Stellantis has introduced a new 2.2-litre diesel engine option in the Jeep Meridian. However, there’s a big catch. The new power mill has been introduced in the Brazilian market where the Meridian goes by the name Commander. This powertrain is currently being offered only with top-spec Overland trim.
Jeep Meridian new diesel engine
The new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine pushes out 200 bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque while being paired with a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This proves very critical for the Commander Overland trim which comes with a 4×4 drivetrain. The additional power and torque can prove to be very useful on challenging terrains.
Previously, the Overland trim came with a 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine which is available in the India-spec Meridian as well. This oil burner kicks out 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque which feels a little underpowered for a vehicle of Meridian’s size. The terrain in Brazil is significantly more challenging, often requiring navigation through areas with no roads or unpaved routes.
With this new 2.2-diesel engine, Jeep has introduced some other changes. Notably, a new exhaust system featuring ARLA 32 emission reduction technology has been introduced—similar to the setup used in the Ram Rampage unibody pickup truck sold in Brazil. The front brake discs have also grown in size to manage the increased braking demands of the more powerful engine.
Additionally, the 9-speed automatic transmission has been re-geared to accommodate the higher torque, with each of the nine gears now offering approximately 14% longer ratios. As a result, acceleration in the new 2.2-litre diesel unit is quicker with a 0-100 kmph sprint achieved in 9.7 seconds as compared to 11.6 seconds for achieving the same in the older 2.0-litre unit.
Besides the 2.2-litre diesel engine, the Commander also comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that kicks out 268 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque. This unit is exclusively paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and is also seen in more premium models such as Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.
Will it launch in India?
As of now, there is no development if this new 2.2-litre diesel engine will be introduced in India or not and it seems very unlikely. The current 2.0-litre Multijet engine is locally produced by Jeep in India and shared by other models such as Jeep Compass, MG Hector, Hector Plus, Tata Harrier, and Safari.