Is this Avenger the car to save Jeep? Jonathan Crouch drives it and decides.

Ten Second Review

The Avenger is Jeep's first mainstream compact SUV model, a small, fashionable contender that unlike most of its competitors is a bit more SUV than Crossover. It sells mainly as an EV, but is also offered in conventional petrol and 48V Hybrid forms. Virtually all the Stellantis Group engineering here we've seen before, but it's been delivered with a distinctively Jeep vibe.

Background

The Avenger was the first-ever all-electric Jeep and at its launch in late 2022 represented a key milestone for the brand as it aimed to become a world leader in Zero Emissions SUVs. The Avenger name was one we hadn't seen since the Hillman and Chrysler saloons of the Seventies, a badge attached to the first of the brand's EVs, the smallest Jeep ever made and a fresh entry point into the company's product range. Two larger EVs will follow it - the luxury Wagoneer S and the off-road focused Recon - as part of what will be a four-strong line-up of Jeep EVs by 2025, with the whole range fully electric by 2030. Jeep still wants to sell you combustion models too though, so the Avenger range was broadened in late 2023 to include a conventional 1.2-litre petrol model and a 48V Hybrid. With an AWD 4xe 1.2-litre eHybrid version added in late 2024. Whatever their powertrains, all Avengers sit on the same ECMP2 platform as Stellantis Group crossover cousins like the Peugeot 2008, the DS3 and the Vauxhall Mokka, but here that chassis has been adapted for greater ground clearance and a little more off road prowess, even though the car will primarily be sold in front-driven form. It's built at the Group's high-efficiency plant in Tychy, Poland and is positioned just below the familiar Renegade in the Jeep line-up.

Driving Experience

If you're looking at an Avenger in EV form, forward motion comes from a single 154bhp electric motor with 260Nm of torque mounted on the front axle and powered by a 54kWh battery. When fully charged, this offers a range of 249 miles. Expect slightly less than that for the forthcoming 4WD version, which adds a further motor on the rear axle. If you want to stick with combustion power, Jeep will sell you an Avenger with three flavours of 1.2-litre three cylinder PureTech petrol engine. One is conventional with 100PS and manual transmission. The other for the Hybrid model uses the same engine paired with a 28bhp electric motor integrated into a bespoke 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The third on the top AWD 4xe variant uses the 1.2-litre unit and dual clutch auto once again, but in 136bhp form mated to a pair of 28bhp motors on each axle. Despite the fact that the Avenger is primarily a front-driven design, Jeep is positioning it as the off-road champion of the EV market's growing SUV B segment. There's a higher ride height (minimum 200mm) than is normal in the class and, thanks to short overhangs that mean better approach and departure angles, it should be more capable off piste than a comparable Renegade 4xe Plug-in Hybrid - and certainly will be in 4xe form. Even with standard models, there are 20-degree breakover and approach angles and a 32-degree departure angle. All of which might sound irrelevant for an urban SUV but which, Jeep says, will make it better suited for dealing with speed humps, high kerbs and steep multi-storey car park ramps; yeah right. An Avenger though, might give you more confidence than its rivals in a snowy snap. This is the first front-driven Jeep fitted with standard Hill Descent Control and 'Selec-Terrain' driving modes: there are six settings - 'Normal', 'Eco', 'Sport', 'Snow' and 'Mud & Sand'.

Design and Build

For some time now, there's been very little indeed that's American about mainstream Jeep models and the Avenger follows that trend. It's the first Jeep to be designed outside the US and won't be sold there, built in Poland and aimed almost entirely at the European market. Despite that, classic brand design cues are everywhere to convince you otherwise; the trapezoidal wheel arches and the shoulder line reference the Willys Jeep of 1941, the 'floating' C-pillar is from the Compass and Grand Cherokee and of course there's the company's usual classic 7-slot front grille (though it's actually closed off, cooling air directed instead beneath the front bumper). At only just over 4-metres in length (16cm shorter than a Renegade), this is the shortest Jeep ever, but there's plenty of pavement presence thanks to at least 200mm of ground clearance, short overhangs and large wheels of up to 18-inches in size. Inside, there's a lean dashboard supposedly inspired by the Wrangler, with an upper part made up of a single horizontal 'function beam', which includes all the air vents, ambient lighting and a central 10.25-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen. Inevitably, another screen resides in the instrument binnacle, of either 7.0 or 10.25-inches in size depending on spec. The lower side of the dash features a wide open storage shell which contributes generously to the 34-litre stowage space total in the cabin - over double the segment average. The centre tunnel can be moved to fit the sizes of various items - or even removed entirely to accommodate larger objects like a handbag. The battery's 17 modules sit beneath both front and rear seats in space designed to improve rear seat legroom, though that's on the tight side as usual in a small B-segment SUV. Out back, the 380-litre boot is reasonably large by class standards (but drops to 355-litres in size with the EV model and the 4xe). It has a low 720mm loading height, a one-metre rear hatch width and the option of hands-free powered tailgate.

Market and Model

For the Hybrid and the EV, there are three trim levels in the mainstream range - 'Longitude', 'Altitude' and 'Summit'. The conventional petrol version is priced from around £24,000. The Hybrid prices from around £26,000, while you'll need from around £35,000 to get an EV version or the top Hybrid AWD 4xe. Even base 'Longitude' spec gets you quite a lot: 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps and grey skid plates. Inside, there's a 7-inch full digital cluster and cruise control. Safety kit includes features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Assist. Mid-level 'Altitude'-spec adds 17-inch alloy wheels and silver skid plates. Inside, it gets cloth/vinyl premium seats, a height-adjustable cargo floor and a silver dashboard with interior inserts, complemented by a synthetic leather steering wheel. Additional features such as 10.25-inch full digital cluster, single-zone automatic air conditioning and adaptive cruise control further justify the price premium. Top-spec 'Summit' trim features 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED front projector headlights, keyless entry, rear privacy glass, 360 degree parking sensors, automatic high beam control, power-foldable mirrors, a hands-free liftgate, blind-spot monitoring and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. Inside at this level, you get an electrochromic 'frameless' rear-view mirror, a wireless charger and a 180 degree rear camera with a 'drone view'. Across the Avenger range, there's a choice of seven paint colours and available alloy wheels range in size between 16 and 18-inches. Around 100 accessories are available, including graphics for the roof and flanks. This should mean that it'll be easily possible to ensure that your Avenger looks like no other.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the driving range figure from the EV model's 54kWh battery (51kWh usable) in our driving section - 249 miles - though Jeep claims that this could rise to as much as 342 miles in urban driving conditions. The battery can recharge from 20-80% in 24 minutes via a 100kW cable when hooked up to a suitably rapid charger. Just 3 minutes on such a fast charger would add 80 miles of range and 24 minutes could get the battery from 20 to 80%. Energy efficiency is rated at 5.0 miles per kWh. Under the Jeep brand's 'Freedom to Choose' initiative that allows the customer to find the most suitable charging solution, customers here can choose a wall box for domestic charging and/or an RFID card for public charging. As for the combustion versions, well the conventional 1.2-litre petrol model should return up to 49.6mpg and 127g/km of CO2. For the Hybrid model, think 57.6mpg and 111g/km. Away from powertrain efficiency, Jeep has also given some thought about how to reduce damage caused by low speed impacts, which make up around 70% of accident cases in Europe. With that in mind, the Avenger's headlamps are encased and positioned high up away from low speed impacts. And the skid plates are made of a polymer mould which doesn't show visible scratches. In exposed areas like the doors, cladding is set high to offer extra protection. Thanks to these additions, the brand estimates the customer could reduce potential accident damage costs by up to around £1,000. Like other Jeep models, this one comes with a dedicated Jeep Customer Care service where a team of expertly trained agents will be available 24/7 to answer any questions about your journey.

Summary

For a brand that wants to lead the all-electric SUV market, Jeep has had a late start, but we can now expect full-battery models thick and fast from the marque for the rest of this decade. Few of which will be more significant than the Avenger. It competes in a segment now accounting for 20% of all European sales and the company hopes it will be key to correcting its lacklustre sales performance in markets such as ours. There's a chance that might happen. The brief here - to create a fun, boxy Jeep that can be all-electric - has been delivered with the kind of flair likely customers will be looking for. And if you don't want an EV, the Hybrid version's a potentially preferrable alternative. Either way, the Avenger's 'Selec-Terrain' system delivers the kind of poor weather driving confidence that most of this car's competitors lack. You could argue of course that for all kinds of reasons, it's not 'a real Jeep'. But there's no question that it's really what the brand needs right now.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

All power windows express Up/Down

Brakes

ESC - Electronic Stability Control + traction control

Hill hold function

Grip control

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Hill descent control

Electric parking brake

Communication

eCall emergency call system

Telematic box and connected services

Apple Carplay/Android Auto with wireless mirroring

BSRF connectivity box

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning

Power assisted steering

Warranty Booklet - UK

Quick Guide English

EV Drive Mode Selector

Rear parking sensors

Intelligent speed assist

All-Terrain Mode Selector

Traffic sign recognition

Lane keep assist

(AEB) Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition

Driver Convenience

Keyless Start/Engine On Button

Driver Information

Odometer

Drowsy driver detection system

Connectivity services

Driving Mirrors

Heated and electrically folding outside mirrors

Black mirror caps

Heated electric door mirrors

Manual control rear view mirror

Engine

Battery default

Entertainment

Radio controls on steering wheel

Audio system with 6 speakers

Black grained dashboard

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Body Colour Exterior Door Handles

Grey skid plates

Mirror covers black tinted in mould

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

LED reflector headlamps

Automatic headlights

LED 3rd brake light

Dusk/Dawn light sensor

Headlight levelling control

Halogen rear lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic A/C (1 Zone)

Interior Features

Height/depth adjustable steering wheel

I am Jeep label

12V power outlet

Front seat backrest pocket

Central console dividers x2

Cloth upholstery

Front passenger grab handle

Front central armrest with storage

Safety

Three 3 point rear seatbelts

Rear seat belt pretensioners

6 airbags

Seat belt reminder

Kit fix and go predisposition/housing only

Child locks on rear doors

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Passenger airbag disable feature

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Seats

4 way manually adjustable passenger seat

Front passenger isofix child seat attachment

Foldable second row seats 40/60 - Fix and Fold

Front head restraints

3 rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

6 way manually adjustable drivers seat

Single front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Volumetric anti theft alarm

Locking wheel bolts

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisor with vanity mirror

Vehicle Charging

EV/Phev Second Life Ready Battery

Ev/Phev Electrically Driven Temperature Control

Ev/Phev Smart Charging Port

Ev/Phev Fast charging

Ev/Phev Quick charging

Ev/Phev Smart Charging

Mode 3 cable

11KW onboard charger

Wheels - Alloy

16" alloy wheels painted in medium glossy grey with summer chainable

Wheels - Spare

Fix and go puncture repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1585

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 495

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 345

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 27

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 20-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 54

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEL: 601

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEH: 562

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 400

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 400

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 385

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City - TEL: 15.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City - TEH: 15.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 15.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 15.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 16

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City - TEH: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City - TEL: 4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEH: 349

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEL: 373

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 249

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 239

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 249

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 51

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: e-Longitude

Coin Description: 54kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 24E

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 79

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 70

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 59

NCAP Safety Assist %: 53

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 3

Badge Power: 156

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.6

Top Speed: 93

Engine Power - BHP: 156

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 115

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 192

Engine Torque - NM: 260

Engine Torque - MKG: 26.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/65 R16

Tyre Size Rear: 215/65 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4084

Width: 1776

Wheelbase: 2562

Width (including mirrors): 1981

Height: 1527

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1520

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2015

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Loading Weight: 495

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 355

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1252

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.5

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special solid paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Interior Features

Predisposal for tunnel pad cover

Packs

Winter pack with heated front seats- Avenger

Infotainment and convenience pack - Avenger e-Longitude/Longitude

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Granite

Metallic - Stone

Metallic - Sun

Paint - Solid

Solid - Ruby

Paint - Special

Special solid - Snow white

Special solid - Volcano black

Special solid - Storm grey

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Digital jane black and grey cloth with mic black dashboard