Let us learn about all the key differences between the upcoming 7-Seater SUV from Jeep, the Meridian and its younger sibling, the 5-Seater Jeep Compass. Here are the comparisons between Jeep Meridian vs Jeep Compass.
The Jeep Meridian essentially is a 7-Seater SUV based on the 5-Seater Compass, but both are distinct in quite a few aspects. Check out the key differences of Jeep Meridian vs Jeep Compass
Let’s address the elephant in the room first, the dimensions.
The Meridian is 364 mm longer, 41 mm wider and 42 mm taller than the Compass. In terms of wheelbase, the Meridian is 158 mm longer. Both the SUVs come with an 18-inch alloy wheel setup. The only area where the Compass shines brighter is the boot space, with all seats down the Meridian can only offer 233 litres of usable space, as compared to the Compass’s 438 litres. However, with seats folded up, the Meridian proves its SUV credentials with a boot space of 1760 litres.
Comparing the two siblings on their exterior looks, one will definitely notice the overall enlargement of all the body panels, giving it a strong resemblance to the Grand Cherokee, especially from the front. The headlamps on the Meridian are slimmer and wider than the Compass, which gives it a much more crisp look. The headlamps are also garnished with a chrome element that’s accentuating from edge to edge of the bumper. Whereas the headlamps on the Compass are not too subtle with their huge presence. The grille on the front has also undergone subtle changes, both the SUVs share the seven-slot grille, but the one on Meridian is more upright and less flashy than the Compass. Obviously, with increased dimensions, the air dams are also larger to exhibit an intimidating presence on the road.
Speaking of intimidation, the side profile of the Meridian is the angle that makes you realise the actual difference between the two SUVs. Both the SUVs carry a similar design language and body lines, yet the Meridian feels a lot different and intimidating, owing to its increased height and wheelbase. The alloy wheels on the Meridian are of the same size but the design is flashy and much louder than the Compass. The chrome elements on the wheels add the bling to the SUV, as compared to the subtle and neat design of the wheels on the Compass. The side profile also highlights the flat design of the split tail lamps, when compared to the curvy LEDs of the Compass.
Stepping inside both the SUVs gives a sense of familiarity since there’s not much to differentiate. The dash layout of the Meridian is completely identical to the Compass, the only thing that’s new here is the colour theme of the layout. The Meridian gets a premium dark tan leather upholstery which definitely offers the assurance of the premium quality of fit and finish. The seats are now covered with perforated and quilted tan leather offering more comfort and visual satisfaction to the users. A noticeable difference here would be the curved and heightened panel near the gear lever when compared to the flat centre console of the Compass.
Both the SUVs get a bench seating layout in the middle row, however, Jeep India does plan on launching a 6-Seater captain seat layout sometime in the future.
The Meridian borrows all the features from the Compass with a few more additions. For instance, it gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, one-touch folding middle row seats, connected car tech features, and an electronic parking brake, dual-zone climate control. Additionally, the Meridian also comes with a powered tailgate, which is not yet offered in the Compass.
Both the SUVs come with a commendable safety equipment list like 6-Airbags, Hill Start & Hill Descent Control, All-Season tyres, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Auto Hold & 360-degree parking camera.
Another distinction between the two SUVs would be their powertrain. The Compass is currently being offered with diesel and petrol engines, whereas, the Meridian is currently only being launched with the 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine. Jeep India has not yet released the power figures of the Meridian, but we expect it to be higher than the current power output on the Compass, owing to the increase in weight and dimensions of the SUV. The Meridian also misses out on the DCT gearbox, as it will only be offered with a 6-Speed Manual and a 9-Speed Torque Converter Automatic. The Compass however with its petrol engine, gets an option of a DCT gearbox. Jeep India might also launch a petrol powertrain in the future, but currently, we will only see the diesel engine on offer.
The last distinction between the two SUVs would be the pricing. The Compass is priced between Rs 17.79-29.34 Lakhs, whereas considering the rivals of the Meridian, the Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster & the Toyota Fortuner, we expect it to be priced between Rs 32-40 Lakhs (ex-showroom).
