2026 Jeep Meridian Launched with Sliding Middle Row Seats: A Practical Upgrade for the Premium 7-Seater
The Indian SUV market just got a little more practical. Jeep India has officially launched the 2026 Jeep Meridian, bringing a much-needed update to its three-row premium SUV. While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, the cabin receives a significant usability upgrade in the form of sliding middle-row seats, addressing one of the biggest complaints of the outgoing model—third-row space. Upcoming Cars In February 2026: MG Majestor, Nissan Tekton
However, this update comes at a cost. The prices for select variants have been hiked by up to Rs 1.27 Lakh, pushing the premium quotient even higher. At MotorCarVerse, we have dissected the new launch to bring you a detailed breakdown of what has changed, the new price list, and whether the 2026 Meridian is now the perfect family SUV. Renault Duster Teased Again: New Styling, Launch Date & Features Revealed
What’s New in the 2026 Jeep Meridian?
The headline feature for the 2026 model year is undoubtedly the Sliding Second-Row Seat. Previously, the Meridian’s middle row could only tumble and recline, which made the third row feel cramped and claustrophobic for adults. Top 10 Best Selling Cars in India December 2025
- Sliding Mechanism: The middle row seats can now slide forward and backward, allowing passengers to adjust legroom based on occupancy.
- Recline Function: The recline angle has been improved to offer better comfort for long journeys.
- Flexible Seating: This feature is primarily available on the Limited (O) and Overland variants, making the 7-seater configuration far more versatile than before.
This simple mechanical addition transforms the Meridian from a “5+2” SUV into a more usable 7-seater, allowing a balance between second-row luxury and third-row necessity.
2026 Jeep Meridian Price in India (Ex-Showroom)
Jeep has revised the pricing structure. While the entry-level variants see no change, the feature-loaded trims that get the sliding seats see a price bump.
| Variant | Old Price | New Price (2026) | Difference |
| Longitude 4×2 MT | ₹ 24.99 Lakh | ₹ 24.99 Lakh | No Change |
| Longitude 4×2 AT | ₹ 28.49 Lakh | ₹ 28.49 Lakh | No Change |
| Limited (O) 4×2 AT | ₹ 30.49 Lakh | ₹ 30.49 Lakh | No Change |
| Overland 4×2 AT | ₹ 33.41 Lakh | ₹ 34.68 Lakh | + ₹ 1.27 Lakh |
| Overland 4×4 AT | ₹ 36.95 Lakh | ₹ 38.22 Lakh | + ₹ 1.27 Lakh |
Note: The massive price hike of Rs 1.27 Lakh is primarily on the Overland trims, reflecting the addition of the new seating mechanism and minor feature tweaks.
Engine & Performance: The Proven Diesel Heart
Under the hood, Jeep has decided not to fix what isn’t broken. The 2026 Meridian continues to be powered by the robust 2.0L Multijet Turbo Diesel Engine.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.0-Litre Multijet II Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 170 bhp @ 3,750 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 9-Speed Torque Converter AT |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 (FWD) / 4×4 (AWD) |
| 0-100 km/h | ~10.8 Seconds |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 15.7 kmpl (AT) / 16.2 kmpl (MT) |
The 9-speed automatic transmission remains one of the smoothest in the segment, and the 4×4 hardware (available in the Overland trim) ensures the Meridian retains its legendary “Jeep DNA” for off-roading.
Interior & Features: Luxury Meets Tech
The cabin of the Meridian was already a premium place to be, with soft-touch materials and an Emperor Brown colour theme. The 2026 update retains this luxury while ensuring the tech remains competitive.
Key Features List:
- Infotainment: 10.1-inch Floating Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
- Driver Display: 10.25-inch Fully Digital Instrument Cluster.
- Comfort: Ventilated Front Seats and Dual-Zone Climate Control.
- Sunroof: A massive Panoramic Sunroof that makes the cabin feel airy.
- Connectivity: Uconnect 5 system with connected car features (Geofencing, Remote Start, etc.).
- Convenience: Powered Tailgate and Wireless Charging.
Safety: Fortress on Wheels
Jeep has always prioritized safety, and the 2026 Meridian is no exception. It comes loaded with active and passive safety features.
- 6 Airbags Standard across all variants.
- ADAS Suite: (Available on Overland) Includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning.
- 360-Degree Camera: Essential for parking a car of this size.
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold.
- Traction Control: With specialized modes (Sand/Mud, Snow, Auto) in the 4×4 variants.
Competition Check: Meridian vs. The Rivals
With the new update, the Jeep Meridian strengthens its position against stiff competition.
- Toyota Fortuner: The Fortuner is more rugged and has better resale, but the Meridian offers far superior ride quality, interior luxury, and features at a lower price point.
- Skoda Kodiaq: The Kodiaq offers a petrol engine and slightly better on-road dynamics, but the Meridian wins with its Diesel economy and tough-road capability.
- MG Gloster: The Gloster is bigger and more spacious, but the Meridian feels more agile to drive in the city.
Conclusion: Is the 2026 Meridian Worth the Hike?
The 2026 Jeep Meridian addresses its single biggest flaw—the rigid second row. By adding the sliding function, Jeep has made the car significantly more family-friendly. While the Rs 1.27 Lakh price hike on the top-end variant is steep, for buyers who frequently use the third row or need flexible luggage space, the upgrade is worth the premium.
If you want a sophisticated, diesel-powered 7-seater that can h
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new feature in the 2026 Jeep Meridian?
The biggest update in the 2026 Jeep Meridian is the addition of sliding middle-row seats, which allows for adjustable legroom and better access to the third row.
2. How much has the price increased for the 2026 Meridian?
The price has increased by up to Rs 1.27 Lakh for the top-spec Overland variants. The base Longitude and Limited variants see no price change.
3. Does the 2026 Jeep Meridian come with a petrol engine?
No, the 2026 Jeep Meridian is available exclusively with a 2.0L Turbo Diesel engine. There is no petrol engine option on offer.
4. Which variants get the sliding seat feature?
The sliding second-row seat feature is available primarily on the higher Limited (O) and Overland variants.
5. Is the Jeep Meridian a 7-seater or 5-seater?
The Jeep Meridian is available in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, depending on the variant chosen. The 2026 update focuses on improving the flexibility of the 7-seater version.
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are ex-showroom and subject to change by the manufacturer. Features may vary by variant.
