Jeep Avenger: A Tough and Electric Crossover

author: FutureCar Staff    

The all-new Jeep Avenger is causing quite a stir as Jeep's first battery-powered vehicle. It shares an EV platform with other Stellantis group cousins, such as the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric, and DS 3 E-Tense. This Jeep is unique because it is the first Jeep to be designed outside of America and marks the return of the Avenger name, which was once familiar to British buyers.

The Avenger has already been crowned European Car of the Year 2023, adding to its talking point. With a starting price of £35,700, it competes in a competitive sector alongside rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, MG ZS EV, and Honda e:Ny1. Its classic crossover shape and Jeep DNA make it one of the best-looking options in the bunch.

Under the hood, the Avenger is initially available as a single-motor front-wheel drive with 154bhp and 260Nm of torque. It has a 54kWh battery that provides up to 249 miles of range, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 9.6 seconds. Charging is convenient with a maximum speed of 100kW, allowing for a 10-80% top-up in under 30 minutes.

The interior of the Avenger offers ample headroom, but rear passengers with longer legs may find it a bit cozy. The 355-litre boot expands to 1,053 litres with the back seats folded, and accessibility is good. The cabin design is tough-looking, but there are some criticisms of too much black plastic and hard surfaces. However, it does come with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in TomTom sat-nav.

On the road, the Avenger feels quicker than its official acceleration figure suggests, thanks to its instant torque. It handles well with minimal body lean, and wind and road noise are well suppressed. However, there is a lot of pedal travel before the brakes engage, which may impact confidence in pushing the vehicle. The Avenger offers six driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Snow, providing versatility for different driving conditions.

In terms of off-road capability, the Avenger shows promise with features like hill descent control, short overhangs, raised ride height, and impressive approach and departure angles. It is available in three well-equipped trim levels and offers plenty of opportunities for personalization with various decals, body paints, roof colors, and accessories.

In conclusion, the Jeep Avenger is an impressive debut EV from the iconic American brand. It is compact, cool, competitively-priced, and offers a useful range and good charging speed. With its rugged design and off-road potential, it sets itself apart from its rivals.

FutureCar Staff