American automaker Jeep has finally unveiled the Commander three-row SUV in Brazil that will be called 'Jeep Meridian' in India when it will be launched in 2022. On its arrival to our shores, the full-size SUV will go up against the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas G4, MG Gloster, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
Jeep Commander – Design, Dimensions, and Features
Based on the Jeep Compass premium SUV, the Commander measures 4,769mm in length, 1,859mm in width, and 1,682mm in height, making it 364mm longer, 41mm wider, and 42mm higher than its 5-seater counterpart. It has a wheelbase of 2,794mm, which is again 158mm longer than the Compass SUV.
The 7-seater SUV be offered in two trims: Limited and Overland.
Design-wise, the Jeep Commander seems a mixture of Compass and all-new Grand Cherokee. It features Jeep's signature seven-slat grille up front, flanked by sleeker rectangular-shaped LED headlamps. Its front bumper comes in two different designs for each variant. That said, the Limited variant has a more rugged appearance with a front skid plate and all-around black plastic cladding, while the Overland trim gets a larger air dam and a small chin spoiler. However, both features horizontally placed LED light bars, connected by a chrome strip.
The side profile of the Jeep Commander looks completely distinctive from the Compass thanks to the squared-out wheel arches, prominent roof rails, upsized alloy wheels (19-inch), and large rear overhang & quarter glass panel. Even the rear profile of the new Jeep is more upright than the Compass, with notable elements like a roof-integrated spoiler and slim LED tail lamps connected by a chrome strip, complementing the overall design.
Inside, the new Jeep Commander gets a similar dashboard layout as the 5-seater Compass. Features onboard include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, Alexa virtual assistant, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable driver & passenger seats, wireless phone charger, panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker 450W Harman Kardon sound system, electronic tailgate, multiple terrain modes (diesel only), and leather & suede upholstery (offered in multiple colours options) with ‘Jeep 1941’ engraved on the front seat and armrest.
The safety kit of the car comprises seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking system, lane keep assist and ADAS that includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and park assist, etc.
Jeep Commander – Powertrain
Jeep has offered the Commander with two engine options: a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. The petrol mill also runs on flex fuels like petrol blended with ethanol. Here's a look at their specifications: –
Engine | 1.3-litre turbo-petrol (Flex engine) | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel |
Max Power | 185PS | 170PS |
Max Torque | 270Nm | 380Nm |
Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (FWD) | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Gearbox | 6-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
Unlike the Brazilian-spec model, Jeep is expected to offer the Commander (Meridian) with the Compass's 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit in India, along with a manual transmission option. Moreover, it is likely to be offered in a six-seater layout as well. Expect it to be priced from Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom) in our country.
