The popular Toyota Fortuner is currently ruling the premium 7-seater premium SUV. The SUV currently rivals the Skoda Kodiaq and the MG Gloster. American SUV maker, Jeep is all set to enter this 7-seater premium SUV segment with the new Jeep Meridian. The 3-row SUV will be launched by May 2022, while dealers have started accepting bookings.
For people not in the know, the Jeep Meridian is basically the Commander SUV that is already on sale in Brazil. In this article, we compare the engine specifications, features and dimensions of the Jeep Meridian and the Toyota Fortuner.
Meridian Vs Fortuner Dimensions
| Dimensions | Meridian | Fortuner |
| Length | 4,769mm | 4,795mm |
| Width | 1,859mm | 1,855mm |
| Height | 1,652mm | 1,835mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,794mm | 2,745mm |
The Jeep Meridian is built on the FCA’s Small-Wide 4×4 platform that underpins the Compass and the Renegade. The SUV is essentially the 3-row version of the Compass. While the front looks similar to the Compass, the side profile features an extended body and rear overhang. The rear profile seems inspired by the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Wagoneer. The Toyota Fortuner is based on the ladder-on-frame chassis, which also underpins the Innova Crysta.
– In terms of proportions, the new Jeep Meridian is 4,769mm long, 1,859mm wide and 1,682mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,794mm. On the flip side, the new Fortuner is 4,795mm in length, 1,855mm in width and 1,835mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,745mm.
– The new Toyota Fortuner is 26mm longer and 153mm taller than the Meridian. The later rides on 49mm longer wheelbase, which should help Jeep to create more space inside the cabin.
Jeep Meridian Vs Toyota Fortuner Features
The Jeep Meridian will be equipped with all the features that are accessible in its direct rivals. Moreover, the SUV will also get some additional features that gives it a competitive advantage. In terms of styling, the new Meridian comes with Jeep’s signature 7-slat grille, Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, panoramic sunroof, LED tail-loghts and new 18-inch diamond cut alloys.
In terms of features, the new model gets 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, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a 9-speaker high-definition surround sound system, automatic AC with vents for 2nd & 3rd row, front row ventilated, and power adjustable seats.
For safety and security, the new Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV gets a 360 degree camera, wireless charging, ABS with EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), electronic parking brakes, traction control, 6 airbags, seat belt reminder, rear parking sensors with rear camera, hill start assist, etc.
The Toyota Fortuner is the least equipped SUV in its category. In fact, it is the only SUV to miss out on a panoramic sunroof. It comes with an 8-way power-operated driver seat, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity options, 18-inch machined cut alloy wheels, Quad LED headlamps with waterfall LED Line guide signature, ambient lighting, sunction-based seat ventilation system, kick sensor for power back door, automatic AC and others.
The SUV gets 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control with brake assist, hill assist control, speed auto lock with emergency unlock, 3-point ELR seat belts across rows, etc.
Jeep Meridian Vs Toyota Fortuner Specs
| Specs | Meridian | Fortuner |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo diesel | 2.7L Petrol/ 2.8L Diesel |
| Power | 170bhp | 164bhp/201bhp |
| Torque | 350Nm | 245Nm/500Nm |
| Gearbox | 6MT & 9AT | 6MT & 6AT |
| Drive Layout | FWD & AWD | RWD & AWD |
The Jeep Meridian is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that also powers the Compass. The company hasn’t reveal the power and torque figures. While powering the Compass, this engine produces 170bhp and 350Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed torque convertor automatic.
The 6-speed MT comes with a front-wheel-drive layout. The 9-speed torque convertor automatic gets FWD as an option along with the all-wheel drive system. It is claimed to offer a top speed of 198kmph and 0-100kmph acceleration in 10.8 seconds. The SUV offers 4 driving modes – Sand, Snow, Auto & Mud.
The new Toyota Fortuner is offered with two engine options – a 2.7-litre NA petrol and a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel. While the former is good for 164bhp and 245Nm of torque, the later produces 201bhp and 500Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. It is available with the option of a 4WD layout with the diesel power plant.
