Jeep Avenger Electric

The first all-electric car from Jeep mixes a compact footprint SUV style. Richard Gooding discovers that the Avenger Electric also has near-superhero levels of efficiency

What is it?
The Jeep Avenger has a lot resting on its squared-off shoulders. Carrying the flag for the US brand’s first all-electric car, it is also the company’s first dedicated car designed and built in Europe, for European drivers. The compact crossover is already a winner of multiple awards, the most important of which is the 2023 European Car of The Year accolade. Available in ICE, mild hybrid and all-electric forms – with a hybrid four-wheel drive 4xe version imminent – the Avenger is built on the same family of Stellantis CMP and e-CMP platforms as numerous models from Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

What range does it have?

Using the very same powertrain as the Vauxhall Astra Electric, the Jeep Avenger Electric comes with a 54kWh (gross capacity, 51kWh net) lithium-ion unit battery. This gives the compact crossover an official WLTP combined test cycle range of up to 249 miles. 

How long does it take to charge?

Similarly to other Stellantis group cars using the Avenger Electric’s powertrain, a 0-100 per cent battery charge takes a little over eight hours, but connect the Jeep to an 11kW public charger, and you can expect a reduction in charge time of around two hours. A refill from 20-80 per cent takes just 27 minutes on a 100kW DC rapid chargepoint. All electric Jeep Avengers have an on-board 11kW AC charger as standard, as well as a heat pump.

How does it drive?

Despite being only available with front-wheel drive, the Avenger enjoys the rufty-tufty, go-anywhere styling shared by other cars in the Jeep family. A ‘slotted grille’, distinct, enlarged wheel arches, and a raised ride height give it a true baby off-roader look, and when finished in bright colours such as the Lake Blue of our test car, or Sun Yellow – with an optional coloured dashboard insert – the 4.08m-long Jeep cuts a striking dash.

The interior has a simple design, but it works effectively and ergonomically. Material quality for the price is slightly disappointing, with a hard plastic dashboard top and door cards. The rocker-type air conditioning switches under the touchscreen work well, though, and while some functions are still in the menu – such as the heated seat controls – you don’t have to navigate buried menus. A 355-litre luggage space should give ample space for your stuff, too.

The Jeep Avenger Electric drives very nicely, with well-contained body movements. It feels more like an elevated hatchback rather than a small SUV, and six driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Snow, and Mud – let you choose how the Jeep responds to your driving situation. Eco throttles back the power quite noticeably but on a slow motorway that’s fine, while Sport makes the car more fun to drive along a windy road. A comfortable ride and suspension that deals well with rutted, muddy and wet roads with no detriment on comfort or poise, along with a decent turn of speed, make the Avenger Electric an amiable everyday companion.

The Jeep’s official efficiency is around 4.0mpkWh, but we averaged 4.7mpkWh over the duration of our 900-mile test in a range of mixed driving conditions. As in the Astra Electric

What does it cost?

The Jeep Avenger Electric family is straightforward with that one battery option, and three trim levels to choose from. The £34,999 Longitude is the entry level model, and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, rear parking sensors, cruise control, keyless start, rain-sensing wipers, a seven-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.25-inch colour infotainment screen. The mid-spec Altitude is priced from £36,699, and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a rear USB-C charging port. Finally, the £38,899 Summit, as tested here, adds features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog and rear lights, auto-dimming headlamps and rear view mirror, heated and power-foldable door mirrors, a ‘hands free’ powered tailgate, rear privacy glass, adaptive cruise control, rear and surround view cameras, and wireless smartphone charging.

All Jeep Avenger Electrics are fitted with an all-terrain mode selector which has six specific driving settings to deal with different terrain conditions, as well as hill descent control for maximum traction and grip on rougher surfaces.

How much does it cost to tax?

Electric vehicles are currently exempt from paying VED charges in their first and subsequent years of registration in the UK, so the Avenger Electric naturally attracts no charge. The Jeep crossover has a 2024-2025 tax year Benefit In Kind (BIK) value of two per cent.

Why does my fleet need one?

With over 100,000 units of all versions now produced, there is no doubting the Jeep Avenger’s popularity. It’s easy to see why it appeals; great looks, a technologically abundant cabin, a compact size for urban driving, fun to drive dynamics, and excellent efficiency. It’s a winner in many areas and fleet drivers will find much to enjoy with this cheery and characterful crossover.