Jeep’s Toyota Fortuner-challenger for India: New details surface

Jeep is building a Toyota Fortuner challenger for the Indian market. The new 7 seat SUV will also be a global product. Today, we have new details about the Jeep 7 seat SUV, thanks to ACI. Word is that the new Jeep 7 seater SUV will use the Compass platform.

The Jeep Compass is based on Fiat’s US Small Wide platform, originally developed by Fiat. This platform also underpins the Renegade SUV and the Fiat 500X/L range of crossovers. By using this platform for the new, 7 seat SUV, Jeep will save significantly.

What this also indicates is that the new 7 seat SUV from Jeep will have a monocoque body, unlike the Toyota Fortuner’s ladder frame chassis. The new Jeep 7 seat SUV is expected to be more like the Skoda Kodiaq and Honda CR-V than the Fortuner in terms of ride and handling dynamics.

Expect a high level of refinement in these areas from the new Jeep as the monocoque platform makes it more car-like than SUV-like. Other details including the engines and transmission that the new Jeep SUV will receive are not known for now.

Considering the fact that the 2 liter Fiat Multijet turbocharged diesel engine is already in a high, 170 Bhp-350 Nm state of tune in the Jeep Compass, it’s not known if the automaker will wring out more power from this motor for the bigger SUV.

Likewise, the 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol motor found on the Compass may not really cut the ice for the larger SUV. So, a slightly larger turbo petrol engine could be used on the new SUV. The vehicle will also be readied to have hybrid and electric options considering tightening emission norms globally.

Both front wheel drive and four wheel drive options will be offered on the new SUV. The India launch of the new Jeep 7 seat SUV is expected to happen in late 2021. Until then, Compass facelifts are expected to keep Jeep dealerships and service centers engaged.

In India, there will be no shortage of competition for the Compass 7-seater. It will take the upcoming Mahindra XUV700 (Y400 or Inferno as the name might go), the upcoming 7-seater Hyundai Tucson, the XUV500 and the upcoming Hyundai Creta 7-seater and the Ford Endeavour. But 2021 is quite a long way away – so they are safe, for now.