CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - The new Jeep Compass Trailhawk is introduced to the media at the Chicago Auto Show on July 14, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. It is the first major auto show to be held in the United States since the start of the pandemic.
(Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images)
2022 promises to be a big year for Jeep in the Indian market, with the automaker set to introduce three SUV lines in the subcontinent. The returning Trailhawk variant will be the first to be launched by Jeep in India this year, followed by the all-new Meridian and Grand Cherokee models.
Jeep Trailhawk returns with a bang in India this year
Many expected Jeep to release Trailhawk in India last year after its January launch of Compass, but that did not transpire with the automaker discontinuing the popular variant. This year, the Trailhawk is back to join its SUV fleet, albeit in a limited edition with Jeep only manufacturing just a set number of the said model.
The Trailhawk is expected to utilize more off-road-focused hardware in its new model, including a new four-wheel-drive system different from the standard Compass. This year's version of the Trailhawk will also have updated cosmetic elements in its alloy wheel designs, accents, and bumpers. The Trailhawk is expected to headline Jeep's Compass lineup and launch in February. Just like before, the Trailhawk will be a diesel-only variant.
Those looking for a bigger SUV from Jeep will be delighted with the automaker's next release around June this year. After debuting to rave reviews in the global market last year, the Jeep Commander finally arrives in India this year. Jeep will market the said SUV differently in India, launching it as the Meridian.
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Jeep to launch Meridian and Grand Cherokee later this year
This variant is spacious compared to the Compass line as it is stretched both in wheelbase and overall length to accommodate seats in the third row. The Meridian may share some similarities with the Compass in terms of the overall design, but what sets this SUV apart aside from its third row of seats are its upholstery and trim inserts.
The Meridian also has a more powerful diesel engine than the Compass, given its bigger size. Jeep will develop a 200hp engine for the Meridian, which may feature mild-hybrid technology to aid the SUV's fuel economy. The Meridian is also expected to have a 9-speed automatic gearbox, which will help the unit send power to each of its four wheels.
The Grand Cherokee holds a special place in Jeep's heart as this SUV model was one of its inaugural models in India. This year, the said variant returns with an all-new model, with the Indian market set to get the standard 5-seater.
This Grand Cherokee is even more special for Indian Jeep fans because the said model will be locally assembled. The previous edition of the Grand Cherokee was a CBU import. Digital technology is the main focus of the Grand Cherokee this year, with three digital screens dominating the dashboard.
The Indian version of the Grand Cherokee will be powered either by a 290hp, 3.6-liter petrol V6 engine or a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant. The SUV model will be released around September this year.
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