger Jeeps including the Grand Cherokee and the Wagoneer. It features the signature seven-slat grille, which sits more upright compared to the one offered in the Compass. It gets a new slimmer Bi-LED projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, and a new front bumper that has LED fog lamps.
The SUV has bigger rear overhang and larger rear doors for easy ingress and egress to the third row. The SUV rides on a differently designed 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. The rear profile is completely different and has close resemblance to the Grand Wagoneer and the Cherokee. It features horizontally positioned LED tail-lights, rear wiper & washer, an integrated spoiler, a boot-lid mounted number plate, and new rear bumper with reflectors.
Meridian Vs Compass Interior Changes
The Meridian shares the cabin layout and features with the Compass; however, Jeep has made some changes to keep things fresh in the market. The SUV comes with new black and brown colour scheme, while the Compass has black interior scheme. It comes with brown leather-wrapped seats with new pattern.
It offers more premium feel compared to the 5-seater sibling. The company has used several soft-touch materials. It comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with U-Connect 5 that offers multiple connected car tech features. It gets a 10.2-inch digital instrument console & 9-speaker HD surround sound system. The SUV has front row ventilated, power adjustable seats.
The new Jeep Meridian will be offered in 6-and 7-seat layouts. While the former gets captain seats in the second-row, the 7-seater model has bench-type seats. The second-row seat is also different from the Compass. The SUV gets dual-zone climate control, six airbags, hill start & descent control, panoramic sunroof, etc. The SUV also gets a powered tailgate, which is missing in the 5-seater variant.
