Jeep Meridian 5-seater vs Compass: which is better value for money

Jeep recently introduced a mid-life facelift for the Meridian, reducing its starting price by over Rs 6 lakh. Now priced in the range of Rs 24.99 lakh to Rs 38.49 lakh, the Meridian is also available with a new, optional 5-seat configuration, and it overlaps with the Compass (Rs 18.99 lakh-32.41 lakh) even more than before. 

Only the entry-level Longitude variant of the Meridian has the option of a 5-seat layout. The rest of the model’s line-up continues with the 7-seat setup. Let’s take a look at how the Meridian’s entry-level variant stacks up against the similarly priced mid-level variants of the Compass.

Jeep Meridian vs Compass: price, features

Meridian Longitude vs Compass Longitude (O), Night Eagle (O)

The Compass Longitude (O), priced at Rs 24.83 lakh, and Night Eagle (O), priced at Rs 25.18 lakh, are the two variants that overlap with the entry-level Meridian Longitude, which costs Rs 24.99 lakh. The Meridian has a few features that the Compass Longitude (O) doesn’t; these include the LED tail lamps, recline function for second-row seats, rain-sensing wipers, and six airbags instead of just two on the latter. But the Compass Longitude (O) comes with a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger and front fog lamps, which are absent in the entry-level Meridian.

The Meridian gets 18-inch alloy wheels, and so does the Compass Night Eagle (O); the Compass Longitude (O) makes do with 17-inch units. Do note that the Night Eagle (O) is essentially a special edition variant based on the Compass Longitude (O), with additions including a front and rear dashcam, a rear entertainment unit, premium carpet mats, underbody lighting, ambient lights and an air purifier. It is a limited-run model and offers a better equipment list than the Meridian Longitude.

Meridian Longitude AT vs Compass Limited (O) AT

The Meridian Longitude AT is priced at Rs 28.49 lakh, and the Compass Limited (O) AT costs Rs 28.33 lakh. In this case, the Compass has the upper hand on the equipment front, boasting features such as an 8-way powered driver’s seat with memory function, leather steering wheel, door scuff plates and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror. Hence, someone looking to purchase a Meridian Longitude AT can also look at the Compass Limited (O) AT because of its extra feel-good features.

With the facelift, the Meridian now offers better value for money than the similarly priced Compass variants, considering the fact that it is larger in size, resulting in more cabin space. However, the Compass should be comparatively easier to manoeuvre, especially in cities. The Compass also offers a better equipment list. If you prioritize features, then the Compass seems to be the better choice. However, if space is more important, then one should go for the Meridian.

Jeep Meridian vs Compass: dimensions, powertrain

Positioned above the Compass, the Meridian is a larger SUV that was originally introduced as a three-row version of the Compass. It is 364mm longer, 41mm wider, 58mm taller and has a 146mm longer wheelbase than the Compass. There’s also a significant difference in the boot space – the 5-seat Meridian’s is 670 litres, and the Compass’ is 438 litres.

Powering both SUVs is the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Multijet diesel engine that puts out 170hp and 350Nm of peak torque. The unit is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 9-speed AT. FWD is standard on the overlapping variants; the higher variants of the Compass and Meridian also offer a 4WD configuration.

All prices, ex-showroom India.

Also see:

Jeep Meridian facelift launched at Rs 24.99 lakh

Jeep Meridian facelift: price, features, variants explained