Jeep Meridian

The Meridian has only one engine choice, the same 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel that drives the Jaguar.

However, unlike the Compass, the Meridian lacks a petrol engine and is unlikely to obtain one very soon. What you do get are numerous transmission options - the 4x2 gets both a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic, whilst the top-of-the-line Limited 4x4 only gets a 9-speed auto, which is the one we tested.

The power characteristics of the Meridian's tried-and-trusted 2.0-litre diesel have been significantly altered with a remapped ECU and new engine calibration.

In comparison to the Compass, which feels more responsive off the line, the power delivery is more measured. For a smoother ride, Jeep engineers say they chose a more linear power delivery in the Meridian. The fuel-injection timing is also less abrupt, resulting in somewhat lower noise levels.

The Meridian is slightly quieter than the Compass, but the distinctively gravelly, diesel drone is clearly apparent when revved hard. The Meridian's performance seems a little dulled when compared to the Compass, owing to the added 110kg of weight and softer engine tune.

In isolation, though, the Meridian is far from underpowered. The torquey 350Nm diesel engine provides a pleasant tug from low speeds all the way to the redline of 4,500rpm. However, while the Meridian feels robust and has ample horsepower, it doesn't seem very sporty, owing to the fairly sluggish 9-speed transmission.

This 9-speeder, like the Compass, is not in a rush to transfer gears and is slow to react during both downshifts and upshifts. As a result, the Meridian is not a very athletic or entertaining SUV, preferring to spend its days cruising. The Meridian is a fantastic highway vehicle, with a punchy diesel engine and tall gearing making long distance travels a breeze, and the superb dynamics play more than a supporting role.

Jeep has remodeled the entire car with a much larger wheelbase and new body panels, rather than merely bolting on a longer tail section to build a three-row variation out of the Compass.

The Meridian measures 4,769mm in length, which is 364mm longer than the Compass. A large portion of its length is due to the expanded wheelbase, which measures 2,782mm - 146mm longer than the Compass.

In reality, the Meridian has the largest wheelbase in its class, slightly longer than the Fortuner.

The Meridian's wonderfully balanced proportions are due to its long wheelbase, as well as its comparatively short front and rear overhangs (essential for a Jeep's off-road prowess). In fact, the Meridian is more Grand Cherokee-like than a stretched Compass, thanks to the extensive details everywhere.

The Meridian stands out as the Compass' larger sibling thanks to a generous amount of chrome running down the underside of the classic seven-slot grille and the top of the thin headlamps.

The two-tone roof with a blackened D-pillar and a chrome surround above the doors that perfectly accentuates the profile, as well as the slender rear tail-light clusters that are carefully merged with the chrome strip, also seem quite sophisticated.

The Meridian's 18-inch alloy wheels and massive 235/55 R18 tyres contribute to its road presence. The Compass was an attractive vehicle, and the Meridian is much more so. And appearance is half the fight in this part.

The dashboard is very identical to the Compass, which isn't necessarily a negative thing considering the Compass underwent a substantial interior overhaul in 2021.

The high quality of the materials, the robust door knobs, and the chrome finishes all give off an upscale vibe. However, other than the two-tone, brown and black color scheme (the Compass is all black) and the differently stitched seats, a little more difference would have been appreciated.

Also, some of the lower-level plastics in the interior and the seat base seem hard and polished, which contrasts with the brown seat trim.

The all-digital dashboard is also carried over from the Compass, so you get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with multiple displays, a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera that is as crisp and sharp as ever, and one of the better interfaces available.

Front ventilated seats, wireless charging, driving modes, USB Type C and USB Type A connections, and a panoramic sunroof are all standard equipment for SUV owners.

There's ample room for your belongings for extended travels, but the door pockets are too small to carry a 1.0-litre water bottle.

The difference is most noticeable as you get to the centre row. Though the legroom is identical to the Compass and the breadth is slightly wider, the seats are a considerable improvement because to the thinner door pockets (no place for big bottles here either).

For one thing, you sit significantly higher than in the Compass, which increases under-thigh support, which is further boosted by reprofiled seats with a bigger squab.

The elevated seating position and huge glass provide for better sight, which is always appreciated on long rides, as are the reclinable seat backs. However, unlike other 7-seaters, the middle row does not slide, which is unfortunate because it might have provided much-needed extra legroom. '

Keep in mind that the Meridian's rear seat isn't especially broad, which is a typical criticism about the Compass, and that travelling three up can be uncomfortable.

When compared to comparable 7-seaters, the space in the third row is extremely inadequate. Sure, the one-touch or one-pull lever that flips and tumbles forward both parts of the 60:40 rear seat base makes accessing the last row simple, but the low canopy compels you to twist quite a bit to get inside.

Staying cool is not an issue thanks to roof-mounted air-conditioning vents supplied by a separate blower and evaporator. The overall space constraint on the third row is an issue.

Because the seats are on the floor, your knees are pressed up against the back of the middle-row seat. You'll have trouble finding a spot for your feet. It is not a comfortable area for people to travel long distances and is best reserved for children or baggage.

The Meridian sells itself better as a 5-seater, with the rearmost seats folded down to provide 481 litres of baggage capacity. Even with the third-row seats in place, there's still enough room for a pair of soft bags.

The motorised tailgate, which puts the button within the cabin rather than on the tailgate itself, is a great addition because you don't have to reach up high to operate it.

The Compass is well-known for its ride and handling, but the Meridian takes it to a whole new level. The Meridian's stability on any surface is just fantastic, and the way it flattens any road is astounding.

You don't have to be concerned about cracked roads or cringe when you strike a pothole or are driven off a small lane by an incoming truck. The Meridian's hefty independent suspension, which includes Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) and Hydraulic Rebound Stoppers (HRS), just absorbs it.

The ride has an underlying hardness that isn't buttery soft, but unlike the Compass, which had a harsh edge, the Meridian's suspension setup is more compliant. Furthermore, the Meridian has less vertical movement than the shorter-wheelbase Compass, making occupants feel more at ease.

The Meridian also offers you a lot of confidence around turns. The body roll is low, the steering is precise with plenty of feel, and the large Jeep firmly keeps its course.

The brakes are also progressive, and it's the Meridian's dependability, the knowledge that it won't perform erratically or startle you when the road surface suddenly changes, that truly wins you over.

There simply isn't another SUV in this category, or perhaps a section above or below, that rides and handles as well as this one.

If the Meridian is a class act on the road, it is the star of the show off-road. The Meridian can off-roading without breaking a sweat, whether it would be crawling up steps, see-sawing over 'axle breakers,' scrabbling up and down steep slopes, wading through water troughs, or raising an articulated wheel like a dog marking its territory. It is not even necessary to choose '4x4 low'! There are three drive modes available (Sand/Mud, Snow, and Auto), but most owners will stay with the basic Auto option, which optimizes traction according on the surface you're driving on.

The Meridian is a Jeep first and an SUV second, which means it must feature all of the 4x4 hardware that the brand is known for. It's unlikely that owners will use it, but it's useful to know what the Meridian is capable of as insurance.

Jeep SUVs are known for strength and safety. For instance, internationally, the Jeep Compass gets a 5-star rating NCAP crash test rating. The Meridian too comes across as a very safe SUV. Some of the safety features that are offered are Electronic Parking Brake (EPB,) All-Speed Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, 360-Degree Camera and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

The Meridian is a competent SUV with an unrivalled combination of on- and off-road characteristics. This makes it an excellent automobile for long distance travel, regardless of how good or awful the road condition is.

Performance is adequate, but you hope that as size and weight increased, so would power and performance. There is also no petrol alternative, which would rule out a segment of purchasers who have moved away from diesel.

The well-built and well-equipped cabin provides the extra option of a third row, although the space available is insufficient for adults. The Meridian's selling feature is its Jeep DNA. It looks fantastic and has a lovely, rugged feel about it.

And it's perfectly capable of playing mountain goat. The Meridian's ability as a city slicker is likewise outstanding. It's easier to maneuver on tiny roads and isn't as heavy as the Fortuner.

The Meridian, which is available in two forms, Limited and Limited (O), has the makings of a winner and has no direct competition given its unique mix of abilities. It is significantly less expensive than the Fortuner, with prices ranging from Rs 29.90 lakh to Rs 36.95 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

And, as previously said, with the Endeavour no longer available and the Kodiaq no longer accessible, there is little option in this sector. The Meridian is a superb purchase at this price, thanks to its excellent ride and handling, sturdy construction, and off-road capabilities.