The Jeep Meridian specifications start with the same 2.0 litre diesel used across the range, rated at 168 bhp, or 170 PS, at 3750 rpm. Torque is 350 Nm from 1750 rpm, which suits a heavy seven seater. That pulling power is what lets it carry a full cabin without strain.
The drivetrain splits three ways. A 6 speed manual and a 9 speed automatic both send drive to the front wheels, while a 4x4 automatic adds all-wheel traction. The extra ratios of the automatic keep the engine relaxed on the highway, where this SUV spends much of its life.
The body is 4769 mm long and 1859 mm wide, on a 2782 mm wheelbase that frees up third-row room. Seven seats and a 481 litre boot define the packaging, with 214 mm of ground clearance and a 60 litre tank. Folding the last row opens a far bigger load space.
On economy, the manual is rated at 16.2 kmpl and both automatics, front wheel drive and 4x4, read 16.0 kmpl. Those are steady numbers for a large diesel SUV. City crawl and a full load will lower them in daily use. You can tie each Meridian variant to its gearbox to compare.
Feature and safety kit build with price. Six airbags, electronic stability control, hill descent control and a reverse camera feature across the upper trims. The dearer versions add a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and a large touchscreen. You can also look over the Meridian colour palette before booking.