Autoportal India

Jeep’s long-awaited three-row SUV has finally hit the market in the form of the Meridian. Prices start at Rs 29.90 lakh and there are four variants and four colour options. We have driven the Meridian and you can find a link to our first drive here as well as our video review listed below.

Front View
The Meridian has one of the most formidable opponents to take on in the form of the Toyota Fortuner. It’s the most established player in this part of the market and has been on sale in India since 2009. To make a dent in the Fortuner’s fortunes, the Meridian will definitely have to offer a lot in terms of features and presence. How does it stack up? Let’s find out.

Exterior

Right Front Three Quarter
In this comparison, we have two SUVs looking at the same design traits with two different approaches. Both cars are large and have a great presence. Where the Fortuner is all about big lines, bulky curves and lots of chrome, the Meridian is a little more subtle. Highlights of its design language include the signature Jeep grille, square overhangs, large wheels and a large chrome strip above the number plate slot.

Left Front Three Quarter
The Fortuner’s current design language was introduced in India in 2016 and largely remains unchanged. Highlights include the large chrome grille, flared wheel arches, massive overhangs and large tail lamps. Where the Fortuner has an advantage over the Meridian is overall stance. It sits higher at 1835mm as compared to 1698mm and thus looks like a much larger vehicle.

Left Rear Three Quarter
Interior and features

Dashboard
In terms of dimensions, the Meridian has a slight edge over the Fortuner thanks to a wheelbase of 2782mm as compared to the latter’s 2745mm, both being three-row vehicles.

Dashboard
The cabin of the Meridian looks and feels much like that of the Compass with a similar layout, fit and finish. Over the Compass, you get brown interiors, a slightly redesigned centre console and of course, the third row.