This week, Jeep previewed a new seven-seater SUV for the Indian market. The Meridian SUV, which will be introduced soon, is based on the same Compass bones but has a wider rear overhang and a lengthened wheelbase.
The vehicle is the Indian counterpart to the South American Jeep Commander, which was launched six months ago. It was built on a widened version of the Compass platform. Although the new Jeep Meridian is still completely camouflaged, we have a feeling it won't seem all that different from its Brazilian predecessor.
The Commander/Meridian is 158 mm longer than the Compass, measuring 4,769 mm with an expanded wheelbase of 2,794 mm.
This provides for a three-row cabin with 233 liters of cargo capacity in a seven-seat configuration and 661 liters in a five-seat configuration.
The inside is the same as the Compass, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The list of extras is rumored to include a panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charger, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
On the safety front, the Meridian will have seven airbags and lots of ADAS, exactly like its South American counterpart.
According to Indian rumors, the Jeep Meridian will be fitted with a turbodiesel 2.0-liter engine that has been enhanced to produce 200 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic gearbox sends power to all four wheels.
In the following weeks or months, the Jeep Meridian is likely to be completely revealed.