Jeep

SPOTTED: 2022 Jeep® Meridian Three-Row Has Been Caught Testing In Europe:

Indian Version Of New Commander Will Debut In April...

Robert S. Miller August 21, 2021

2022 Jeep® Meridian H6 Prototype testing in Europe. (GabetzSPYUnit).

Just a few days ago, Jeep® Brazil gave us our first peek at its all-new three-row Commander (H1) D-segment SUV. While the new seven-passenger SUV is based on the Compass, it is aimed at giving the brand a true family hauler where vehicles like the three-row Grand Cherokee L might simply be out of reach for many buyers. While it is unlikely that the North American market will be able to obtain one of these new SUVs, Jeep has big plans for the new Commander on a global scale.

Codenamed H6, the new Jeep three-row will use the name “Meridian” once it comes off the assembly line at the Ranjangaon Assembly Plant. The new name was discovered by our good friends at AutoCar India when Jeep filed for the trademark of the Meridian name. So why the different name?

Brazil-Spec 2022 Jeep® Commander Overland 4×4. (Jeep).

In the Indian market, India-based giant Mahindra held licensing contracts with the Jeep brand for decades to manufacture vehicles for the brand. In fact, Mahindra manufactured a four-door Jeep CJ-based model wearing the Commander’s name. Until recently, Mahindra continued to hold the trademark for the Commander name. This left Jeep the opportunity to snatch the name up. However, Jeep declined, more than likely to avoid any possible association and more potential legal battles with the Indian company.

While we have seen prototypes on the crowded roads of India testing over the past several months, we are now seeing that Stellantis engineers in Europe are now testing the newest Jeep SUV. Parked behind a large concrete and metal fence, the heavily camouflaged Meridian this Meridian prototype was caught by our other good friends at GabetzSPYUnit showing the Meridian’s signature right-hand-drive (RHD) configuration and wearing the same wheels as the Brazilian Overland model.

For India, AutoCar India has discovered that the Meridian will be powered by a 2.0-liter Multijet diesel. But what is unique about this diesel, is that it will incorporate a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It is expected that the engine will produce around 200 horsepower and will be mated to a ZF-source 9-speed automatic transmission.

While the Brazilian-built model is aimed at the higher market with its Limited and Overland trim levels being the only ones available, we still aren’t quite sure if there will be more choices for the new Meridian. We do know that a second-row bench to offer a seven-passenger seating configuration is standard, but customers will be able to opt for second-row captain’s chairs offering seating for six passengers on the Indian offering.

2022 Jeep® Commander D-SUV Interior Teaser. (Jeep).

According to sources close to MoparInsiders.com, the Meridian (H6) will start production in April 2022, while production of the Brazil-built Commander (H1) begins at the end of this month in Brazil.

2022 Jeep® Meridian (H6) Prototype testing in Europe Image Gallery:

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bill burke Aug 21, 2021 #1

While this beauty is an exciting Jeep for the global market, this three row is undeniably a potential salvation entry level crossover SUV for Chrysler. Come on guys, with a cleverly restyled spin-off effort, Chrysler goes from dying ember to a spark of life brand With Lincoln. Cadillac and even Buick bristling with SUV offerings, Chrysler languishes with none. This is beyond neglect, it is lunacy, corporate malfeasance With computer imagery and some engineering know how we could have this spin off in showrooms in months. North American adjustment mules could have running prototypes in this body on the road in short time, but amazingly Chrysler languishes along. This frustrates, baffles and angers me. What gives? We need a spark and even to the most casual observer, this new Jeep has match to kindling qualities, clearly. I’m a guy who wants answers and Chrysler loyalists deserve a response and a spark of hope explanation here.

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srtdodge05 Aug 21, 2021 #2

Jeep needs to bring that to the U.S to compete with Subaru. Also need a need a Vehicle between the Grand Cherokee L and the Wagoneer. The L is still a little to small and the Wagoneer cost is to high.

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TripleT Aug 21, 2021 #3

What gives is that it wouldn't pay for the implementation as a Chrysler. All these things you say are simple are not, they are expensive, not to mention the certification needed. And are you talking about importing it from Brazil? Nope. India... Well maybe but not really a big deal but uncommon. So you want to do a entire plant implementation. Kia style shipped in a box? Or we going tool completely up? Hint the tooling on the big parts is 28 weeks to T1.

the math is easy.... the explore a market segment, they consider which Brand will garner the most margin, If it a SUV or CUV you can bet that Jeep, if they want to go broad market in EU and Brazil maybe Fiat.

Chrysler loyalists deserve nothing, the company is not run as charity. You want Chrysler to survive, buy a 300... option up and at the same transaction price as a Charger, Buy a Top of the Line Pacifica.... show the management that the brand is viable, because it is holding on by a string. As soon a the Passport is announced pre-order it, go on social network encouraging others. If one want Chrysler to survive BUY ONE.

Complaining every time a model is announced anywhere in the work on every thread ...... will do NOTHING.

This is just the Commander that has already be discussed that has 2 problems in NA. One it is too soft for Jeep loyalist because of it breakover. Two the rear passenger space in 2nd and 3rd rows are unsatisfactory for us fatties.

The only Commander that was intended for NA was the one in China ..... Apparently that couldn't pay itself back because in been shelved for like 4 years.

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TripleT Aug 21, 2021 #4

Interesting the Mahindra is a torn in Jeeps side AGAIN.

Tony K Aug 22, 2021 #5

Holding on by a string because, like much of old FCA, it's been STARVED. That's not a "Chrysler loyalist" problem. That's a decades-running corporate destruction of customer good will.

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