Jeep Meridian 2026 Model Year Update: Enhanced Comfort with Price Revision
Jeep India has introduced a significant model year update for its flagship SUV, the Jeep Meridian, specifically targeting the 2026 iteration. This refresh brings notable enhancements to the higher-spec Limited and Overland trims, making them more practical for occupants. However, these improvements come with a revised price tag, positioning the SUV as a more premium offering in the competitive market.
Key Feature: Sliding Second-Row Seats
The most prominent addition in the 2026 Jeep Meridian is the introduction of sliding second-row seats, available exclusively in the Limited and Overland variants. This practical feature allows passengers to adjust the seating position forward or backward, enabling customized legroom and enhanced comfort. The update also includes tweaks to the reclining adjustment of these seats, further improving flexibility.
With this innovation, the SUV offers:
- Better legroom for second and third-row occupants.
- Easier ingress and egress to the third row.
- Improved overall occupant comfort during long journeys.
This enhancement underscores Jeep's commitment to blending luxury with functionality in its premium SUV lineup.
Revised Pricing Structure
Alongside the feature upgrades, Jeep India has implemented a price revision for the 2026 Meridian. The SUV now commands a higher price compared to its pre-update version, with increases varying across trims. The price hike reaches up to ₹1.27 lakh for select variants, reflecting the added value and market positioning.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the old versus new prices (ex-showroom):
- Longitude MT: Old price ₹23.33 lakh, new price ₹23.33 lakh (no change).
- Longitude AT: Old price ₹26.88 lakh, new price ₹27.18 lakh (increase of ₹30,000).
- Longitude Plus MT: Old price ₹25.95 lakh, new price ₹25.95 lakh (no change).
- Longitude Plus AT: Old price ₹28.74 lakh, new price ₹29.04 lakh (increase of ₹30,000).
- Limited (O) 4x2 MT: Old price ₹28.74 lakh, new price ₹30.01 lakh (increase of ₹1.27 lakh).
- Limited (O) 4x2 AT: Old price ₹32.48 lakh, new price ₹33.75 lakh (increase of ₹1.27 lakh).
- Limited (O) 4x4 AT: Old price ₹34.34 lakh, new price ₹35.61 lakh (increase of ₹1.27 lakh).
- Trail Edition MT: Old price ₹29.12 lakh, new price ₹29.12 lakh (no change).
- Trail Edition AT: Old price ₹32.86 lakh, new price ₹32.86 lakh (no change).
- Overland 4x2 AT: Old price ₹34.34 lakh, new price ₹35.61 lakh (increase of ₹1.27 lakh).
- Overland 4x4 AT: Old price ₹36.21 lakh, new price ₹37.48 lakh (increase of ₹1.27 lakh).
Post-update, the Jeep Meridian's price range now spans from ₹23.33 lakh to ₹37.48 lakh (ex-showroom), compared to the previous range of ₹23.33 lakh to ₹36.21 lakh. The Limited (O) and Overland variants have seen the highest increase of ₹1.27 lakh, while automatic variants of the Longitude and Longitude Plus trims are now ₹30,000 more expensive. Manual variants and the Trail Edition remain unchanged in price.
Market Implications and Consumer Appeal
The 2026 Jeep Meridian update strategically targets buyers seeking enhanced comfort and practicality in a premium SUV. The sliding second-row seats add a layer of versatility, making it an attractive option for families and long-distance travelers. However, the price hike may influence purchasing decisions, as competitors in the segment offer similar features at varying price points.
Jeep India's move aligns with global trends of incorporating advanced comfort features into SUVs, catering to the growing demand for personalized in-car experiences. As the automotive market evolves, such updates are crucial for maintaining brand relevance and customer loyalty.
In summary, the 2026 Jeep Meridian stands out with its practical sliding seats in top trims, albeit at a higher cost. This update reinforces Jeep's position in the premium SUV segment, balancing innovation with market dynamics.
