Pune: Jeep India has rolled out the 2026 Meridian with a subtle but highly practical upgrade – sliding second-row seats. It may not sound dramatic like a new engine or flying mode, but for anyone who has ever been sent to the third row, this is nothing short of a lifestyle revolution.
Introduced on the Limited and Overland variants, the new sliding second-row seats offer up to 140 mm of longitudinal movement, giving owners the freedom to decide who gets more space – the passengers or the luggage. In simple words: families can now negotiate legroom like grown-ups instead of arguing like school kids.
When all seven seats are occupied, the second row can now slide forward to free up more usable space for third-row passengers, making long journeys significantly more comfortable. Alternatively, slide it back and enjoy limousine-like legroom in the middle row. It’s basically a comfort slider for Indian joint families.
According to Jeep, the second-row seats now offer a 23-degree torso angle with an additional 12-degree recline, ensuring that even the most demanding in-laws remain reasonably happy. Entry to the third row has also been improved with a new sliding travel of up to 310 mm (40% seat) and 290 mm (60% seat), along with a 33-degree forward tilt – because climbing into the last row should feel like boarding a premium SUV, not a gym exercise.
Commenting on the update, Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The Meridian continues to evolve in line with our commitment to deliver a more meaningful ownership experience. The sliding second-row seats are a direct response to customer feedback seeking greater third-row comfort, especially for families travelling together.” Translation: too many customers complained about the third row, and Jeep finally listened.
Premium Design, Comfort and Technology
Design-wise, the 2026 Meridian remains every bit the muscular, well-dressed SUV it was, with Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, sleek LED lighting, and strong road presence that still makes valet drivers walk a little faster.
Inside, the cabin continues to offer premium upholstery, soft-touch materials, and a clean three-row layout. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 12-way powered front ventilated seats, and a refined interior that feels more business class than budget airline.
Technology is handled by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect connected services, offering over 30 features including remote functions and real-time vehicle health updates. Your car now knows more about its health than most Indians know about theirs.
Safety and Performance
Safety remains a strong point, with over 70 active and passive safety features, including ADAS on select variants – making the Meridian one of the more tech-savvy bodyguards in the premium SUV segment.
Under the hood is the trusted 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 170 HP and 350 Nm of torque, paired with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain 4×4 system. It delivers strong on-road performance and serious off-road capability, along with an ARAI-certified efficiency of up to 16.25 km/l – respectable for a seven-seater that looks like it could tow a small village.
Availability and Pricing
The new 2026 Jeep Meridian with sliding second-row seats is now available across Jeep dealerships in India, with prices starting at ₹30.01 lakh for the updated variants. The overall Meridian range continues to start at ₹23.33 lakh (ex-showroom), and bookings are already open.
In short, the Meridian hasn’t reinvented itself – it has simply become more practical, more family-friendly, and much kinder to third-row passengers. And in India, that might just be the most premium feature of all.
