Jeep Avenger: the brand’s first electric SUV

At the 2022 Paris Motor Show, we had our first look at Jeep’s first-ever battery-electric vehicle, the Avenger.

It is a compact SUV positioned beneath the Renegade, developed specifically with the European market in mind. It marks the start of an electric offensive that will see four electric models launched in Europe by 2025.

The Jeep Avenger is also notable as the first model to use the CMP platform (formerly PSA), albeit in an updated form. It shares this architecture with other Stellantis models, including the Peugeot 2008 and Opel Mokka.

The first electric Jeep

The Avenger is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 115 kW (156 hp) and 260 Nm of torque - the same unit unveiled in the Peugeot e-308.

It also adopts the new 54 kWh, 400 V battery from the e-308 and the updated DS 3, manufactured by Stellantis. Made up of 17 modules and 102 cells, it uses NMC 811 lithium-ion chemistry (80% nickel, 10% manganese and 10% cobalt).

Located beneath the front and rear seats, the battery provides a WLTP range of 400 km (550 km on the urban cycle).

Using a 100 kW Mode 4 cable (direct current), the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 24 minutes. With an 11 kW Mode 3 cable (alternating current), a full charge takes 5.5 hours.

Can the Jeep Avenger handle rough tracks?

As a Jeep, the Avenger aims to be the segment’s most capable model off-road, despite initially being offered with only two driven wheels.

Even so, Jeep has, for the first time on a two-wheel-drive model, fitted the Selec Terrain and Hill Descent Control systems. The former features six modes: “Normal”, “Eco”, “Sport”, “Snow”, “Mud” and “Sand”.

Further strengthening its credentials, the Avenger claims the greatest ground clearance in its segment, at 200 mm. This is supported by approach, departure and breakover angles of 20º, 32º and 20º respectively.

For “peace of mind”, the underside of this B-SUV is shielded by protective plates, helping to prevent battery damage when tackling more demanding obstacles.

Space and plenty of technology inside

Open the door and you find a clean, even minimalist cabin, defined by the presence of two screens - a 7-inch or 10-inch instrument panel and a 10.25-inch central display - plus a horizontal strip incorporating every air vent and… plenty of storage.

In total, there are 34 litres of storage distributed throughout the cabin, from the centre console to the dashboard “shelf”. There is also a compartment beneath the automatic transmission controls, covered by a folding magnetic lid, which can charge a smartphone while also accommodating a 1.5-litre bottle.

Jeep also quotes 380 litres of boot capacity - 29 litres more than in the Renegade - while lowering the load floor height to 720 mm to make loading and unloading easier. On this subject, the American brand also highlights a boot opening more than one metre wide, as well as hands-free electric operation.

In terms of connectivity, the new Avenger naturally comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, supports over-the-air updates and uses the Jeep Mobile app. Among other functions, this allows users to locate the vehicle and check the battery charge level.

The Jeep Avenger also offers a comprehensive array of driving assistance systems, enabling Level 2 autonomous driving.

When does it arrive?

The new Jeep Avenger will be the first of at least three new Stellantis models to be built in Poland, at the Tychy factory, where the combustion-engined Fiat 500 and the Lancia Ypsilon are currently produced.

Its market launch is scheduled for April 2023, although the Jeep Avenger Launch Edition, the special launch version, will be available to reserve on the brand’s website between 2 November and 30 November.

It stands out by being “packed” with equipment. Features include two-tone paintwork - Sun with a Volcano roof or Granite with a Volcano roof - or full Volcano paintwork, 18-inch alloy wheels and fully LED front and rear lights.

The cabin is enhanced by multicolour ambient lighting and a yellow dashboard fascia; black heated seats with yellow accents; a heated windscreen; an automatically opening hands-free tailgate; among other features.

The Jeep Avenger Launch Edition is priced at €39,500.