Jeep® Refreshes Meridian SUV to Boost Sales in India

Jeep® has refreshed its three-row Meridian SUV to revitalize its performance in the competitive Indian market. The Meridian, a right-hand-drive (RHD) version of the Jeep Commander, has struggled to gain traction in India, even as its counterpart, the Commander, enjoys substantial success in Brazil. The recent updates to the Meridian include exterior design tweaks, interior enhancements, and new trim options, all in hopes of attracting more customers.

A Tale of Two Markets: Brazil vs. India – 

In Brazil, the Jeep Commander has become a popular choice, contributing significantly to Jeep’s success in the region, which is a crucial market for Stellantis brands like Fiat and Jeep. In contrast, the Meridian in India has faced challenges, prompting Jeep to introduce minor updates to better compete in a market known for its diversity and rapidly growing automotive sector.

Exterior Updates: Subtle Yet Effective – 

The most notable changes to the Jeep Meridian are on the exterior, where Jeep has refined the front fascia. The grille now features new chrome details and glossy black finishes around the headlights and grille, giving the SUV a more premium appearance. On the sides, new 18-inch alloy wheels with a fresh five-spoke design provide a modern touch. However, the rear of the Meridian remains unchanged, retaining its original design. These subtle exterior updates give the Meridian a slightly refreshed look aimed at appealing to Indian buyers without straying too far from its established design.

Interior Enhancements: Focus on Comfort and Technology – 

Inside the updated Meridian, Jeep has introduced a more luxurious feel with a suede finish and visible stitching. This material is now used on the seats, door panels, and the center armrest, enhancing the cabin’s premium feel. Jeep has also upgraded the technology inside the Meridian, adding a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 multimedia display and a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a more intuitive user experience.

The addition of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) has also improved safety and convenience. The top-of-the-line Overland variant now features adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, front collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. These features are only available in the Overland trim, emphasizing Jeep’s focus on providing more value in its higher-end models.

Expanded Line-Up: New 5-Seater Option and Trim Levels –

To make the Meridian more accessible in India, Jeep has introduced a new 5-seater base variant, a significant addition to the lineup that aims to attract more budget-conscious buyers. This move has lowered the starting price of the Meridian by over ₹6 lakh (approximately $7,200 USD), making it a more competitive option in the Indian SUV market.

The updated Meridian is now available in four trims:

• Longitude (₹24.99 lakh-28.49 lakh / ~$30,000-$34,200 USD): The base model, now available in a 5-seater configuration, features LED projector headlamps, an 18-inch alloy wheel design, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, and six airbags. Power comes from a 2.0-litre diesel engine, producing 170 horsepower and 350Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic gearbox. It is only available with a front-wheel-drive (4×2) setup.
• Longitude Plus (₹27.50 lakh-30.49 lakh / ~$33,000-$37,000 USD): Adds blacked-out wing mirrors, a contrasting black roof, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charger. It retains the same engine options as the Longitude, offering both manual and automatic transmissions with a 4×2 drivetrain.
• Limited (O) (₹30.49 lakh-34.49 lakh / ~$37,000-$42,000 USD): Offers more luxury with an 8-way powered driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a 10.2-inch digital driver’s display, a 9-speaker Alpine sound system, a powered tailgate, and a 360-degree camera. This variant also features connected car technology for added convenience.
• Overland (₹36.49 lakh-38.49 lakh / ~$44,400-$46,800 USD): The top-tier variant, exclusive to the 7-seater configuration, adds chrome inserts on the grille, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and premium suede finish on the dashboard, door trims, and seats. It is also the only model in the lineup to include Jeep’s 4×4 system and the advanced ADAS suite, though it only comes with the 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Aiming for Better Market Presence in India – 

The updates to the Jeep Meridian are designed to help the SUV better compete in a segment dominated by rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Citroën C5 Aircross. Introducing a more affordable 5-seater variant and including new features in the top-end trims could attract a wider range of buyers. However, the Meridian’s price range still overlaps with the smaller, more popular Jeep Compass, potentially presenting a challenge.

What Lies Ahead? – 

While the updates to the Jeep Meridian are relatively modest, they could help reinvigorate interest in the SUV within the Indian market. Additionally, these changes might inspire a future refresh for the Jeep Commander in Brazil, which has maintained the same design since its initial launch. A more comprehensive overhaul for the Commander could be expected by 2026, bringing it in line with evolving market expectations.

2025 Jeep® Merdian Image Gallery:

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