American SUV maker, Jeep will launch two brand new SUVs in the Indian market 2022. The company is also working on a new sub-4 meter SUV, which will be launched by 2023-24. Jeep will enter into the 7-seater premium SUV category that is dominated by Toyota Fortuner.
Jeep Meridian 7-Seater SUV
The company will introduce a new three-row SUV based on the Commander SUV, which has recently been debuted in Brazil. The new SUV is reportedly to be introduced in mid-2022, most probably around July-August. To be called the Meridian, the new SUV production will begin at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility by April 2022. The production plant will also serve as the base for exporting the Jeep Meridian SUV to other RHD (Right-Hand-Drive) markets across the globe.
It is based on the modified Small-Wide 4×4 platform that also underpins the Compass and the Renegade. The SUV shares styling cues from the Compass and bigger Jeeps including the Wagoneer and the Grand Cherokee. In terms of proportions, the Jeep Meridian 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.
It will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that also powers the Compass. This engine could receive a 48V mild hybrid system. In the current form, this engine produces 173bhp and 200Nm of torque. A 9-speed automatic gearbox will come as a standard. The top-trim will also receive an AWD system.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5-Seater
Jeep will also launch the new Grand Cherokee 5-seater model, which will be positioned between the Meridian and the 3-row Grand Cherokee L. The new model is likely to be assembled in India via imported CKD kits. It is 294mm shorter than the Chrokee L. It shares the body panels and design with the 3-row SUV. The company has made some changes to keep things fresh in the market. The SUV’s rear has more rakish design, while the Cherokee L has a flattish design. It gets active grille-shutters, air curtains and re-styled rear pillars, which should improve the aerodynamic efficiency.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be offered with multiple engine and gearbox options. It will get a 290bhp, 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine and a 357bhp, 5.7-litre Hermi V8 engine. Both engines will be paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV will also get Jeep’s 4xe technology. The global model will also receive a hybrid model, which features a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine coupled with twin electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. This powertrain offers a combined power output of 375bhp and 637Nm of torque.
