Nissan X-Trail vs Jeep Meridian – Which One’s Better?

The Nissan X-Trail has finally been revealed for the Indian market as we compare it with the Jeep Meridian 7-seat SUV.

I am comparing the newest entrant in the Indian market, the Nissan X-Trail, with the Jeep Meridian. Note that both these are 7-seat SUVs. On the one hand, we have the new X-Trail. It will be brought into our market as a CBU in limited numbers. However, that clearly indicates that the price tag will be heavy. While it is offered in multiple powertrains in the international markets, the Indian-spec model possesses a single petrol engine. On the other hand, Meridian is the 7-seat iteration of the Jeep Compass. It has not been able to achieve as high sales numbers as it would’ve hoped for due to the stiff competition from the Toyota Fortuner. For now, let us take a look at the details of this latest comparison.

Nissan X-Trail vs Jeep Meridian – Specs and Price

The new Nissan X-Trail will just have a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with variable compression ratio and 12 V mild hybrid setup. This combination will generate a healthy 163 hp and 300 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is a shift-by-wire CVT automatic gearbox. It sends power to the front wheels. One critical development with this transmission is that it is said to have negligible rubberband effect. While the official prices have not been announced yet, I expect it to retail for somewhere in the vicinity of Rs 40 lakh to Rs 45 lakh. The high price is due to the fact that it will be a CBU model.

On the other hand, the Jeep Meridian comes with a sole 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine which churns out a decent 170 hp and 350 Nm of peak power and torque. Complimenting this powertrain is either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine-gearbox combination thar we find in the Compass. In the higher trims, the buyers get to enjoy the capabilities of a 4×4 configuration. It ensures that the SUV can take the occupants to even the remote parts of the country. The 7-seat SUV from the American carmaker retails between Rs 29.49 lakh and Rs 39.66 lakh, ex-showroom. Therefore, both these SUVs offer a single engine option which doesn’t give an upper hand to either of these.

Nissan X-Trail vs Jeep Meridian – Features

The list of features on both these SUVs is quite extensive. The Nissan X-Trail is the newer of the two. It definitely offers a more modern cabin along with high-quality materials. Nevertheless, even the Jeep equips the Meridian with top-notch materials and a sober cabin layout. In today’s day and age, customers want their vehicles with all the bells and whistles, particularly towards this end of the market. The top highlights of the Nissan X-Trail include:

• 12.3-inch Digital Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• 8-inch Free-Floating Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Keyless Entry
• Push-Button Start
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Paddle Shifters
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• Drive Modes
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Auto-Hold Function
• Cruise Control
• 360-Degree Surround View Camera
• 40:20:40 Split For Second Row
• 50:50 Split For Third Row
• 7 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Traction Control
• Limited Slip Differential
• Hill-Start Assist
• Front Parking Sensors

On the other hand, the main functionalities of the Jeep Meridian are:

• 10.1-inch Free-Standing Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 9-Speaker Alpine-sourced Music System
• Fully Digital Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• 8-Way Electrically Adjustable Driver Seat with Memory Function
• Electrically Powered Tailgate
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Reclining Second and Third Row Seating
• Uconnect Connected Features
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• On-Board Navigation
• Stolen Vehicle Assist
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Voice Commands
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Dedicated 4×4 Functionalities
• Dual-Pane Electric Sunroof
• Frequency Selective Damping Suspension
• Electric Roll Mitigation
• 6 Airbags
• Front Co-Passenger Occupant Detection System
• Hill-Start Assist

Nissan X-Trail vs Jeep Meridian – Design and Dimensions

The new Nissan X-Trail embodies the latest design language from the Japanese carmaker. The front fascia bears a rather imposing appearance with a striking LED headlamp cluster split into two sections, LED DRLs integrated into it, a ‘V-motion’ grille with the use of dark chrome, a sporty bumper and a rugged skid plate. The tall bonnet displays a butch stance. Moving down the sides reveals an adventurous layout with solid side body skirtings, colossal wheel arches, faux roof rails, stylish diamond-cut alloy wheels, black side pillars, etc. At the rear, we get a wrap-around LED taillamp unit, a high-mounted stop lamp, an integrated roof spoiler and more. There will be three colour options – Diamond Black, Champagne Silver and Pearl White. It will definitely be a magnet when it comes to attracting people on the road.

On the other hand, the Jeep Meridian also carries a purposeful appearance. The front section contains a typically slim fascia with a grille which contains vertical slats, the LED headlamps are neatly integrated on the sides of the grille, the bumper section also possesses a blingy chrome slab essentially dividing the bottom end, the fog lamps are positioned on the extreme edges of the bumper. On the sides, there are profound squarish wheel arches encapsulating the large alloy wheels with black cladding on the door panels. The Meridian even offers sturdy side steps to enhance the ingress and egress characteristics of the SUV. The black roof and side pillars give a floating-roof effect and the rear overhang confirms the length of the SUV. At the rear, the LED taillamps are connected via a thin chrome belt, there is plenty of use of chrome on the bumper and the roof-mounted spoiler looks elegant. All in all, the SUV certainly has the capabilities to make heads turn. Looking at the dimensions, the Jeep Meridian certainly has a slight edge.

Our View

Now both these SUVs are immensely capable in terms of performance. The Meridian has an edge as it offers the buyers an option of choosing between either a 4×2 configuration or a hardcore 4×4 version. The latter lends it great capabilities off-tarmac which is critical for occasional adventurous activities. I am not sure how many people would actually use it for that purpose. But if they wish to, the possibility exists. With the ex-showroom price of even the top model under Rs 40 lakh, it makes a valid claim of being the most value-for-money luxury off-roading SUV in the country. Note that the top variants of the Toyota Fortuner retail for well over Rs 51 lakh, ex-showroom.

On the other hand, we don’t know the exact price of the Nissan X-Trail. Even though we are not in the price-sensitive category, aggressive pricing could still be the deciding factor between these two. With the X-Trail, buyers will get to own something rather unique since it will be available in limited numbers. Hence, for all those who want a rare SUV in CBU form, the Nissan X-Trail might do the trick. I shall reserve my final verdict until the prices are announced.

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