Frugal Jeep Avenger 4xe is impressive

The Jeep Avenger is the smallest vehicle offered by Jeep, positioned below the Renegade in the brand’s line-up. A subcompact crossover SUV, it has been produced by Jeep since January 2023, mainly for the European market. It uses the STLA Common Modular Platform, closely shared with the second-generation Peugeot 2008.

My latest test drive was in the Avenger 4xe, the all-wheel-drive option in the Avenger range designed to handle on-road and off-road challenges while offering very good everyday practicality.

My review car looked very smart in its Snow exterior with contrasting black roof and windows, rugged-looking front end, bumpers made from anti-scratch material that offers increased protection, 17-inch black alloys with green accents, black side mirrors, sturdy roof rails, and a rear tow hook. Green accents on the front differentiate this car from its non-AWD siblings, while a large black decal on the bonnet reduces sun glare and reflections, aiding visibility for the driver. It all presents, and is, a superb package with the ‘Wow’ factor.

The interior is focused on comfort and space; you sit high and enjoy excellent visibility. An added bonus is the seat material, which is durable, waterproof, and washable, making the cabin easy to clean after muddy, off-road adventures.

The dash features a free-standing 10.25-inch digital infotainment display and a similarly sized driver’s information cluster that is customisable and easy to read at a glance. Thankfully, physical controls provide easy access to key functions including temperature control, demisters, fan, etc, and a volume knob.

Transmission is selected via buttons across the lower dash. The flat-bottomed steering wheel includes remote audio and voice control functions and a paddle shift for manual transmission control, allowing you to shift up or down without removing your hands from the wheel.

Storage options include large front door bins, a decent area below the front armrest, some storage spaces on the central console, and a reasonable glovebox. The rear seats are suitable for two adults to sit comfortably, with very good head and legroom. There is a small transmission tunnel, a USB-C port, and pockets on the front seat backs, but no rear door bins or cupholders. Rear seats can split 40:60.

The boot in the AWD version is smaller than in other variants, with a capacity of up to 325 litres, and the floor is height-adjustable. There is no spare tyre, only an emergency repair kit.

AWD offers extra grip and is beneficial in a family car when dealing with poor weather conditions. The Selec-Terrain system enables you to choose Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand/Mud, or Snow modes to suit different situations, while Hill Descent control provides maximum traction and grip when descending slopes. Ground clearance is higher than the standard model at 210mm, and the Avenger 4xe can ford water up to 400mm deep for off-road adventures.

The MHEV 48V (mild hybrid) powertrain of my 4xe AWD model delivers a total of 136hp, with two 21kW electric motors (one on each axle) paired to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Jeep claims an average fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100km, which I found to be close to the figure during my time with the car.

The Avenger 4xe is available in Upland, Overland, or North Face Edition trims. Upland features include an excellent reversing camera, a 6-speaker audio system, heated door mirrors, Adaptive Cruise Control, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, rear parking sensors, vulnerable road user recognition for pedestrians and cyclists, and wiring prepared for towing. No blind spot monitor, but it is available on higher trims.

The Overland version adds LED tail lamps, velour mats, and privacy glass, along with 360-degree parking sensors (front, rear, and side). The top North Face Edition adds rubber floor mats, gold accents on seats, a Mont Blanc-themed dash, and a branded adventure kit. It also includes heated seats, a hands-free tailgate, and built-in navigation.

On the road, I was able to achieve a comfortable driving position, found the steering quite light with little feedback, but all passengers travelled in comfort. The LED fog lamps include a cornering function, which I find useful. The Snow exterior of my car costs an extra €950 over the base price.

Tested by Euro NCAP when introduced in 2024, the Jeep Avenger (LHD version) achieved three out of five stars in safety ratings.

The Avenger is manufactured at the Stellantis plant in Tychy and won the prestigious European Car of the Year 2023 award.

PRICE: The Avenger petrol manual 6-speed transmission version and eHybrid start from €29,995; the BEV 156hp from €29,995 after SEAI grant and VRT relief; my 4xe Upland costs €39,995, Overland €42,995, The North Face €47,995. Motor tax for my 4xe is €200.