After clocking more than 21,000 km, it is time to say goodbye to our Jeep Meridian. Before handing over the keys, here is a complete account of its standout assignment, from supporting a Guinness World Records title attempt to conquering one of the toughest high-altitude routes in the world. This is a practical, real-road evaluation focused on long-distance comfort, rough-road resilience, and high-altitude drivability.
Quick Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Vehicle | Jeep Meridian, long-term fleet |
| Distance Covered | 21,000 km overall, 3,800 km on the final multi-state run |
| Highlight Route | Mumbai to Jaisalmer, onward to Leh, Hanle, Photi La, and Umling La |
| Standout Qualities | Highway composure, absorbent suspension on broken roads, reliable AWD with Snow mode |
| Notable Incidents | Sunroof damaged by falling rock at Zoji La, sealed with tape and continued without failures |
| High-Altitude Outcome | Successfully climbed Photi La and Umling La on snow-covered stretches with measured throttle inputs |
| Overall Verdict | Not flawless, yet consistently dependable, comfortable, and confidence inspiring for long travel |
| Official Site | Jeep India, Meridian |
Background: From Support Car To Lead Adventurer
The Jeep Meridian began this chapter as a support vehicle shadowing a Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV during a Guinness World Records title attempt. It escorted the electric SUV from Jaisalmer to Leh, carrying crew and supplies, keeping pace across varying terrain and temperatures. Once the primary shoot concluded at Khardung La, most of the team flew back to Mumbai. Instead of heading home, we pointed the Meridian toward even higher and harsher ground. The plan was simple, take the road less traveled, visit Hanle, and then attempt Umling La, the highest motorable road on the planet.
Highway Manners: Calm, Composed, Efficient
On open highways, the Meridian settled into a steady, unflustered rhythm. Stability and straight-line composure stood out during long stints between towns, where the SUV felt planted and quietly confident. Despite being a large three-row SUV with all-wheel-drive hardware, efficiency remained reasonable for the segment. Push the throttle hard for overtakes and the engine voice becomes more audible, yet power delivery remains consistent and usable. The blend of comfortable seating, supportive ride quality, and predictable dynamics made long hours behind the wheel feel easy.
Rough-Road Resilience: Suspension That Works For India
The Jammu Srinagar corridor gave the suspension a thorough workout. Big undulations, roadworks, and broken patches were dealt with convincingly. The Meridian’s suspension soaked up the worst of the surface, allowing the cabin to remain largely settled. Sharp, square-edged bumps could still filter through as brief jolts, but the overall damping balance felt well judged for mixed Indian conditions. That confidence underfoot is what you want when the map turns gray and the tarmac breaks up.
The Turn Toward Thin Air: Leh To Hanle
From Leh to Hanle, the scenery shifted dramatically. Stark valleys gave way to snow-capped horizons, temperatures dipped, and air turned thin. The Meridian spent a night in Hanle and woke up with a fresh dusting of snow. The cold start was uneventful, a reminder that predictable manners matter more than anything when you are far from service centers and network coverage.
Photi La And Umling La: Traction, Patience, Progress
Our route to Umling La first crossed Photi La, a pass that rises to roughly 18,124 feet. The pass had a fresh snow blanket. This is where drivetrain and driver inputs need to work in harmony. We selected Snow mode, kept throttle inputs measured, and allowed the electronics and gearing to manage traction. At this altitude, power delivery softened, and response lagged a little, which is normal for internal combustion engines where oxygen is scarce. With patience and a smooth right foot, the Meridian maintained momentum and crossed without drama.
Umling La offered similar conditions, with snow, silence, and very thin air. Once again, steady throttle, clean lines, and the SUV’s sure-footedness paid off. The climb felt methodical rather than explosive, but it was exactly what the terrain demanded. Reaching the highest motorable pass was less about speed and more about consistency, traction, and confidence. In that regard, the Meridian proved its mettle.
The Return: A Gentle Victory Lap
The drive back rolled through Leh to Kargil and then toward Zoji La. The pass that had earlier hurled a rock at our sunroof appeared in a friendlier mood this time, with blue skies and clear traffic. The taped-up sunroof never developed additional issues, and the cabin remained serviceable and weather tight throughout the trip. By the time we reached Srinagar and handed the keys to the drivers for the long final leg to Mumbai, it felt like the end of a demanding but deeply satisfying assignment.
Reliability Notes: When The Unexpected Happens
The only significant incident was the sunroof damage from a falling rock at Zoji La. Lacking a quick repair option, we sealed it with tape. The fact that the SUV continued across several more mountain passes and varying weather without any fresh rattles or water ingress speaks to its structure and refinement. The powertrain never threw a warning light, the drivetrain modes engaged as expected, and temperatures remained in check. In difficult terrain, reliability is not a luxury, it is the whole game.
What We Liked
- Highway Comfort: Stable, composed, and easy to place at speed, which reduces fatigue on long hauls.
- Suspension Tuning: Soaks up the big stuff, keeps the cabin calm on broken surfaces.
- AWD With Modes: Snow mode and measured throttle inputs inspired confidence on fresh snow.
- Endurance Factor: Took a serious beating, kept moving, and maintained occupant comfort.
What Could Be Better
- Engine Noise When Pushed: Under hard acceleration, the engine note becomes prominent.
- Bulk In Tight Hills: The size and mass are felt on narrow hairpins and tight passes.
- Altitude Response: Noticeable drop in punch at very high elevations, requiring patience and momentum management.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the Jeep Meridian handle high-altitude routes like Umling La
Yes, with the right preparation and driving approach. Using Snow mode on fresh snow, maintaining smooth throttle inputs, and preserving momentum helped it climb both Photi La and Umling La without mechanical issues.
2. How comfortable is the Meridian for very long highway drives
It is well suited for long stints. The ride quality and highway stability reduce fatigue, while the cabin stays settled over undulating surfaces and patched roads.
3. What happens to performance at extreme altitude
Power delivery feels softer due to thin air, so overtakes require planning and climbs demand patience. This is normal for combustion engines at high elevations.
4. Is the suspension too soft for sharp bumps
The suspension absorbs large imperfections impressively, though sharp, square-edged hits can still be felt. Overall balance remains confident for Indian highway and mountain conditions.
5. Did the sunroof damage compromise the trip
A falling rock at Zoji La damaged the sunroof. We sealed it with tape and continued. The cabin remained functional and the vehicle completed the journey without further issues.
Final Verdict
The Jeep Meridian is not a mountain sprinter, and it does not pretend to be. What it delivers instead is endurance, comfort, and predictable capability. Over 21,000 km, and particularly over the last 3,800 km across some of the most demanding roads in India, it never stopped feeling dependable. When the road turns rough and the air turns thin, you want a vehicle that simply keeps going, keeps you comfortable, and keeps you safe. The Meridian did exactly that, which is why parting with it feels like saying goodbye to a trusted teammate.
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