2024 Jeep Meridian Base Variant vs Mahindra XUV700 Top Variant: Go Top-spec And Small Or Base-spec And Big?

Jeep recently updated the Meridian SUV’s variant lineup by giving it two new base-spec variants, namely, the Longitude and Longitude Plus. With these two new variants, the Meridian’s starting price has been reduced significantly, and it now starts from Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Along with launching new variants, Jeep also introduced a new 5-seater layout with the Meridian for its base spec variant. 

The more affordable pricing puts the Meridian in contention with some of the mid-size SUVs. In this article, we will be comparing it with the Mahindra XUV700, which is essentially from a lower segment. But given that the prices of its top-spec variants are similar to the price of the base-spec Meridian, this will make for an interesting comparison between the two. 

The match begins: 

Price:

As seen above, the Meridian’s introductory pricing for the base-spec variant is still over Rs 2.5 lakh more than that of the XUV700’s starting price for its top-spec variant.

Do note that the XUV700 is getting massive discounts which has reduced its pricing by around Rs 2 lakh. To get a better understanding of its variant-wise discounts, check out our story on the same. 

Dimensions

From the table above, we can conclude that the Meridian is the longer SUV, while the XUV700 is the wider and taller one out of the two. The Meridian also boasts a larger wheelbase. 

An important point to note is that the Meridian in its base-spec version is a 5-seater, while the XUV700 in its top-spec variant comes in 6- and 7-seater configurations. So the Meridian might not have extra seats but the absence of a third row coupled with the larger wheelbase means that it has a more spacious cabin along with having more boot space. 

Dimensions 

The Meridian offers all the essential comfort features and safety equipment that would take care of your needs and requirements. However, it would be fair if you are getting tempted by the XUV700’s longer list of features. Most of these are available with the higher-spec variants of the Meridian, but for that you will have to shell out a lot more money. 

So if you want an SUV that is loaded to the brim at this particular price point, the XUV700’s top variant will satisfy your needs. 

Powertrain 

The XUV700 comes with both petrol and diesel engine options. It also gets the more potent engine options, save for the diesel manual powertrain. The Meridian’s torque converter gearbox has three more gears than that of the XUV700, and this means that it will feel smoother and more refined on the highways.

If you are an enthusiast who just wants to go fast in their SUV, the petrol XUV700 might be the one for you. The Meridian in its base-spec version only gets a front-wheel drive system, while the XUV700 in its top-sec guise also comes with an all-wheel drive system as well. 

Verdict 

While one is an indigenous SUV and is a popular name in India, the other one is a proper American SUV with a unique and robust feel to it. Both cars offer great road presence but the Meridian inches ahead thanks to its longer dimensions and squared out proportions.

If you want a slightly unique SUV that is manufactured by a foreign brand and has good cabin space for five people along with an impressive boot space, the Meridian’s base-spec variant could be considered. It gets all the basics that you’d need on a day-to-day basis.

However, if you have a larger family and want an SUV that is fully-loaded with features, then the XUV700 should be your pick. With the XUV700 you will also save a couple of lakhs! 

Which SUV would you pick if you had to? Let us know in the comments.