First Drive - EV Review - Jeep Avenger
Review: Electric Jeep Avenger
What is it?
Think of Jeep and we’ll imagine that you’re drawing up images of big, heavy four-wheel-drives transversing difficult terrain. However, we’d probably reckon that you wouldn’t be thinking of a relatively compact electric vehicle.
But that’s exactly what the Avenger is. It’s a car that is set to push Jeep into the electrified age while also incorporating some of the brand’s time-honoured features. We’ve been finding out what it’s like.
What’s new?
Underneath the Avenger sits a platform which is shared with many vehicles in the wider Stellantis brand. Cars like the Vauxhall Mokka Electric and Peugeot e-2008, for example, also make use of this setup, which means that it’s already quite tried-and-tested before its application in this new Jeep.
However, this isn’t a case of cookie-cutter car design. Jeep has extensively re-engineered the Avenger to suit its own requirements, improving its off-road potential while also implementing chunkier bumpers which are cheaper to repair if they get damaged.
What’s under the bonnet?
At the moment, the Avenger uses a single-motor setup driving the front wheels, though we’ve been assured that an all-wheel-drive version is on the way too. For now, this setup develops 156bhp and 260 - pretty modest outputs in the EV world. Thanks to a 54kWh battery, though, the Avenger will manage up to 248 miles from a single charge.
Plus, a 100kW charging speed means that you could manage a 0-80 per cent top-up in just under 30 minutes. Connect to a typical 11kW home charger and a full top-up will take five and a half hours.
What’s the electric Jeep Avenger like to drive?
The Avenger brings nicely square proportions to the table, which means that when you couple these with a relatively compact size overall, it’s immediately a car that is easy to get up to speed with. The steering is relatively light, while the turning circle is small enough that quick U-turns can be completed with ease.
There’s enough performance for most occasions, though we feel that the Avenger could just do with a tiny bit more power. Having said that, for nipping around town or through city traffic it’ll prove to be more than sprightly enough.
How does it look?
Jeep has managed to successfully transfer some of the look and feel of its iconic off-roaders into this new electric vehicle. It’s a far chunkier car in the metal, too, and despite having a small footprint actually makes quite a big presence out on the road. The traditional seven-bar grille - which has been a feature since the original Willy’s Jeep - is present and correct, while around the back there are ‘X’ design rear lights which hark back to the petrol tank strapped to the sides of the iconic model.
You’ve got plenty of eye-catching colours to choose from, too, shunning the current trend towards greys and whites.
What’s it like inside?
There’s been a real effort to squeeze as much space from this platform as possible with the Avenger and we reckon it’s been a success. The boxy shape means that it’s able to offer plenty of headroom, while legroom isn’t half bad either. There are all manner of cubbies and storage areas dotted throughout the cabin to help keep things tidy, too.
There’s a 380 litre boot to play with in the Avenger as well, while a split-level design means you’ve got somewhere to store the charging cables when they’re not in use. It’s handy that the boot lip has been trimmed in a hard-wearing plastic so it’s less susceptible to damage as well.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the Avenger start from £34,800, putting it mid-table in the EV segment. There’s plenty of standard equipment for the money, mind you, with highlights such as a 10.25-inch infotainment system and separate digital driver’s display really helping to up the ante when it comes to technology.
Jeep has cleverly ensured that there are a number of physical controls that are easier to use than delving into a display, too, such as the heating and ventilation functions.
Jeep Avenger Verdict
The electric car segment is broadening by the day but even despite a number of accomplished rivals, the Jeep Avenger stands out from the crowd. There’s plenty of on-board equipment, but it’s the practicality and roominess of this car which shines through.
For everyday driving, it’ll prove ideal while the dual-motor version which is in the pipeline will no doubt satisfy those potential owners who are after a little extra power. For the latest leasing offers, check out our latest Jeep Leasing Deals here.
