The Jeep Meridian has been an important product in Jeep India’s portfolio since its launch in 2022, catering to customers looking for a premium three-row SUV. Over the years, it has received incremental updates, most notably in October 2024 when Jeep added the Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) suite. However, a full facelift was still pending. Now, the global counterpart, the Jeep Commander (as it is known in South America), has been updated to its MY26 version. This upgrade brings subtle design enhancements, refreshed interiors, and an improved equipment list.
While the facelift has officially debuted in South America, Jeep India has yet to announce whether the 2026 Jeep Meridian will receive the same upgrades. If introduced, these updates could significantly strengthen the SUV’s appeal in India, making it more competitive in the premium SUV segment.
Background: Jeep Meridian in India
The Jeep Meridian made its debut in India in May 2022 as a three-row SUV positioned above the Jeep Compass. Built on the Compass platform, it offered a longer wheelbase and a spacious cabin with seven seats. Since its introduction, the Meridian has faced stiff competition from rivals like the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, and MG Gloster.
In October 2024, Jeep India added a significant equipment upgrade by introducing the Level-2 ADAS suite. However, design-wise, the SUV has remained largely unchanged since its launch. With the new updates on the Commander in South America, Indian customers can expect a refreshed look in the coming months if Jeep decides to roll it out here.
Quick Summary
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Model |
2026 Jeep Meridian (MY26, based on Commander facelift) |
Global Debut |
South America (Commander) |
India Launch |
Yet to be confirmed |
Exterior Updates |
New headlamps (reflector setup), revised grille, redesigned fog lamp housing, 19-inch alloy wheels |
Interior Updates |
Rotary gear selector, 360-degree camera, new upholstery, Wi-Fi Hotspot (international) |
Technology |
Enhanced ADAS, 12-month free Wi-Fi (international), digital cluster, connected infotainment |
Engines (Global) |
T270 Flex Petrol/Ethanol, 2.2L Diesel, 2.0L Turbo Petrol Hurricane4 |
Engines (India) |
2.0L Turbo Diesel (170 PS, 350 Nm), 9-speed automatic, AWD |
Official Website |
2026 Jeep Meridian: Exterior Updates
The 2026 Jeep Commander (international version of the Meridian) showcases noticeable design changes:
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New Headlamps: The SUV now gets redesigned headlamps with a reflector setup instead of the projector-style units seen earlier.
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Revised Grille: The iconic seven-slot grille has been slightly downsized, and the connecting bar between the headlights is slimmer and straighter, lending the front a sharper appearance.
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Fog Lamp Housing: Redesigned faux air vents now house the fog lights. These vents are no longer connected, creating a cleaner fascia.
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Alloy Wheels: The side profile remains unchanged, but new 19-inch alloy wheels add a premium and sportier stance.
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Rear Design: While the rear remains largely similar, minor styling tweaks align it with Jeep’s global design language.
Interior Enhancements
The cabin of the 2026 Jeep Meridian (based on Commander updates) retains its familiar layout but receives new touches to enhance luxury and functionality:
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Rotary Gear Selector: A modern rotary dial replaces the conventional gear shifter, giving the cabin a more premium and futuristic appeal.
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360-Degree Camera: A new 360-degree surround camera enhances safety and ease of parking.
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Updated Upholstery: Jeep has introduced new upholstery designs and premium materials to elevate the cabin experience.
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Wi-Fi Hotspot: In South America, the SUV now offers a Wi-Fi Hotspot service with 12 months of free subscription, further boosting connectivity.
Technology and Safety Features
The new model brings improvements in technology and safety:
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Comprehensive Level-2 ADAS Suite: Offered as standard across all variants in South America. For India, Jeep may continue to limit ADAS features to higher trims, similar to the current offering.
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Infotainment System: A large touchscreen infotainment system with connected car tech, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
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Digital Instrument Cluster: Full-TFT digital cluster with customizable display options.
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Additional Features: Ambient lighting, premium audio system, and wireless charging are expected to continue.
Powertrain Options
South American Market
The 2026 Jeep Commander offers three powertrain options:
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T270 Flex (Petrol/Ethanol) – 176 bhp, 270 Nm
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2.2L Diesel – 200 bhp, 450 Nm
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2.0L Turbo Petrol Hurricane4 – 272 bhp, 400 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds
Indian Market
In India, Jeep Meridian is expected to continue with the current 2.0L Turbo Diesel engine:
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Power Output: 170 PS
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Torque: 350 Nm
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Transmission: 9-speed automatic gearbox
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Drivetrain: Available in both FWD and AWD versions
At present, Jeep India has not confirmed whether additional petrol engine options will be introduced.
Market Position and Outlook
If Jeep introduces the MY26 updates for the Meridian in India, the SUV will strengthen its position against rivals in the D-segment. The refreshed styling, upgraded interiors, and additional features could make it more appealing to urban buyers seeking a premium, rugged-yet-comfortable SUV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the 2026 Jeep Meridian launch in India?
A. The launch timeline has not been confirmed yet. However, since the Commander facelift has debuted in South America, the Meridian is likely to receive similar updates in India soon.
Q2. What are the major exterior changes in the 2026 Meridian?
A. The SUV gets redesigned headlights with reflector setup, a revised grille, new fog lamp housing, and updated 19-inch alloy wheels.
Q3. Will the Indian Meridian get multiple engine options like the Commander?
A. Unlikely. For now, the Indian Meridian is expected to continue with the 2.0L Turbo Diesel engine.
Q4. What new features are added inside the cabin?
A. Notable additions include a rotary gear selector, 360-degree camera, updated upholstery, and potentially a Wi-Fi Hotspot (if introduced in India).
Q5. Does the Meridian come with Level-2 ADAS?
A. Yes, the Meridian received Level-2 ADAS in 2024. With the MY26 update, ADAS may be expanded across more trims in India.
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