You might think of Jeep as a maker of big, thirsty SUV, but in recent years this brand has been radically changing any preconceptions.
In fact, there’s only one Jeep still sold without an electrified powertrain, the Wrangler, with hybrid versions of the Renegade and Compass already on sale, and there will be a new Grand Cherokee launching later this year, and exclusively as a plug-in hybrid.
But ahead of that, Jeep is jumping headfirst into electrification with the electric Avenger. Let’s find out what it offers.
It’s Jeep’s first EV
As we’ve mentioned, Jeep has quite quickly electrified much of its line-up, but until now there has been a vital missing link – an EV. But the Avenger successfully addresses that, arriving as the firm’s first all-electric model.
It’s a model that’s been designed, engineered and produced solely for the European market too, with its underpinnings coming from the wider Stellantis group, and being shared with cars like the DS 3 and Peugeot e-2008.
Good range, using a new powertrain
Range remains a key talking point on EVs, and the Avenger doesn’t look to disappoint, with Jeep claiming it can achieve 250 miles from a charge, which is a good figure for a car of this size.
The powertrain is also a new one for Stellantis, and features a 54kWh battery paired with a 154bhp electric motor. When using a 100kW rapid charger, it can also be charged in just 24 minutes from 20 to 80 per cent battery capacity.
Still tailored to off-road use
Jeep is renowned for its off-roading models, with the firm producing some of the most capable 4x4s ever made. While the Avenger won’t be challenging the Wrangler off-road, it’s still been engineered to have greater go-anywhere capability than other cars in its class.
The front-wheel-drive Avenger is the first to be equipped with Jeep’s ‘Selec-Terrain’ system, which offers six different driving modes, including ‘Snow’ and ‘Sand’ modes. It also offers the most ground clearance of any car in its class. Jeep has also confirmed that a four-wheel-drive model will follow in the future.
Arrives as Jeep’s smallest model
The Avenger also arrives as Jeep’s most compact model when it hits dealers in the middle of the year. At 4.08m long, it’s 16cm shorter than the Renegade and is ideal for use around the city, which Jeep is targeting.
Despite its compact size, Jeep has still given the model its rugged and imposing design language, with short overhangs and big wheels amplifying its size. Standard equipment on the 1st Edition model is very generous too, including 18-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint, an electric boot and 10.25-inch HD touchscreen.
It’s already been voted as European Car of the Year
But the proof is in the pudding, and the Avenger has already proven its worth by being crowned as the 2023 European Car of the Year.
Voted by a panel of 57 motoring journalists from across 22 different European countries, this Jeep managed to fend off favourites such as the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, Nissan Ariya and Kia Niro to take the clear win in the coveted awards.
