Jeep Avenger: A Tough and Exciting EV 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, with its design coming from Italy and being built in Poland. The Avenger name is also making a comeback, which was once familiar to British buyers.

The Avenger has already been crowned European Car of the Year 2023, adding to its appeal. It is priced at £35,700, placing it in a competitive sector alongside other electric SUVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, MG ZS EV, and Honda e:Ny1. The Avenger stands out with its chunky and cute design, featuring classic crossover elements such as the signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and protective cladding.

For now, the Avenger is available as a single-motor front-wheel drive, with a dual-motor 4x4 version planned for the future. It offers 154bhp, 260Nm of torque, and a 54kWh battery that provides a range of up to 249 miles (342 miles in city driving). Charging the Avenger is convenient, with a maximum charging speed of 100kW, allowing for a 10-80% top-up in under 30 minutes. It can also be charged fully overnight with a home wallbox.

Inside the Avenger, there is ample headroom and a spacious boot that expands to 1,053 litres with the back seats folded. However, the cabin features too many black plastic and hard surfaces, and the leather seats in the test car were not very forgiving. The driving position is high, and the 10.25-inch central touchscreen offers shortcut buttons for necessities like climate control, as well as 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 nicely weighted steering. However, there is a lot of pedal travel before the brakes engage, which can affect confidence. The Avenger offers several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Snow, making it versatile for different terrains.

In terms of range, it is estimated that the Avenger can achieve around 200 miles in real-world driving conditions, with even better range in urban environments. It excels in built-up areas with easy maneuverability and good visibility. The Avenger is also equipped with cameras, sensors, and generous cladding to protect against car park dings.

The forthcoming four-wheel drive model of the Avenger will be better suited for off-roading and extreme conditions. It features hill descent control, short overhangs, raised ride height, and impressive approach and departure angles.

The Avenger offers three well-equipped trim levels (Longitude, Altitude, and Summit) and allows for personalization with various decals, body paints, contrasting roof colors, and accessories. Overall, the Jeep Avenger is a highly impressive debut EV from the iconic American brand, offering compact size, cool design, competitive pricing, and ruggedness.

Review in association with www.automotiveblog.co.uk

FutureCar Staff