The 7-seat Jeep Compass is likely to be named Meridian, according to the latest trademark filed by FCA. Jeep had announced before the launch of the Compass that it will launch 4 new SUVs in India by the end of 2022. Having already launched the updated Compass and the locally assembled Wrangler, the next product on the cards could we be the 7-seat iteration of the Compass SUV. There were also some rumours about a compact SUV making it to our shores. The other SUV might be the Grand Cherokee which is one of the most prominent SUVs from the American carmaker. FCA has filed this trademark and we expect it to be the name of the upcoming 7-seat version of the Jeep Compass, internally known as the H6. Let us see what this upcoming Toyota Fortuner-rivalling SUV might come equipped with.
Also read: 2021 Jeep Compass Sport Owner Review – Video!
7-seat Jeep Compass – Meridian
There have been a few spy shots of this SUV testing on our roads earlier which tells us quite a bit about the appearance that the SUV might carry. The front will most likely feature the trademark seven slat upright grille with chrome inserts, the bumpers will feature new design and sporty, there will be LED Headlamps and DRLs like with most modern cars. The sides will feature large wheel arches, a long side body to accommodate the third-row seating, roof rails, accentuated window belt and sturdy side body panels. The rear will house the LED taillamp unit, roof spoiler and a redesigned bumper. Overall, there might be a few similarities to the current-gen Compass, at least on the outside.
Also read: Spy Images of the upcoming 7-seat Jeep Compass!
Expected Interior Features
Jeep has adopted a modern approach for designing the interiors of the Compass and we expect that to be the case with the Meridian as well. Continuing that trend, the interiors of the Meridian will also be model and might be in line with the latest Jeep Compass with all the latest Connected Car Tech from Jeep, Digital Touchscreen Infotainment Systems, Digital Instrument Cluster, Sport Steering Wheel with Audio and other Controls, high quality fit and finish on the dashboard and door panels, Panoramic Electric Sunroof and plenty of other comfort features. There will be a plethora of safety equipment on offer as well.
Also read: Locally Assembled Jeep Wrangler launched in India – Almost Rs 5 lakh cheaper than the CBU Version!
Expected Specs and Prices
The Jeep Meridian might feature the same 2.0-litre diesel engine that comes with the Compass, albeit in the higher state of tune to ensure powerful performance even with the 7-seat arrangement. It will make max power in the range of 200 hp. There might also be the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine making 163 hp of peak power and 250 Nm of peak torque. There might be the option of either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. Some variants will come with the 4×4 drive system, as is the trademark of almost all the Jeep products.
Also read: Why carmakers like Jeep, Citroen, VW, Skoda focus on localization?
The expected prices of the 7-seat Jeep Compass (Meridian) will be higher than Rs 30 lakh and might even stretch to Rs 38 lakh, ex-showroom mark. The competitors of the 7-seat Jeep Compass will include the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Isuzu mu-X, MG Gloster and Mahindra Alturas G4.
Also read: Isuzu mu-X vs Toyota Fortuner – Engines, Specs, Features Comparison!
