JEEP Avenger (2023 - 2024)

Jeep has unleashed its first all-electric model. It’s called the Avenger - a name that needs to live up to plenty of hype and high expectations. After all, the New Avengers was the action-packed show that launched Dame Joanna Lumley’s TV career and, in more recent times, the Avengers name is related to all things superhero and Marvel Comics.

But is the Jeep Avenger something to Marvel at? Well, we will see as we take it for a test drive in Italy. 

With all-terrain ability true to the Jeep name, this front-wheel drive, five-door compact SUV combines performance with efficiency with a driving range between charges of up to 248 miles (341 miles in the city). An extra 18 miles can be added to the range in just three minutes – that’s the average daily commute and is also less time than it takes to drink a cuppa.

It has a powerful, eye-catching design and the smart cabin is packed with technology. It also covers all the practicality bases, but will this Jeep have what it takes to compete in such a fast-growing and competitive sector?

In some countries the Avenger will be offered with a petrol powertrain, but that version will not go on sale here in the UK. And the Avenger 4x4 will be launched at some point too.

The Jeep design team have stayed true to their roots in creating the new five-door Avenger with the trademark seven-slot grille that is curved in shape for improved aerodynamics. The headlights are encased for added protection from knocks and that also applies to the rear fog lights and reflectors. And, also at the rear, are the X-themed taillights that took their inspiration from the look of WWII fuel cans.
Floating C pillars, a contrasting roof colour, rear door handles that are flush to the body and striking 18-inch alloys complete the look.
There is a wealth of protective cladding around the trapezoidal wheel arches, bumpers and doors along with skid plates that are a natural colour so won’t be prone to scratches.
Move inside and the interior is modern and clutter-free with lots of light filtering through into the cabin. The dashboard features a single horizontal beam that includes all the air vents and there is ambient lighting plus a centrally-positioned 10.25-inch colour touchscreen which is the nerve centre of the car.
On-board tech is plentiful with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, TomTom navigation, a digital driver information display (also 10.25 inches), along with conventional buttons and switches for the climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, heated seats and lots more besides.
On the downside, the edges of the door pockets and a number of surfaces beneath the steering wheel feel quite sharp to the touch.

While you would expect any vehicle carrying the Jeep badging to be able to cope with off-road terrain and challenges, it’s worth remembering that the Avenger is not a hardened 4x4. It is, in fact, front-wheel drive.

But it is still capable of conquering a number of tricky surfaces and has the likes of Hill Descent Control along with off-road settings called Snow, Sand and Mud.

So, it will venture away from the Tarmac, but is an accomplished drive on standard roads too. The ride is nicely cushioned and, although the steering errs on the lighter side, it still offers ample driver feedback.

The acceleration through the single-speed automatic transmission is both smooth and responsive with ample pace out the starting blocks. The car is powered by a 54kWh battery (51kWh usable) with a 156bhp motor delivering 269Nm of torque. It can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 9.0 seconds, topping out at 93mph.

Drive modes called Eco, Normal and Sport really do alter the handling quite considerably and, thanks to its kerb weight of less than 1,500kg, it’s a nimble little vehicle with bags of grip on twisting roads. The regenerative braking can be increased by pressing a B mode to recoup any energy that would otherwise be lost.

We tested the car on a fast track with lots of twists and turns, along with long hill climbs and it was certainly up to the challenge with ample grip and power on tap at all times.

We also took it on a rather gentle off-road course where slippery mud trails were easily overcome,

Driver visibility impresses and another plus-point of the Avenger is its refinement with the suspension set-up tuned for handling both on and off road. 

Admittedly all EVs are quiet, but occupants inside the Avenger are well protected from any increased road rumble and wind noise. And there’s no annoying whining or beeping sounds that soon become quite an irritant on some rival cars.

With Level 2 autonomous driving, it is almost possible to autonomously drive in traffic using the adaptive cruise control with lane cantering and Traffic Jam Assist that slows and speeds up the car when needed.

At 4.08 metres in length, the Jeep Avenger is 16cm shorter than the Renegade and is the company’s most compact vehicle. It is being viewed as an entry point for new customers. 
Up front it’s easy to get a comfy driving position with manual seat and steering wheel adjustment. And although the Jeep Avenger has five seats, space in the back is realistically only suitable for two occupants. If the front seats are pushed well back, legroom gets quite tight but it would be ideal for three children.
The boot can swallow 380 litres of goodies with the seats in an upright position. Drop them flat and that capacity increases to 1,000 litres, but there is no extra storage space beneath the bonnet.
The boot entrance is wide and the loading lip is low for convenience. It has a practical adjustable floor and the double-sided mat can be washed so muddy boots and the likes can be transported without any fuss.
Elsewhere there are plenty of storage compartments conveniently positioned around the cabin. These include a non-slip tray that spans two thirds of the dashboard, a huge storage area beneath the central console that has three large compartments with separators that can be adjusted, door pockets and cup holders. 
With some off-road terrain in mind, the Avenger has 200mm ground clearance and it has short overhangs to help with 20-degree approach and 32-degree departure angles. The 10.5-metre turning circle helps keep the car nimble in city surroundings.
Charging the Avenger to 80 per cent takes 24 minutes via a fast charger.

The Jeep Avenger line-up in the UK consists Longitude costing £34,800, Altitude £36,500 and Summit priced at £39,100. At launch there was a limited-run 1st Edition model costing £36,500 and that’s the car we tested. 
Customers simply choose the model they want, decide if they want to add any extra packs and then select from a wide choice of colours with optional decals to fully personalise the vehicle.
While the Government has withdrawn any incentives to buy electric cars these days, there are still financial rewards to be gained. For example, the Jeep Avenger will be able to travel through Congestion Charge and low emission zones without any fees.
In addition, the zero carbon emissions results in a very attractive Benefit in Kind tax rating for business owners of just two per cent.
Despite the increase in electricity prices in recent months, an EV can still work out more economically viable that an ICE car, especially if it can be charged overnight when many tariffs are lower. 
In addition, with fewer moving parts, servicing and any repair bills should be less expensive. The insurance groups for the Avenger are still to be announced.

All in all, the Avenger, which is the first Jeep to be designed and manufactured in Europe, is a very bold move and will most certainly get the brand’s name out there. But there is a lot of competition in the fully electrified compact SUV sector, much of which comes from the Jeep’s fellow siblings.

However, the Avenger does seem to offer something a little bit special. It has a unique look that helps it stand out from a crowd and does everything that’s asked of it. And that makes this Polish-built car quite the all-rounder.

In addition, Jeep has announced that the Avenger spearheads the introduction of four all-new, all-electric vehicles in Europe by 2025. Exciting times ahead.