Stellantis invited CarSauce to check out the all-new Jeep Avenger in person before its official release in the second half of 2024, and of course we obliged.
The Jeep Avenger is a curious one for us, being marginally bigger dimensionally than a Mazda 2, an electric car and FWD only (for now, anyway).
However, getting hands on with the all-new Jeep Avenger has made us look forward to the new addition in the range, but also remain slightly skeptical. Here’s everything you need to know!
Exterior and ‘Off-Road’ Credentials
Let’s first start with the ‘Why?’. Which is quite simple, Jeep is going fully electric, and the Avenger is the first fully electric model from the brand.
In Europe, which is its major market, Stellantis reckons it will be a hit - a compact electric mini-SUV with decent range - so it’s a natural business case first step.
Speaking of mini, it’s deceptively small:
- Length - 4084 mm
- Width - 1776 mm
- Height - 1528 mm
- Wheelbase - 2562 mm
That means it’s only 20 mm longer than the very compact Mazda 2.
However, it doesn’t feel that small - which is an important characteristic.
In fact, this is one very handsome looking SUV, with the very cliche but good looking boxy design, and more easter eggs than we could possibly mention (however, watch our full walkaround review to learn more!)
Knowing that car nuts like myself would poke fun at a FWD essentially hatchback Jeep based on a similar platform to that of the Peugeot e-2008, Jeep has actually made some offroad additions to the Jeep Avenger.
It comes with hill descent control, underbody skid plates, and a range of terrain modes including Snow, Mud and Sand.
Jeep has also provided some off-road dimensions for the Avenger, with Jeep saying it has the highest ground clearance in its segment at 200mm, with approach, breakover and departure angles of 20, 20 and 32 degrees, respectively.
The whole car is covered in what Jeep calls ‘360 degree protection’, which is essentially prolific use of scratchy black plastic material which is easier to replace than painted panels.
The 18” alloy wheels are a nice touch, while trying to remain as aerodynamic as possible to allow for a better drag-coefficient.
In terms of rear looks, its relatively basic - though the taillights have a cool ‘x’ design which we’re told is a throwback to the ‘x’ symbol on old jerry fuel cans.
What’s under the bonnet of the new Jeep Avenger?
Although we are not sure of all final details, we do know the Jeep Avenger will be available in Australia with a single choice of drivetrain and battery pack.
The electric Avenger uses a 115kW/260Nm electric motor mounted at the front wheels and a 54kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery.
Claimed electric range is 400km on the stricter WLTP cycle, while the Avenger has a 400V electrical system and supports DC charging at up to 100kW.
How much will the all-new Jeep Avenger cost?
Although we don’t know pricing yet, we do know it will launch in 3 trim levels: Longitude, Altitude and Summit.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed, however if we use British pricing the AUD pricing is as below:
- Jeep Avenger Longitude: $68,100 AUD (£35,700 GBP)
- Jeep Avenger Altitude: $71,300 AUD (£37,400 GBP)
- Jeep Avenger Summit: $75,500 AUD (£39,600 GBP)
Alternatively, if pricing is similar to that of its relative Peugeot e-2008 - offered in a single high-spec - you can expect pricing at starting at $65,500 AUD drive-away.
What’s the interior like of the Jeep Avenger?
The interior of the Jeep Avenger is funky, but probably falls under-the-mark if priced where we speculate.
Still, living up to the Jeep badge, there are plenty of storage areas on the interior and colour matched body panels which does add a lot to the aesthetics of the interior.
The 10.25” infotainment display is a huge upgrade versus most Jeep products of recent years.
Running Android Automotive - note this is different to the smartphone mirroring ‘Android Auto’ - the display is very responsive and has plenty of functionality to it, including wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Up in front of the driver is either a 7” or 10.25” digital display, depending on trim grade.
We noticed that much of the switch-gear and design is shared with the Fiat 500e we also recently reviewed, which is unsurprising considering both are small EVs developed under the Stellantis umbrella.
At 5’10”, I had plenty of room up front which was a slight concern of mine considering the very compact dimensions.
The seats were comfortable for the short period of time I spent in them, although they are a cloth design which some may find a little on the ‘cheap end.
The benefit of cloth however is in summer they remain much cooler than leather, or even faux leather, so I am quite partial to them.
Again, it’s a decent interior space with plenty of nifty storage solutions - including the folio style center storage - however depending on final price point it could feel a little underwhelming.
What about the back seats of the Jeep Avenger?
Again rear seats are surprisingly comfortable despite the compact nature of the Jeep Avenger.
I could fit behind myself with enough leg-room, head-room and toe-room.
The lack of rear air vents however was noticed, though perhaps the close proximity to the front seats will mean rear occupants will still get plenty of airflow.
We’ll reserve judgment until we can undertake a comprehensive review on the launch of the Avenger!
How much boot space does the Jeep Avenger have?
The Jeep Avenger receives a roomy boot, which I know I must sound like a broken record, but is very impressive at its size.
The boot space is 380 litres seats-up, 1,053 litres with the rear seats folded down.
What is CarSauce’s initial take on the 2024 Jeep Avenger?
Although the Jeep Avenger is very much a case of jumping on the popular and growing small EV SUV bandwagon, it’s an interesting and frankly welcome first attempt.
The looks are striking, and present a lot of fun little easter eggs if you know where to look.
The interior is mostly okay, but depending on price, that will really affect our ultimate verdict.
Internationally, where the Jeep Avenger has been launched, we note it has been received with mostly positive reviews. So it will be interesting to see how this new electric car fairs when it hits our roads next year! Stay tuned.
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