Jeep Meridian/Commander Vs Kodiaq Vs Fortuner: Price, Size, Features And More

Fortuner is priced between Rs 32 lakh to Rs 43 lakh. Kodiaq is priced between Rs 35 lakh to Rs 37.4 lakh. We expect Meridian to be priced at Rs 32 lakh starting.

Image Used For Representational Purpose

New Delhi: Jeep is readying its new SUV for India and it is a 7-seater three row product that would be placed above the Compass. To be called Meridian in India, this SUV is also called Commander in other markets. Here, we will do a short specifications comparison of the Meridian SUV with rivals like the new Toyota Fortuner and the just launched 7-seater Skoda Kodiaq. Have a look.

Which is bigger?

The Fortuner has a length of 4795 mm while the Kodiaq comes in at 4699mm. The Meridian will have a length of 4769mm. It is clear that while the Fortuner is the biggest, the Meridian and the Kodiaq are not far behind being big SUVs. While the Fortuner is more old school in its design both the Kodiaq and the Meridian have a more modern luxury SUV look to them. The Kodiaq has a new look front-end with a bigger grille and slimmer headlamps while the Meridian will have a traditional Jeep like grille for more road presence. The Fortuner has just been updated and gets a different look too but it is clear in being more of an off-road based SUV.

Which is more feature loaded?

The Kodiaq impresses here with loads of features along with a luxurious interior. The touchscreen is at 8inch while you get features like in-built navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seat ventilation and heating, 12 speaker audio system, 360-degree parking camera, ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control, hands free parking, panoramic sunroof, connected tech etc. The Fortuner has less features and does not have a sunroof but gets 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 11-speaker JBL audio system, seat ventilation along with 8-way power adjustable seats, front parking sensors, rear view camera etc. To counter this the Meridian will have a 10.1 inch touchscreen along with wireless smartphone connectivity, dual powered seats with ventilation, panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, wireless phone charger, a digital instrument cluster, captain seats for the second row and more.

What engines do all three SUVs have?

The Fortuner comes with both diesel and petrol engines with a 2.7-litre petrol and a 2.8-litre diesel engine. The diesel is the more popular option which comes with 204bhp and 500Nm with manual/automatic option along with 4x4. The Kodiaq has all wheel drive but gets a 2.0l TSI turbo petrol with 190hp and 320Nm while a DSG automatic gearbox is standard also. The Meridian will come with a 2.0l diesel engine with 200 bhp and a standard 9-speed automatic gearbox along with 4x4. There would also be off-road specific drive modes for the Meridian.

Prices?

The Fortuner is priced between Rs 32 lakh to Rs 43 lakh. The Kodiaq is priced between Rs 35 lakh to Rs 37.4 lakh. We expect the Meridian to be priced at Rs 32 lakh starting while the top-end variant would be priced at Rs 35 lakh. Jeep wants to target the three row SUV market but it will also be off-road friendly to appeal to more SUV lovers. While competition is tough to match the Fortuner in its reliability, brand, off-road ability along with Kodiaq with its luxury and features, the Jeep Meridian wants to be a combination of the two. We will know more when it launches soon.