3 New Jeep SUVs Confirmed For India: Compass Petrol To New Jeep Compact SUV
Jeep is preparing for a strong comeback in the Indian market after a relatively quiet phase over the past few years. Currently, the brand’s portfolio consists of the Compass, Meridian, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. In the coming years, Jeep plans to regain momentum by commencing three launches. Here’s a closer look at these plans.
In its 2026 Investor day presentation, Jeep announced its intention to launch a new compact SUV based on a platform sourced from Tata Motors. This is part of the company’s FastLane 2030 turnaround plan.
Jeep has entered into a joint venture with Tata Motors for this project. Under this partnership, Tata will supply the platform and powertrain for the new SUV. The model is expected to be launched in 2028, with a strong focus on export markets alongside India.
Jeep’s upcoming compact SUV will use the Tata Sierra’s ARGOS platform. It is known for its versatility and modernity. More importantly, the ARGOS platform supports all-wheel-drive hardware- a non-negotiable for a Jeep product. Tata Motors developed this platform in-house. It is claimed to adhere to global standards and excel in performance and dynamics. These traits make it ideal for use in the upcoming Jeep SUV.
The SUV will also get the Sierra’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. This unit complies with future emission norms and delivers strong performance. Since the ARGOS platform supports EV powertrains, we may see an electric version of the Jeep SUV rolling out in the future.
The Compass is Jeep’s most affordable model in the Indian market- the entry point to the American manufacturer’s lineup, with a starting price of Rs 17.99 lakh, ex-showroom. It remains a key contributor to the brand’s monthly volumes. The Compass was first launched in 2017.
In 2026, it is only available with a diesel engine. The SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that makes 170hp and 350Nm. The SUV used to offer a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine in the past. It was, however, discontinued in May 2023, during the BS6 transition.
Jeep is now planning to introduce a petrol engine on the Compass. This time, the SUV will get the 1.5L direct injection turbocharged petrol engine from the Sierra. This engine is already on use in multiple Tata models like the Sierra, Harrier and Safari.
On larger Tatas like the Harrier and Safari, the TGDI engine makes 168hp and 280Nm. On the Compass, the petrol engine will be offered with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Using a Tata-sourced petrol engine will help Jeep optimise costs and speed up homologation.
The petrol-powered Compass is likely to be priced between Rs 21 lakh and Rs 26 lakh. The inclusion of a petrol engine will widen the appeal of the Compass further.
Jeep launched the Meridian, its three-row SUV, for the first time in 2022. It has always remained a diesel-only product, powered by the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. This unit makes 170hp and 350Nm on the Meridian. Jeep plans to bring the Sierra’s Hyperion turbo-petrol engine to the Meridian. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine will likely make 168hp and 280Nm on the Meridian.
The absence of a petrol engine has been limiting the Meridian’s appeal in markets that prefer petrol SUVs. The 1.5L turbo-petrol will address this. In the Indian market, the petrol-powered Meridian will compete with the petrol variants of Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV 7XO.