Jeep Compass, Meridian prices hiked

Jeep has increased the prices of the Compass and Meridian SUVs by up to Rs 43,000 and Rs 57,000, respectively. Prices for the Jeep Compass and Meridian now start at Rs 21.73 lakh and Rs 33.40 lakh (both ex-showroom, India), respectively. Jeep says the hike is due to the government's recently introduced higher cess on SUVs.

Jeep Compass variant-wise price hike

The base Compass Sport MT variant gets the lowest price hike of Rs 29,000, and the Limited MT 4x2 and Limited MT 4x4 variants see a price hike of Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000, respectively. The top-spec Model S variants – MT 4x2 and AT 4x4 – see the highest price hike of Rs 38,000 and Rs 43,000, respectively.

With the discontinuation of the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, the Compass is now solely available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic gearbox. However, the Compass is likely to get a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine in the next 18-24 months.

With the wide price bracket, the Compass rivals the likes of the Tata Harrier and MG Hector at the lower end, while competing with the Hyundai Tucson, Citroen C5 Aircross and Volkswagen Taigun at the higher end.

Jeep Meridian variant-wise price hike

While the Jeep Meridian’s Limited (O) MT variant has the least price hike of Rs 45,000, the Limited (O) AT sees the highest price hike of Rs 57,000. The two 4x4 variants – Limited (O) AT 4x4 and Limited Plus AT 4x4 – see a uniform price hike of Rs 51,000. Lastly, the Limited Plus AT sees a price hike of Rs 48,000.

Like the Compass, the Meridian is also offered with only a 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Jeep recently discontinued the base Limited MT and Limited AT variants, making the Limited (O) the base trim now. The three-row SUV competes with the Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster.