We got introduced to the Jeep Meridian recently and to sum it all up I have to say that it was a surprising package. It had all the ingredients: plush interiors, tons of space, a beautiful and functional infotainment system, super smooth engine, and then they went and tossed in the quintessential Jeep DNA as well and gave it a robust 4×4 which turned on the ‘Fun’!
To begin with you are greeted with what is probably one of the best recognized grill designs in the world! The 7 slats are bold, highlighted with chrome and sit firmly in-between headlights carried over from the now familiar Jeep Compass. Additional chrome highlights around the vehicle accentuate the lines and add to the panache and presence of the Meridian. The side profile of the Meridian is squared off towards the rear to allow for head room of the third row passengers. As you move to the rear you are greeted with slim tail lamps connected with a chrome highlight, and internally operated tailgate that opens and shuts at the touch of a button.
The Meridian boasts dimensions of 4,769mm in length, 1,859mm in width and 1,682mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,794mm. Shod with 18-inch dual-tone alloys, the exterior look is complete and proportional for a vehicle that is visibly larger than a Compass. Though the vehicle is longer than the Compass and does have a pronounced overhang at the back, it does nothing to take away from the capabilities and performance offered.
When you open the doors of the Jeep Meridian you get to appreciate the sheer size and space on offer. It offers three rows of seating with comfortable capacity for 5 adults and two teenagers or younger, and space to spare in the trunk for a couple of carry on suitcases as well. In case you need extra space to carry extra luggage, the rear seats fold flat offering 480 liters of usable space.
As you step into the cockpit you are greeted by a host of features including: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, six airbags, 3 zone air conditioning, hill-start and descent control, panoramic sunroof and selectable drive modes. The infotainment system provides good connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Added to this package is an incredibly useful 360 degree camera with park view, which is especially helpful during off road conditions.
The dash is a dual tone black and brown and the leather wrapped seats are plush and carry a rich-feel quilted pattern. The seats offer great lumbar as well as under thigh support, and seem comfortable for long highway cruises.
The Jeep Meridian only comes with a diesel mill currently with specs and power output similar to the Compass. It is currently offered in in two trim variants: the Limited and Limited (O), and with three powertrain options. The 2L turbocharged diesel engine delivers 170hp of peak power and 350Nm of peak torque. You do get the choice of the 6-speed manual or the 9-speed automatic transmissions for the 4X2 version, and an automatic only option for the top of the line 4×4 Meridian. At this point we are uncertain of whether it will be offered in the future with an updated Petrol engine.
With all the impressions, features and facts out of the way; it is in this domain that the Jeep Meridian comes into its own. It provides a wonderfully cushioned ride on tarmac. The automatic transmission provided a seamless drive and depending on road conditions and terrain the gear shifts were imperceptible and very intuitive. An adjustable driver seat and steering column ensured that regardless of height, the driver will find a position which provides great road visibility.
As soon as you take this vehicle off the tarmac though you see why the Meridian proudly belongs in the Jeep family. Taking it through a 6.8 km off road course curated for the Meridian in the outskirts of Chandigarh, you realize that the size, dimensions, ride height, and features like the 360 degree camera enable the Meridian to take on unforgiving inclines, hill descents, axel twisters, and even stairs without breaking a sweat, and allowing the driver to be in complete control.
While the track was predominantly handled in a 4×2 transmission, the steep inclines on loose sand and gravel allowed us to experience the capability of the 4×4. A tap of the accelerator was all it took to keep the vehicle crawling and up a slippery slope. Going down steep 32 degree inclines were made so much easier with the hill descent control – allowing the vehicle to crawl down, ensuring the driver had complete control at all times.
The really surprising aspect was the break-over angles this vehicle afforded. Even tipped over on three wheels on an off-road track, we never got into a situation where the rear overhang was an impediment. In fact throughout the off-road course we never bottomed out even once!
While the 4×4 option may not be used by a large part of the demographic that buys this vehicle, it is always great to know that the feature is there to turn on the adrenaline.
The Jeep Meridian is packaged beautifully and offers the comfort and space for a large family to get around a city or even go on a long drive across the country. Carrying the genes of the Jeep, you know that there is no such thing as a sticky situation when you have the 4×4 toggle available just an arm length away. It is a vehicle that impresses on a lot of accounts and is a worthy contender in the growing luxury SUV space.