The India-bound Jeep 7-Seater SUV’s Debut In Isn’t Too Far Away Now

• Spy shots hint at a longer wheelbase and bits like sleek LED headlights, large air dams, and a honeycomb mesh slatted front grille.

• Cabin teasers reveal a similar layout to the Compass, with slight touch-ups to the upholstery and colours.

• The India-spec model could be powered by two 2-litre diesel engines with automatic transmissions and an all-wheel drivetrain.

• India launch is set to happen in 2022.

After a long period of teasers and spy shots, Jeep’s upcoming 7-seater SUV, the Commander (could be called Meridian in India) is set to make its global debut in Brazil on August 26, 2021. Essentially a 7-seater iteration of the Compass 5-seater,  it will have distinct elements to give it its own identity. 

Spy images hint at a longer wheelbase compared to the Compass to accommodate the third row, with the overall silhouette seemingly inspired from the Grand Cherokee. Other notable bits include a slatted front grille with honeycomb mesh, sleek LED headlamps and large air dams. The wheels may be borrowed from the Compass for the test mules, but the final production model will likely have a different design. 

We’re yet to get a proper look inside, but the teaser video of the Brazil-spec Commander suggests it’ll be largely identical to the Compass, with subtle touch-ups to the upholstery and colour theme. Of course it will likely also get a 6-seater layout option with captain seats. 

Since the cabin looks similar to the Compass it is based on, expect features such as a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with the latest UConnect software, a panoramic sunroof, steering-mounted audio controls, ambient lighting, and maybe a branded audio system. Safety kit could include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, electric parking brake, electronic stability control, and possibly the ADAS range of assists like the MG Gloster including autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

The Commander in India is likely to get a retuned 170PS 2-litre diesel engine from the Compass, and the Wrangler’s 268PS 2-litre turbo-petrol engine. Both engines could be paired up with a 9-speed automatic gearbox with all-wheel drivetrain.

After its global debut, Jeep’s 7-seater SUV will reach Indian shores around 2022 with prices likely to start from Rs 35 lakh.  It will take on the likes of the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Mahindra Alturas G4, and the VW Tiguan Allspace.