Let’s talk about the Jeep Avenger, which is a significant vehicle for Jeep for several reasons. First and foremost, it marks Jeep’s official entry into the fully electric car market, making it their first-ever electric vehicle. This move aligns with the global trend towards electric mobility and demonstrates Jeep’s commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions.
The Avenger has already made waves in the automotive industry by winning the prestigious European Car of the Year award for 2023. This recognition highlights the Avenger’s exceptional design, technology, and overall performance. Winning such a renowned award puts the Avenger in a league of its own and solidifies Jeep’s position as an innovator in the electric vehicle space.
However, it’s surprising to note that the Avenger will not be available for sale in the United States. According to a Jeep brand spokesperson, the decision is based on the preferences of the US market, which tends to favor larger vehicles in the midsize and large SUV segments. Instead, Jeep plans to launch other all-electric vehicles, such as the Wagoneer S and Jeep Recon, which will compete in the midsize segment globally, including the US.
One distinguishing feature of the Avenger is its focus on urban driving. While Jeep is known for its off-road capabilities, the Avenger is primarily designed for city life. It is a front-wheel-drive vehicle that excels in navigating urban environments, tackling school-side curbs, and conquering speed bumps effortlessly. However, it’s important to note that the Avenger still offers a Selec-Terrain traction control system with sand, mud, and snow modes for those occasional off-road adventures.
Despite its urban-oriented nature, the Avenger’s compact size is one of its standout features. With dimensions of 4,084 millimeters in length and 1,776 millimeters in width, the Avenger is comparable to a VW Polo in terms of size. However, its bluff styling and higher ride height give it a more commanding presence on the road. It strikes a balance between being nimble and spacious, making it an ideal choice for city dwellers.
Speaking of spaciousness, the Avenger surprises with its interior roominess. It offers enough space in the back seats for an average-size adult to sit comfortably behind a front passenger. While the lack of a center rear armrest is a minor inconvenience, the main issue lies with the narrow door aperture and high sill, which can make it slightly challenging to enter the rear seats.
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Avenger holds its own. With a 355-liter boot and shallow underfloor cable storage, it can accommodate most families’ everyday belongings. However, it’s worth noting that competitors like the VW ID.3 and Cupra Born offer more space despite being priced similarly.
It’s important to mention that Jeep is part of Stellantis, a conglomerate that includes various brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and DS. Many of these brands also produce compact electric family SUVs. However, the Avenger stands out from the crowd as one of the first models to feature Stellantis’ new eCMP2 platform. This updated platform includes a larger 54-kWh NMC lithium-ion battery with 51-kWh usable capacity and a new 154-bhp permanent magnet electric motor called the M3 motor. These advancements enhance the Avenger’s efficiency and overall performance.
In terms of real-world power, the Avenger boasts a WLTP range of 249 miles. During a day of testing on various road conditions, including country roads and city streets, the Avenger achieved an impressive 4.4 m/kWh, even with some spirited Sport mode usage. This translates to a real-world range of 224 miles, making it a suitable option for daily commuting and longer journeys.
In conclusion, the Jeep Avenger represents a significant milestone for Jeep as their first fully electric vehicle. While it may not be available in the US market, Jeep’s decision to focus on larger electric SUVs aligns with the preferences of the American consumer. With its urban-oriented design, compact size, and impressive range, the Avenger offers a compelling choice for those looking for an electric vehicle tailored for city living. Furthermore, its recognition as the European Car of the Year for 2023 solidifies its position as a leader in the electric vehicle segment.