Jeep has recently revealed Meridian 7-seat SUV which is based on the platform that underpins its Compass SUV. On its arrival, the Jeep Meridian will compete against the likes of MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq, and Toyota Fortuner among others. In this specification comparison review, we pit Jeep Meridian against its rivals to find out where it stands in comparison to rivals.
It is very much apparent from the table of dimensions that MG Gloster is the largest in this lot. MG dominates the turnout scenario and is longer (by 216mm), wider (by 67mm), and taller (by 183mm) than the Jeep Meridian. Surprisingly, Jeep Meridian successfully holds its ground against the ladder-on-frame Toyota Fortuner despite being based-upon the much smaller Compass platform.
Meridian boasts 49mm longer wheelbase than Fortuner though Toyota is lengthier and taller than the Jeep. Skoda Kodiaq, on the other hand, is 70mm shorter in length than the Jeep Meridian although on other aspects of measurement, both are almost similar with difference of some millimeters here and there.
In terms of the boot space, Meridian has the smallest capacity with all the three rows up followed by the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner. MG Gloster again shines in trunk
department by offering maximum amount of luggage capacity.
2. Engine and Gearbox
MG Gloster comes equipped with 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine putting out 218hp, the number makes it the most powerful SUV in this comparison. However, when it comes to the rotational force, Toyota Fortuner leads the pack with 500Nm on offer in its automatic avatar. Jeep is yet to announce the figures for the Meridian but going by the speculations, the Meridian could come up with an output of 170bhp and 350Nm.
While the numbers don’t seem great on the paper, Jeep Meridian will have a considerable weight advantage owing to its monocoque construction. Skoda Kodiaq doesn’t offer a diesel engine and the only option available to buyers is a 190hp/320Nm 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol motor. Fortuner also offers the petrol option in the form of a 2.7-liter gasoline engine which churns 166 bhp and 245 Nm which we know is a bigger gas guzzler.
Jeep also might equip the Meridian with a turbocharged petrol motor with an output of around 200 hp in the future though there’s no official confirmation in this regard for now. All the SUVs in this comparison come equipped with automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system with Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner offering the additional convenience of manual transmission as well. Jeep with its monocoque construction, superlative off-road ability, a diesel motor with a 9-speed automatic, higher quality levels and great driving package makes it the choice in the segment.
