Jeep Meridian v/s Mahindra XUV700: Which one is better?
What's the story
US automaker Jeep has revealed its Meridian SUV in India. It will be launched in June. The four-wheeler has an aggressive design, a luxurious cabin with many features, and draws power from a 2.0-liter diesel engine. So, should you wait for the Meridian or opt for the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AT with a Luxury Pack, which is another great option around Rs. 25 lakh?
Context
Why does this story matter?
In India, the Jeep Meridian serves as a 7-seater version of the Compass SUV and boasts over 80% localization. It offers good looks, performance and should attract a lot of buyers. Meanwhile, the Mahindra XUV700 is an extremely popular model here, attracting over one lakh bookings in just four months since launch. It currently has a waiting period of over six months.
Exteriors
The Meridian has larger proportions and a better fascia
The Jeep Meridian is longer and taller compared to the Mahindra XUV700. It sports LED headlights with integrated DRLs, faux skid plates, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and an integrated rear spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp. Meanwhile, the XUV700 flaunts C-shaped headlamps, a grille with chrome slats, and roof rails. Its wheelbase is also slightly less than the Meridian (2,750mm v/s 2,794mm).
Interiors
The Meridian's cabin has a more regal appearance
Both the Jeep Meridian and Mahindra XUV700 have a spacious cabin with a multifunctional steering wheel and seven seats. The Meridian has three rows of seats, a dual-tone dashboard with silver accents, and a large center console with an armrest. On the other hand, the XUV700 gets rectangular AC vents, a wood finish on the door sills, and a two-tone dashboard.
Features
From traction control to ADAS
The Meridian and XUV700 offer auto climate control, cruise control, parking sensors, and electronic stability control. They also house a 10.1-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment console, respectively, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Meridian offers six airbags, traction control, and three selectable drive modes, while the XUV700 gets seven airbags, a 360-degree-view camera, and ADAS.
Performance
The XUV700 is propelled by a more powerful engine
The Jeep Meridian runs on a 2.0-liter diesel engine that generates 168hp of power and 350Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. The range-topping Mahindra XUV700 is powered by a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel mill linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The motor churns out a maximum power of 182.38hp and a peak torque of 450Nm.
Our verdict
Which one should you buy?
In India, the Jeep Meridian is likely to carry a starting price-tag of around Rs. 26 lakh, while the top-spec Mahindra XUV700 sports a price-figure of Rs. 23.79 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom). Both the vehicles are almost evenly matched on paper. However, our vote is in favor of the XUV700 as it offers better performance, more technology, and costs less.