Jeep Avenger
FIRST DRIVE Stellantis know-how makes Jeep’s first EV a success
IN the same way we never expected to see the likes of Ferrari and Aston Martin build an SUV, a Jeep with little true off-road prowess could be considered sacrilege in the eyes of brand purists around the world.
And yet, with the compact SUV segment now the second-biggest in Europe, and Jeep looking to extend its low and zero-emission reach in key markets, it’s using all of parent company Stellantis’s platform know-how, launching its first EV with two-wheel drive.
Jeep’s smallest model uses Stellantis’s latest tech, which means a 54kWh battery for a maximum range of up to 248 miles (245 on models in Summit trim). That’s less than cars such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, but still competitive.
Charging is, again, on par with most rivals, but not class-leading. The 100kW maximum speed is still enough for a 20-80 per cent top-up in 24 minutes, though.
The Avenger is a compact car – one of the smallest in its class, in fact. At 4,084mm long, it’s 126mm shorter than a Nissan Juke, and 216mm shorter than the Peugeot 2008, despite sharing that car’s basic platform. The Jeep’s tiny front and rear overhangs, wide track and significant 200mm of ground clearance give it a chunky look, while inside the Avenger feels roomy – even for adults over six-feet tall.
There is loads of headroom, and legroom is adequate; few crossovers are as spacious in the rear. The 380-litre boot matches the load space of some family hatches, and a one-metre-wide opening helps practicality.
Quality is good, and the layout is logical. You can even colour-code the dash to match the exterior paint. Jeep claims there are 34 litres of storage in the forward cabin, with the cubby underneath the central screen particularly useful. It’s accessed via a tabletstyle magnetic cover, and in top-spec cars, hides a handy wireless phone charger.
The infotainment system is a big improvement on older Jeep tech. At 10.25 inches, the screen is a good size, and it’s responsive. Standard-fit wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure the car’s connectivity is on point, too. Thankfully, the climate controls sit on a row of piano-style buttons underneath the main display.
Jeeps have often compromised their on-road manners for good ability off road in the past, but the Avenger’s dynamic ability is genuinely impressive. Despite that generous ground clearance, the inherently stiff structure and firm suspension mean
the car’s body control is very good. And it doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.
The steering could do with a bit more weight and feel, but the upside is a car that’s super-easy to drive around town. Further to this, in an urban environment, the 154bhp motor feels punchy. It’s only on motorway slip roads or when overtaking that the Jeep can feel a little short on shove.
The brake regeneration isn’t strong enough to allow for one-pedal driving, but it slows the car sufficiently, while Jeep claims it can send enough energy back into the battery to extend that 245-mile range up to 360 miles in slow-speed, stop-start traffic.
It may have just one motor – a 4xe allwheel-drive car is coming in 2024 – but Jeep hasn’t totally neglected the Avenger’s competence off road. In addition to the usual Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes, there are Mud, Sand and Snow settings, as well as a hill-descent system. Our experiences were limited to lightly rutted, dusty tracks, but we’d wager the Avenger will be fine on wet or slippery terrain.
The line-up is relatively simple. Prices start from £34,800, with a trio of trims on offer. Even entry-level Longitude models get 16-inch alloy wheels and automatic LED lights, plus climate control and that 10.25inch display. Altitude (an extra £1,700) brings a larger digital dash, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and a powered tailgate.
Top-spec Summit cars like ours (from £39,100), get Level 2 driver-assist functions, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated seats and a reversing camera, among other extras.
“This is a car that’s super-easy to drive around town, where its 154bhp motor feels punchy”