3 New Jeep SUVs Confirmed For India Including Compact SUV And Petrol Compass, Meridian
Jeep has seen a relatively quiet phase in the Indian market over the past few years. It currently sells four models here- Compass, Meridian, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. Currently owned by the Stellantis Group, it is preparing for a major comeback in India. Several new launches are being planned over the next few years. These are expected to revive the sales momentum in the near future. Here’s a closer look at the three SUV launches being planned.
The Compass is an important model for Jeep India. The Compass is an important model for Jeep India. Also the most affordable Jeep product in India, the Compass was first launched in 2017. It has now started to show its age, but continues to sell decent numbers every month. In 2026, it is available only with a diesel engine- the familiar 2.0-litre diesel making 170hp and 350Nm.
A 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine was on sale previously. It was discontinued in May 2023, during the BS6 transition. Since then, the Compass has missed a petrol engine. This is set to change soon.
Jeep is reportedly working on a new petrol-powered version of the Compass. It will use the newly-developed 1.5L direct injection turbocharged petrol engine sourced from Tata Motors. Currently, this engine is used in Tata models like the Harrier, Safari and the Sierra.
The 1.5-litre TGDi turbo petrol engine can make up to 168 hp and 280 Nm. It will be available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmissions.
Using the Tata-sourced engine on the Compass will allow for cost efficiency and faster homologation. The addition of a petrol engine will widen the appeal of the Compass. The petrol-powered Compass is likely to be priced in the range of Rs 21-26 lakh.
The Meridian is a seven-seater SUV. It has always remained a diesel-only model. It has always been powered by the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine making 170hp and 350Nm. The SUV is now set to get a petrol engine.
It will get the same Tata-sourced 1.5L turbo-petrol engine as the upcoming Compass petrol. The absence of a petrol engine has limited the model’s reach and appeal in certain markets that predominantly prefer petrol as a fuel option.
The Meridian will compete with the likes of Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO, and other seven-seat SUVs. The petrol version is expected to be priced between Rs 24 lakh and Rs 30 lakh.
The third product in this list is the new compact SUV that’s known to be under development now. Stellantis Group, Jeep’s parent company, announced it at the 2026 Investor day. This is part of the Jeep's FastLane 2030 turnaround plan.
Jeep has already established a joint venture with Tata Motors. As part of it, Tata would supply platform and powertrain to the project. This SUV is expected to launch in 2028. There will be a strong focus on exports.
Its design will align with the brand’s global design direction. The performance and dynamics will also match Jeep’s standards. The new SUV will be underpinned by the ARGOS platform used in the Tata Sierra. This platform is versatile and supports All Wheel Drive (AWD) hardware- non-negotiable for a Jeep product.
Powering this SUV will be Tata’s 1.5L turbo-petrol engine, which again, is Sierra-borrowed. It is compliant with the upcoming emission norms and will also deliver strong performance. Due to the versatile nature of this platform, it would be safe to expect an EV version of the new SUV rolling out sometime in the future.