Essay-Jeep Avenger (2023): does the car of the year deserve its title

We can discuss a lot about this Jeep, but not its design that cannot deny its ancestry. Although almost full, the grille always has its seven slots, the prominent wheels are trapezoidal and The general line is reminiscent of that of the Grand Cherokee. All around the short bodywork a protection of the rockers which, again, will evoke the outputs excluding bitumen made possible by the ground clearance of 20 centimeters, just like the overhangs particularly reduced to the front as at the ‘back.

Jeep Avenger: our full test and all our figures on the small electric SUV

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Jeep Avenger: our full test and all our figures on the small electric SUV

Designed for and in Europe, the Avenger has everything to become there

Jeep superhero. Our test, doubled from our measures

On the Montlhéry circuit, confirms that Jeep’s electric first deserves its car title for 2023.

With such a name and color, at least one certainty: the last offspring of the Jeep family will put children and those who have remained in the pocket ! Not only is his surname reminiscent of films telling the exploits of the famous band of the fantastic Marvel universe, but our testing is also adorned with the most famous colors of them with his optional Sun painting (€ 750). Iron Man, are you there ? More seriously, this Jeep is not equipped with superpowers but already has everything superheroes for the American manufacturer. Indeed, thanks to this model designed specifically for the old continent and manufactured in Poland, Jeep won for the first time in its history the grail of car rewards, that of car of the year which, you know, the automobile Magazine is one of the nine European members.

The Jeep Avenger car of the year ? It’s not stolen !

In many ways, This title is more than deserved because this Jeep fits with a number of expectations. First, an ideal size for our small downtown alleys. Barely longer than a Renault Clio (+ 3 cm, or 4.08 m), the Avenger is certainly not the smallest Jeep in history (the Willys was 3.33 m !) but it will reassure those who do not have the compass in the eye. It feels good, at a time when the automobile dresses in XXL. Another asset in the Avenger’s Channel is a Jeep, in other words, an original choice in the world of urban SUVs and a label as evocative as they are in the field. This legitimacy, cultivated since 1941 on all the military theaters of the world, the Avenger skillfully cares. Angles of attack and leak records in the genre and generous ground clearance (20 cm), even if it is only here only two -wheel drive, everything gives the impression of being able to take you to the other end of the world by taking the side roads.

Besides, Jeep will also decline it in four -wheel drive 4X. And the Avenger affirms its boy-scout side by nice details like the rear lights evoking an old jerrycan or the face of Mamie Willes, which is found here and there outside as well as on board. And if the dashboard has a most classic drawing, the headband recalling the body color, the simple ergonomics (real buttons, it’s good) and the storage in abundance seduce. And, suddenly, to prevent the first all electric in its history to be synonymous with flop, Jeep has treated his copy.

Sufficient on a daily basis

Without establishing any references among the “Wattures”, the Avenger does not disappoint, offering self -sufficient autonomy for the daily. According to our independent measurement protocol, the Avenger travels more than 350 km in town and 266 km on the road, more than it takes for the Boulot-Dodo round trips. And if, without surprise, it is less brilliant on the highway, where you have to get full before reaching the 200 km mark, leaving not too far on weekends is not unthinkable. On a quick, continuous current, the Avenger indeed supports 100 kW of maximum power, enough to hope, in the best of cases, a big half hour to refuel at 80 %. Either what is practiced on the highway because beyond, the load is much slower. These figures also confirm that the electrical technology of the Stellantis group has progressed in the right direction. With a new engine (produced in France) for this jeep and a battery revised with a useful capacity of 51 kWh. And this proper radius of action is accompanied by a beautiful driving pleasure.

Nice to drive

More than convincing performances but which evolve according to the driving program chosen (the 156 hp are available in sport mode or in recovery during a kick-down), it is the meaning of the compromise that appeals to the wheel of the Avenger. It’s very simple, there are many points in common with the DS 3 e-Tense, starting with a successful damping, which would almost give the impression that this is the same car. Logical, the two share the same technical basis, the CMP, whose particularity, in its 100 % electric version, is to use at the rear a rustic Panhard bar. But, as on his cousin, it is not a handicap for the Avenger. If, like all SUVs, the machine struggles to erase all the flaws of the road in urban areas with more sound than really unpleasant lifts, it shows a good welcome. And do not deduce that this little SUV is in return for a lizard to lead.

Rather agile, giving confidence, with a direction not too filtering but a little less direct than on his cousin of DS, he does not disunte on the first curve came, testifying to a successful compromise. Only shade to this good assessment, this electric suffers from the usual tare of the genre: a response from the brake pedal far from being optimal with the feeling of missing biting and, therefore, a complicated dosage in town over the last meters. To alleviate the phenomenon, a passage in B (for Brake) increasing the strength of regenerative braking is advised.

Last point … the indicator. Evoking that of a rhythm box that would have bugged, its sound (not deactivable) is quickly horrible. But not enough to tarnish a rather flattering assessment and prevent the first car of the year of Jeep, which is also welcoming sufficiently despite its compact template, to vacuum to a box in Europe, especially since Jeep offers its Avenger at a price aggressive. For an electric of of course.

Essay-Jeep Avenger (2023): does the car of the year deserve its title ?

The ultimate European reward, which makes a model the star of the year, is assigned according to very concrete criteria. Price, services, performance… The Jeep Avenger, the first 100 % electric model signed Jeep, advances a devastating look and DNA in the air of time. It remains to be seen how she justifies her laurels. Deserved, really ?

You might as well admit it, we were nothing perplexed by discovering the ranking of the car of the year 2023, announced on the sidelines of the Brussels Show last January. Three electrics on the podium, including two SUVs ! The Jeep Avenger is ahead of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Nissan Ariya. The atmosphere is on battery cars, but still. To believe that the jury had nothing else to put in the tooth, which was almost the case. Nevertheless, the Peugeot 408 would have deserved a little more than a figurative role. It is therefore a small electric SUV that will wear the trophy for this year.

Jeep Avenger, presentation of this 100 % electric model

Somewhere, the jury has chosen the reason. The Jeep Avenger was the most affordable electric candidates, on -board technology does not play the escalation, and the car seems coherent, on paper at least, with its positioning of small versatile SUV with mainly urban vocation, or assimilated use. The Avenger combines the first: first electric jeep, first jeep designed under the Stellantis era, first jeep named car of the year. In general, the title is reflected in a commercial card: the Peugeot 208, 308 and other Volkswagen Golf 7 are a case of school.

A real jeep, but under Peugeot

At first glance, it looks like a cherokee in reduction. At least three sizes below, since from its 4.08 m, the Avenger is much closer to a city car template than to its big brother Renegade (4.25 m). Even among urban SUVs, it is among the most compacts: a Renault Captur measures 4.23, a Peugeot 2008 4.30 m. It is even shorter than the DS3 Crossback (4.12 m), and barely longer than 208 (4.06 m) of which it is a very close technical derivative. Recall that the Jeep Avenger inherits the E-CMP platform, dedicated to the electric compact models of the Stellantis group . So here is the most French of Jeep !

Only 4.08 m long, the Avenger is the smallest Jeep ever produced. The 20 cm ground clearance authorizes to venture into all of which, and three driving modes bring a little more motor skills, in undergrowth or on snow for example.

Good to know: anticipate purchase and resale.

It is possible to know the resale or recovery value of your vehicle thanks to the Turbo auto rating of your Jeep Avenger, the alternative to the Argus coast.

However, we cannot blame him for denying his family. The emblematic grille recalls the 7 openings of its ancestor Willys, and there is a host of nice little winks in the jeep spirit: “easter eggs” or Easter eggs, details hidden by designers in the four corners of Auto. A long view at the bottom of the windshield, a reminder of the Willys in the rear lights or on the rims, a ladybug on the roof. We probably forget.

After these few playful fantasies, the interior presents a very classic arrangement. The storage is quite large and do not lack: under the horizontal dashboard, two compartments in the central tunnel, one of which receives the charger by induction (on higher finishes). The assemblies seem rather strong, the imitation sellerie of our upper version is of good quality, but no luxury on the materials side. Only hard and very basic plastics, for some of Fiat or Peugeot. The screens also take up the menus and the tree structure of what is found in an E-208, for example. The instrumentation is clear is readable, unlike the media interface, a little clogged.

The interior has no particular luxury, but conceals many storage: up to 34 Ls including all compartments. The media interface and instrumentation come from other Stellantis models.

The Avenger remains generally pleasant to live. Preferably at the front, the rear seats being quite limited. No miracle given the dimensions, despite the stretched wheelbase (2.56 m). The doors’ cut is however relatively wide and the guard at the roof suitable to allow two adults to settle there without too many contorts. Same observation on the luggage side, not gigantic (380 l, 355 l above the double – bottom), but the contours are straight and a double floor (absent from the basic finish, damage) brings a little modularity. To store bulky load cables, for example. Under the front cover, no extra “fruit”. In its design and architecture, the Avenger therefore logically presents the same strengths and weaknesses as its Franco-Italian cousins.

On the road: like an all-chemine E-208, better

The Jeep Avenger benefits from recent improvements to the E-CMP Stellantis platform. It’s happy, because the engine set-Battery of E-208s and others is not really recognized for its efficiency and energy performance. The Jeep therefore benefits before the rest of the family of a new 51 kWh useful battery (the capacity hardly evolves but the composition of the cells is optimized), the engine wins 20 hp and now delivers 156 hp in sport mode. Mostly enough to announce good times (9 s from 0 to 100 km/h) and an appreciable punch in reminders. Almost too abrupt for the front train, since the maximum torque instantly tumbles (260 nm). In “normal”, its power is limited (108 hp) but shows an already very correct vigor.

Impossible to detect its French origins: on the style side, the Avenger is an authentic jeep. The contours, the grille and the large wheel arches recall a Cherokee. of pocket.

What is happening at the wheel therefore reserves no surprises, apart from the management feeling, completely erased. Jeep still brought his paw on the chassis, the suspensions of which have been firmed and the tapered shock absorbers. Not to the point of spoiling the overall feeling of this balanced and relatively agile architecture despite a weight. which is nothing city dweller: more than 1.5 tonnes vacuum. Like the other models in the group, the Avenger is a comfortable and reassuring car. Preferably by deactivating the horrible track support, clearly intrusive (but it is not new).

Another peculiarity specific to the Avenger: since it was necessary to make it a “real” Jeep, a certain work was carried out to allow it to put its wheels out of bitumen. Within the limits of what the platform allowed, the ground clearance was therefore enhanced (20 cm), a downhill traction control appears as well as special driving modes (mud, sand, snow). In fact, the system is limited to a simple configuration of the anti-pairing and does not allow a miracle. Small in muddy forest paths, if the desire takes us to repaint it from head to toe, is however possible. Whose act, it was necessary to verify that it was always a real jeep.

Compromises for the price.

The angry subject ultimately ended in an encouraging result: consumption, without standing out, seems to have benefited from the optimizations brought to this engine. Our trial of around 600 km, alternating any type of road profile at dynamic rhythm, ended in an average of 18 kWh / 100 km. The Avenger is therefore not an ace of autonomy, but nevertheless makes it possible to easily consider 300 km on a mixed course, with a little restraint (and not in winter !)). To reach the 400 km promised in mixed cycle (550 km in town being optimistic), it will be necessary to venture as little as possible on a fast track. Fatal, as always, in autonomy.

In Spain and Italy, Jeep also offers the Avenger in petrol with the 1.2 PureTech. But not with us, at least for the moment. To lower the call price and grab some sales, things can evolve.

The recharging power, on the other hand, remains set at 100 kW in fast load DC (10 to 80 % in approximately 25 minutes). It’s modest: most rivals do better. But as customers are satisfied with a daily use confined a few tens of kilometers around the home, what good is ? The car would have been more expensive. On a classic 11 kW terminal, a full load is carried out in just over 5 hours. And do not wait for a route planner, this kind of subtlety is often reserved for much more upscale electric cars.

This relative technical simplicity allows at least to avoid a surge in prices. Failing to be really affordable (this is the work of the Dacia Spring), the Avenger is rather well placed among its group cousins ​​and closer rivals: 36.€ 500 at the entry level (before bonus of 5.000 €), to be compared to the 39.€ 400 of an Opel Mokka-e and a Peugeot E-2008. These being significantly larger, the jeep is actually without direct competitor in small 100 % electric templates. The Hyundai Kona, being renewed, will further climb a notch in dimensions and prices, no doubt.

At this price, we are satisfied with rather reduced equipment. Simple 16 “sheet metal rims, basic fabric but already a media interface with carplay and Android Auto connection. To have the reversing radar, alloy rims and double trunk floor, the following finish Longitude requires 1.€ 500 supplement. A notch higher, the endowment becomes more interesting at altitude, with adaptive regulator, 17 “rims and electric tailgate in particular (40.000 €). Our Summit test model, the top of the range, includes 360 camera, LED headlights and 18 “. But then reached 42.500 €.

The trunk displays an average volume (355 l without the double bottom), rather correct for a reduced template. Too bad: no storage under the front cover, to get rid of cables for example.

Technical characteristics Jeep Avenger (2023)

Jeep Avenger in a few figures
Prices	from 36.500 euros (excluding bonuses)
Power	156 CH
0 to 100 km/h	9 s
Mixed autonomy announced (WLTP)	440 km (raised: 300 km)
Battery capacity	51 kWh (net capacity)
Complete technical sheet – Jeep Avenger

• – General approval, comfort
• – Presentation, look
• – Correct chronos
• – Interesting all-all skills

• – Average load performance
• – Rear habitability
• – Basic version equipment
• – 100 % hard plastics !

We did not expect revolutionary prowess on the part of the Jeep Avenger, given its technical origin, and it was not anyway in its intentions. For its first electric model, Jeep especially tried to make a copy without big reproach notable, in line with its role as a small urban SUV (almost) general public, and strong of a formidable asset: its sympathy capital ! The look can often make a lot of things forgive.

Jeep Avenger test: the “car of the year 2023” she really deserves its title ?

First electric jeep, first jeep selected by the jury of the car of the year, first Jeep to win this trophy. This is a great promise of a new proposal on the market ! So, does this Jeep have as much under the hood as Tony Stark, Thor and Hulk gathered ? We took the steering wheel in its high -end version, called Summit.

Launched on the same E-CMP platform as the Peugeot 208, the Jeep Avenger is The smallest of Jeep ever produced Since the legendary Willis. With its 4.08 meters long, it only exceeds its nearby Peugeot 208 cousin two centimeters. However, to properly claim her DNA from a line of backpackers, she is 10 centimeters higher, with 1.53 m under the height. In short, here we are on paper in the presence of an SUV all that is more city dwellery and, moreover, it was designed specifically for the European market. And in addition to inaugurating a new genre, it also takes on the new electric-bachelor-bachelor of Stellantis, namely A block made in France 156 horsepower (115 kW) and A 54 kWh battery capacity (51 kWh useful).

Design: a real jeep

We can discuss a lot about this Jeep, but not its design that cannot deny its ancestry. Although almost full, the grille always has its seven slots, the prominent wheels are trapezoidal and The general line is reminiscent of that of the Grand Cherokee. All around the short bodywork a protection of the rockers which, again, will evoke the outputs excluding bitumen made possible by the ground clearance of 20 centimeters, just like the overhangs particularly reduced to the front as at the ‘back.

Thanks to this, the angles of attack (20 degrees) and flight (32 degrees) allow It is up to the Jeep to overcome the majority of obstacles. In addition, the base is flat and reinforced, which fulfills the double protection function of the battery and the engine while improving aerodynamics. Believe it or not, This small SUV thus claims a CX of only 0.23. Certainly, for the majority of customers and customers, this paraphernalia will first be used to avoid cable the car in certain maneuvers in town. Customers who, no doubt, will appreciate More than 150 personalization options from Avenger, In particular the black roof associated with sympathetic bodywork colors, but also many original accessories (drools, grille rings, mirror shells, hut, side and roof stickers, stainless steel doors, etc.).

Inside, we find the Jeep universe, but in a less pronounced way. Little Jeep surprises above all the presence of many storage (until 34 liters)). The dashboard also offers one which, all in length, also evokes the support handles that could be found on the big brother Wrangler. Speaking of support handles, only the front passenger benefits from one, which is a bit chick. Other downside, The space at the back is so narrow that it is impossible to comfortably install a team of superheroes in this Jeep Avenger. Joke aside, this comfort item really lacks.

On the atmosphere side, the pretty metallic yellow that crosses the plastic part that hosts the aerators brings a nice guity note in A rather dull environment. The fabric upholstery is comfortable and the jeep embossing recalls that we are in a SUV, knowing that a leather set is offered as an option (€ 1000).
If the rear passengers can be a little tight if they are adults, the trunk offers A respectable volume of 355 liters. Depending on the finish, this volume will be of a single piece or modular using a tablet which allows in particular to use the bottom of the trunk to store the load cable.

The Jeep Avenger offers what is necessary for equipment, no less no less

Regarding instrumentation and orders, the majority are based on a double screen. The 100 % digital instrument door combined consists of a 10.25 inch slab, seconded by a second, also 10.25 inch, placed in the central part.

If the interface of the infotainment system is modeled on that of the E-208, we regret not find on this Jepp the latest developments announced on the Peugeot E-2008. Indeed, No 360 ° cameras on the Avenger, Which is a shame for a little backpacker. Little Jeep will have to be satisfied with a 180 ° reversing camera and front and rear radars for maneuvers. We will salute on the other hand Direct access to air conditioning and heating functions, As well as the button which allows you to quickly access the deactivation of the support for maintaining the path which, if we forget, is immediately too intrusive.

The rest of the equipment is rather satisfactory with:

• Automatic air conditioning
• Heated front seats
• A door opening device and key without key
• A hand-free electric tailgate
• LED room lighting
• one induction charger and three USB sockets, including two USB-C.

Carplay and Android Auto connectivity is wireless. Be careful however, we managed to establish the connection with our iPhone only in wired during our test.

Good point for the central vacuum, or rather for its magnetic lid which, like iPad protection, consists of several rigid parts which fall on each other to stay either open or closed. Last remark, the noise emitted by the indicators, a kind of electro beat, is surprising to say the least and, as All these quickly annoying artificial noises. In any case, he makes us regret the simple and discreet traditional click-clack.

Sadly driving on the road, joyful off-piste

Even if the E-208 struggles to claim the road touch of its line, it is nonetheless a well-designed car with a completely suitable chassis. The Jeep Avenger therefore started on a good foundation, which were of course adapted to the requirements of a SUV. The suspension, in particular, was therefore hardy and the damping laws reviewed. The significant mass having regard to the template of the car, 1.5 tonnes all the same, does not prohibit some agility, although the feeling that dominated our rolling on the beautiful roads of Champagne was above all The absence of sensations. We can see the glass half full by considering that if driving on the road does not provide any particular pleasure, it is not marked by any inconvenience linked to the car itself either.

For the practice at all ways, Jeep added his paw to the usual modes of behavior found on the Stellantis platform (Eco, normal and sport). Thus, the selector also allows you to select Specific selec-terrain modes (snow, sand, mud) which act only on the laws of traction control, the Avenger not being for the moment proposed onlyIn two-wheel drive version (in the front). Note also the presence of Hill Descent Control System (downhill control) which allows the car to manage alone the evolution in down on the sliding grounds. The principle is as follows: Once this mode has been selected at the top of the slope, the driver passes the selector from the pace to the neutral, drops the brakes and lets the electronics manage the evolution, of light brakings allowing to create small mounds earth under the wheels to avoid sliding and advance in peace. All-terrain followers-and we too, at the same time ! – will have to Wait for the 4 × 4 version who, we have been assured, will be available next year and should offer more advanced off-piste evolution programs.

New engine, new battery

The Avenger is also the first Jeep to exploit the new engine-battery set of Stellantis, which offers 156 horsepower and 51 kWh of payload. If the engine – and in terms of its battery – is manufactured in France, it is not this characteristic that interests us the most, but its sobriety highlighted by the automotive group. Jeep advances for the Avenger in the Summit finish a Consumption approved by 15.7 kWh/100 km on the WLTP mixed cycle, allowing the car to theoretically reach near 400 km of autonomy on the road and 570 km in an urban environment. In fact, on our very hilly and all representative course of a large number of daily driving conditions, we have consumed on average 15.4 kWh/100 km, or slightly below approval. Rather not bad, considering that we have not specifically sought eco-driving.

The 54 kWh battery recharges up to 100 kW On the fast terminals and 11 kW on public terminals thanks to its on -board charger which does not require an option to collect this level of power. A good thing. The domestic charging cable which allows you to connect to a simple 220V socket, He is offered as an option to 329 euros. In rapid mode, the load therefore theoretically allows Recover 80 % capacity in 24 minutes and starting from a 10 % level.

By driving, the Avenger only offers two recovery bearings, namely that of Drive mode (D), rather light, and that of the Brake mode (B) which simulates a classic engine brake, without causing deceleration excessively strongly. Counter-point of this device, The deceleration cannot go to the full stop, as with a “one pedal” mode. The rocking between the two modes (B and D) is done at the level of the speed selector, Jeep not offering for that control over the wheel. We regret it, the game between these modes being part of the playful aspect of the driving of an electric vehicle.

The test of this Jeep Avenger in any case allowed us to note that this new engine-battery duo seems more effective to gain autonomy during the deceleration than with the previous system. The improvement is therefore sensitive on all points: consumption and regeneration. What is not proposed by Jeep, however, is an integrated route planner. The driver will therefore have to trust his experience, or to a third -party A Better Route Planner, Map or Plugshare application. For recharging, on the other hand, Jeep offers access to the Free2Move network.

Balance sheet

Proposed from 39,000 euros, The Jeep Avenger has for her to constitute a market segment on her own. Small Electric SUVs with urban dimensions are indeed nonexistent in the catalogs of manufacturers, and even a Toyota Yaris Cross – which is satisfied with a classic hybridization and which does not have the attours of the Jeep to evolve out of bitumen – is 10 centimeters longer. Our test version, Summit, is accessible from 43,500 euros, out of bonus. Even without competition, it remains expensive, but after all, everyone does not need – or cannot assume – a much larger car, but not necessarily much more expensive. At any rate, The Jeep Avenger was rather pleasant to live (in the front !), economy in electricity and its drawing brought it out of the lot.

Final test note: Jeep Avenger

Not really given, the smallest of Jeep dearly sells a profile as atypical as attractive. If its driving on the road does not provide any particular emotion, its possibility of evolving in any way will be an asset for certain customers.

• Successful design
• New engine-botter torque well born
• Interior atmosphere

• REAR PLACES IMPOSED
• Some equipment gaps