Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Model: Overland
Test started: July 2026/ 16,389km
Tenure/target mileage: 3 months/5,000km
Mileage this month: NA
Efficiency this month: NA
I am inherently skeptical of the concept of stretching a platform. All too often, pulling the front and rear axles apart destroys a vehicle’s original dynamic balance, leaving behind an awkward footprint that fails to preserve the engineers’ core vision. That exact skepticism kept me from taking much interest in the Jeep Meridian at launch. Fast forward to this past month spent with our long-term unit, however, and I find myself happily forced to rescind every single cynical statement I previously made.
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Spending real time with our long-term Jeep Meridian Overland revealed right off the bat just how surprisingly cohesive this extended chassis feels. Jeep’s engineering team didn’t just stretch the wheelbase; they meticulously recalibrated the entire setup. The way it is sprung and damped deserves genuine praise. Equipped with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) shocks, the Meridian remains astonishingly composed across varied road surfaces.
Whether tackling high-speed compression dips (“big yeets”) or rounding off sharp, annoying city speed breakers, virtually no underlying harshness transmits into the passenger cell. Body control remains taut without sacrificing ride compliance, giving it a reassuringly heavy, planted feel. Under the bonnet, the familiar 2.0-litre Multijet turbo-diesel engine continues to shine. While some might dismiss this powertrain as a veteran unit in a rapidly evolving market, it makes a compelling case for why proven diesel engines remain supreme for long-distance travel. The low-end torque delivery is muscular, pairing effortlessly with the drivetrain during tedious daily commutes. Fuel efficiency has been surprisingly respectable too: our urban runs through peak rush-hour traffic consistently averaged over 11kmpl, while steady highway cruising easily returned 13kmpl.
We will compile more conclusive performance figures across wider use cases as the long-term evaluation progresses, but early efficiency trends are thoroughly encouraging. Inside, the flagship Overland trim delivered another welcome surprise. The cabin presentation punches well above its weight, featuring rich quilted brown leather, tastefully embossed accents, and soft-touch materials throughout key touchpoints. While the central infotainment interface design might look slightly dated compared to some flashier tech rivals, utility leaves zero room for complaint.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
