Jeep Compass & Meridian SUVs compared on video

Jeep recently unveiled the Meridian, it can be considered a 7-seater version of the Compass but it gets a lot of upgrades. The new SUV will be going against rivals like MG Gloster and Toyota Fortuner. Whereas, the Compass goes against the MG Hector, Tata Harrier, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. Here, we have a comparison video by RajeNn SirRa in which the host compares the Compass and Meridian.

In the video, we can see both, the Compass and Meridian. The Meridian is finished in a Velvet Red paint scheme which looks very premium and gives a rich feel. The second Meridian is finished in Pearl White. Both the SUVs get a dual-tone paint finish. So, the outside rearview mirrors, pillars and roof is finished in black. Jeep will offer the Meridian in five colour options. There will be Velvet Green, Techno Green, Brilliant Black, Magnesio Grey and Pearl White.

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Then the host parks the Compass side by side with the Meridian and the differences are noticeable immediately. We can see that up-front, there is a 7-slat grille but the it has been slightly tweaked. There is a lot of chrome used which does add to the up-market look. The bonnet of the Meridian is significantly higher than the Compass. It also looks wider and more imposing because of the more aggressive bumper design. The headlamp design is also different from the Compass. So, yes the Meridian does look better than the Compass from the front.

On the sides, the Meridian is immediately longer and rides on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The ground clearance of the Meridian is 214 mm. When compared, the ground clearance of the Compass is 178 mm. The suspension travel of the Meridian is also more than the Compass because of which it has better ride quality. At the rear, the design is very boxy and there is a lot of chrome. Moreover, there is a set of sleek LED tail lamps.

Then the host climbs into the interior. The first difference is the colour scheme. The Compass has an all-black theme whereas the Meridian gets a black and brown theme which does look more premium. The dashboard layout is the same as the Compass. The only change is the material choices.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system on both the SUVs are same. The host says that the touchscreen is responsive. The speaker system is sourced from Alpine. The digital instrument cluster is also the same as the Compass.

The legroom of the Meridian is more than the Compass because of the longer wheelbase. The quality of the rear AC vents is lower than what Jeep offers on the Compass. The seats can also recline but there is option of sliding.

The Meridian will be offered only in two variants. There will be Limited and Limited(O). The engine on both the SUVs is the same. However, Jeep has retuned the engine of the Meridian because it is heavier. It is a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 170 Ps of max power and 350 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 9-speed automatic. You would be able to get the Meridian as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

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