The Meridian continues to be powered by the familiar 2.0-litre Multijet II turbo-diesel engine, which puts out 170 PS and 350 Nm. You get a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Higher variants also get the 4x4 drivetrain with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system.

On the road, the Meridian feels confident and composed. The diesel engine has a solid mid-range, and the automatic shifts smoothly, though it can hesitate on kickdown. The manual variant is more engaging but best suited to highway use. Fuel efficiency is rated at 16.25 kmpl (ARAI), and in real-world conditions, you can expect 10-13 kmpl in the city and up to 17 kmpl on highways. It cruises effortlessly and feels planted at triple-digit speeds.

Ride and Handling

The suspension setup is among the best in this segment. It uses Frequency Selective Damping (FSD), which adjusts the shock absorption dynamically. Ride comfort is very good, even over broken surfaces and uneven patches. It’s only the larger potholes that thump through occasionally.

Despite its size, the Meridian handles corners well. There’s a bit of body roll, but it feels composed overall. Steering is nicely weighted, especially at highway speeds, and it’s not too heavy at low speeds. The all-wheel disc brakes provide strong stopping power, and the 4x4 system with drive modes adds to its confidence off the tarmac.

Inside, the Meridian feels plush and well thought-out. The dashboard gets a multi-layered design with soft-touch materials, especially on the upper surfaces. There’s good attention to detail, with contrasting stitching and textured trim in higher variants. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with power adjust and ventilation in top trims. Leather or vegan leather upholstery is offered depending on the variant.

For 2025, the new 5-seater base variant improves practicality by offering more boot space. In the 7-seater version, the first two rows are roomy, but the third row is better suited for kids or short adults. With all seats up, you get 170 litres of boot space. Folding the third row gives you 481 litres, and in the 5-seater version, you get a generous 670 litres. The cabin feels airy thanks to the panoramic sunroof, and storage is well catered to, with enough cubbies, a decently sized glovebox, and usable door pockets.

Infotainment

Tech lovers will appreciate the 10.1-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system. It’s sharp, responsive, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster that can display navigation, driver info, and more.

Top variants come with a 9-speaker Alpine sound system that delivers clear and rich audio. Jeep’s Uconnect connected car tech adds remote operations, live vehicle status, Alexa voice compatibility, and over 30 smart features. OTA software updates are supported, and you get multiple USB Type A and C ports in all rows. The system generally works well, though occasional lag or update requirements may be observed.

The design hasn’t changed drastically, but the 2025 update gives the Meridian a more premium flair. The signature seven-slot Jeep grille now features chrome studs, and there’s a revised lower bumper with a new chrome strip. Sleek LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and a strong SUV silhouette lend it an assertive look. The rear also sees new LED tail-lamps with satin chrome accents, and the connected chrome strip adds width visually.

You get newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels across the variants. The Meridian measures 4769 mm long, 1859 mm wide, and 1682 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2794 mm. Ground clearance is rated at 203 mm – enough for rough patches and the occasional trail. Overall, the Meridian continues to look like a stretched Compass with a more mature, upscale design.

Safety is well covered. All variants come with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Start Assist, Traction Control, and TPMS. The 2025 Overland variant introduces Level 2 ADAS, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning with auto braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a 360-degree camera.

The underlying platform is shared with the Compass, which has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. While there’s no Bharat NCAP score yet for the Meridian, build quality feels solid and reassuring. All-wheel disc brakes add to the confidence while braking.

The Meridian finds itself in a unique space. It sits between full-size ladder-frame SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster, and premium monocoque SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Tucson.

The Fortuner is known for its ruggedness and strong resale, but feels outdated in features and comfort. The Kodiaq feels more luxurious and refined but is petrol-only and more expensive. The MG Gloster is spacious and feature-rich but lacks the brand strength of Jeep. The Tucson competes well on features but lacks a third row and off-road credentials.

The Meridian offers a great mix of comfort, features, and occasional off-road ability. With prices undercutting some rivals and the new 5-seater base variant making it more accessible, it’s now appealing to a wider range of buyers.

The 2025 Jeep Meridian improves on what was already a solid SUV. The addition of ADAS on the Overland variant brings it in line with modern expectations, while the new 5-seater version opens it up to buyers who may not need three rows. The powerful diesel engine, solid dynamics, and premium cabin make it one of the most well-rounded offerings in the segment.

It’s not the most affordable, and the lack of a petrol engine limits its appeal in some areas. But for those who want a capable, stylish, and comfortable SUV with a badge that carries weight, the Meridian remains an excellent choice.