Renowned American manufacturer Jeep has announced that it will launch 2 new SUVs and reintroduce the Compass Trailhawk in 2022. Jeep states that it will launch the new Meridian and the Grand Cherokee in India after reintroducing the Trailhawk variant. The brand has also provided a timeline for the arrival of its three SUVs in the Indian market in 2022.
To recap, Jeep launched the updated Compass SUV in January 2021 with a mild facelift and a completely revamped interior. However, Jeep chose not to get the updated Trailhawk for the Indian market and decided to discontinue the variant. After a year of absence, the automaker has finally decided to reintroduce the new, updated Trailhawk in limited numbers.
Reports suggest that the new 2022 Trailhawk may sport off-road-focused hardware, including a more rugged four-wheel-drive system. Jeep may also implement a variety of cosmetic updates such as variant-unique bumpers, accents, and alloy wheel designs. The Trailhawk variant will likely sit atop the Compass line-up, with an expected launch date in February 2022.
After the launch of the new Trailhawk, Jeep plans to launch the new Meridian SUV in the Indian market. The Meridian is also known as the Jeep Commander, which made its global debut for international markets in 2021. The upcoming Meridian will share the same platform as the Compass but will sport increased dimensions for a 3rd row.
Jeep states that the new Meridian will bear certain similarities with the Compass but will feature unique differentiating design details. The interior of the Meridian will feature the same dashboard design as the Compass but with varying cabin differences. These will include the new third row of seats, trim inserts, and the upholstery used throughout the SUV’s Cabin.
Jeep will use an upgraded 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel motor for the Meridian, which may produce 200 PS of power. The automaker may also equip the upcoming Meridian with a 9-speed automatic gearbox, mild-hybrid technology, and an all-wheel-drive system. Jeep states that it will launch the Meridian in India by June 2022 and price it around INR 35 lakh.
Being the brand’s inaugural product alongside the Wrangler, the new Grand Cherokee is all set to return to India. Jeep states that it will locally assemble the upcoming Grand Cherokee in order to keep costs low and affordable. The new Grand Cherokee made its global debut in 2021 as a 2-row and as a 3-row SUV. The 2022 Grand Cherokee features an evolutionary design that shares details with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Jeep has ensured to update the cabin of the new Cherokee by offering 3 digital screens and loads of technology. Jeep will likely equip the India-spec Cherokee with a 3.6-litre V6 petrol motor that will produce 290 PS. The brand may also offer a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in India. With an expected price tag ranging between INR 65-75 lakh, the India-spec Jeep Grand Cherokee may arrive around September 2022.
Also Read: MG Motor India sold 2,798 ZS EV SUVs in 2021, Hector owners switching to ZS EV