After spending over 21,000 kilometers behind the wheel of the Jeep Meridian, it’s safe to say this SUV has been through more than just the daily grind—it’s conquered deserts, mountains, and even the world’s highest motorable road. This long-term review isn’t just about numbers and specs; it’s a story of endurance, comfort, and capability across some of India’s most unforgiving terrain.
🛣️ The Journey Begins: Urban Comfort Meets Rugged Intent
The Meridian started its journey in Mumbai, where it quickly proved its mettle as a comfortable urban cruiser. The cabin is plush, the ride is composed, and the suspension handles potholes with grace. The diesel engine, though slightly vocal under hard acceleration, delivers consistent torque and decent fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its size. The 9-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, making city commutes and highway stretches equally pleasant.
But the real test began when the Meridian joined a Guinness World Record attempt, shadowing a Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV from Jaisalmer to Leh. This wasn’t just a support role—it was a trial by fire.
🏜️ Desert to Himalayas: A Test of Grit
From the scorching sands of Rajasthan to the icy winds of Ladakh, the Meridian tackled extreme conditions without a single mechanical fault. The HVAC system performed admirably at both ends of the spectrum, keeping the cabin comfortable whether it was 40°C in Jaisalmer or sub-zero in Hanle.
One hiccup did occur—a falling rock at Zoji La punched a hole in the sunroof. With no immediate fix available, the team resorted to taping it shut. It’s a testament to the vehicle’s resilience that this didn’t derail the journey.
🏔️ Climbing to Umling La: The Ultimate Challenge
The final leg of the adventure took the Meridian to Umling La, the highest motorable road in the world at over 19,000 feet. The drive from Leh to Hanle and onward to Umling La was nothing short of breathtaking—both in scenery and challenge. The air thinned, temperatures dropped, and the terrain became increasingly hostile.
Switching to Snow mode, the Meridian climbed confidently through freshly blanketed passes like Photi La. While the diesel engine did feel out of breath at high altitudes, it never gave up. Power delivery dipped, but with measured throttle inputs, the SUV soldiered on.
🚗 Driving Dynamics: Highway Hero, Mountain Goat
On wide highways, the Meridian is a joy. It settles into a rhythm effortlessly, feeling planted and stable even at triple-digit speeds. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up most imperfections with ease. However, sharp jolts—especially on rough stretches like the Jammu-Srinagar road—do make their way into the cabin.
The ADAS system, while helpful, has a quirk: it reactivates every time the car is restarted, requiring manual deactivation via the touchscreen. It’s a minor annoyance in an otherwise well-equipped tech suite.
🧳 Practicality and Efficiency
Despite its size and power, the Meridian returned respectable fuel economy figures throughout the journey. The boot space proved generous, swallowing luggage for two over weeks of travel. The seats remained comfortable even after long hours, and the infotainment system was intuitive and responsive.
The SUV’s ability to adapt—from city streets to snow-covered passes—makes it a versatile companion for those who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Remembering
After 21,000km, the Jeep Meridian has earned its stripes. It’s not just a premium SUV—it’s a capable, reliable, and surprisingly efficient machine that can handle India’s diverse landscapes with confidence. Whether you’re commuting in Surat or climbing to Umling La, the Meridian feels like it belongs.
Sure, it has its quirks—the noisy diesel engine at altitude, the ADAS reset routine, and the occasional suspension thump—but these are minor trade-offs for what is otherwise a well-rounded package.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
