The Toyota Fortuner faces a new challenger this year – the Jeep Meridian facelift. Jeep recently teased the updated Meridian, hinting at its arrival in the second half of 2024.
Subtle Design Tweaks Expected
While the teaser image only shows the headlamp, rumors suggest subtle design changes throughout the SUV. Expect new looks for the front and rear bumpers, fresh alloy wheels, and possibly updated badges. The interior might get new seat upholstery and minor adjustments.
Powertrain Likely Carries Over
The current 2.0-liter diesel engine producing 167 bhp and 350 Nm of torque is expected to continue. It should retain the 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic transmission options. A petrol engine might join the lineup later, possibly the 1.3-liter turbo petrol from the Brazilian Commander (India’s Meridian).
New Features to Up the Game
The Meridian facelift is likely to borrow some features from the Compass Night Eagle Edition, including a front and rear dashcam and an air purifier. Existing features like the 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless connectivity, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, electric tailgate, digital instrument cluster, and triple-zone climate control are likely to stay.
Price Bump Expected with Launch
The Jeep Meridian currently starts at Rs 41.10 lakh and goes up to Rs 48.45 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). With the facelift’s added features, expect a price increase of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 depending on the variant.
The Jeep Meridian facelift aims to shake things up in the large SUV segment, offering a fresh design, potentially a new engine option, and additional features to compete with the dominant Toyota Fortuner. The coming months will reveal how this facelifted Jeep fares against its established rival.
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