I had a chance to spend more than a week with the smallest in the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid lineup and cover almost two thousand kilometers. And in short, this kid turned out to be more talented than it seemed at first.
In general, the idea that a Jeep can be so small and dressed up somehow does not fit in the mind. It seems that it was brought here by marketing and is a displaced Fiat 600. It’s as if they put a bunch of «easter eggs» on it, which should remind you of belonging to off-road genetics, painted branded outlines on its face, installed a higher body and called it a «jeep». And most people think so. They are partly right and partly wrong.
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Contradictory similarities
Of course, this tiny Jeep is like a hodgepodge of different ingredients, which were not bad on their own, but together they give a new flavor. Avenger is based on the same CMP/e-CMP platform as Peugeot 2008, Citroen C3, Opel Mokka, but unlike some of them, it is offered in hybrid and electric versions. So far, these are only front-wheel drive versions, although an all-wheel drive version has already been announced, so let’s wait for details.
Another borrowed part is the three-cylinder 1.2 PureTech gasoline engine produced by Stellantis. Everything seems to be familiar to us from other models of the concern, but there are significant differences. This is the latest version of this unit, codenamed EB2LTEDH2, and the main differences are the change from a wet belt to a chain in the timing drive and the changed geometry in the turbocharger to increase performance. In total, this unit produces 100 hp and has a torque of 205 Nm.
An electric motor with a capacity of 21 kW (28 hp) is powered by a 0.89 kWh battery consisting of lithium-ion modules and liquid-cooled. The battery is located under the left front seat. This allows you not to take up space in the luggage compartment, and also has a good effect on fuel economy due to the absence of unnecessary heating, and much less cables are used.
Our hybrid version of the Avenger also has a new eDCT transmission with two wet clutches with six stages, also from the French, at the heart of the hybrid system. The new generation of this box was developed by a joint venture between Punch Powertrain and Stellantis. Its features are that it is aggregated with an eMotor electric motor, an inverter (Vitesco) and a TCU (Transmission Central Unit).
This hybrid straddles the line between a mild MHEV and a plug-in hybrid PHEV. The design does not resemble Toyota, Honda, or Nissan at all. It’s not a parallel hybrid, but it does allow for some electric driving.
Technically, the system is complemented by a 48V belt starter (Valeo) and a DC voltage converter that combines a high-voltage battery with a 12V battery. Thanks to this combination, both batteries can complement each other, for example, if the car has been parked for a very long time and the stored energy in the main battery has been lost. So with Avenger you will definitely forget about the skill of «cigarette lighter». And the belt starter works more on restarting the engine because the e-Hybrid system takes over the starting start.
Relevant pedigree
Still, the exterior of the Jeep Avenger has many branded features: from the typical seven-section grille protected by a headlight housing, plastic protective bodywork around the body perimeter, large wheel arches, to a 200 mm ground clearance and short overhangs that provide good geometric cross-country ability.
The entry/exit angles are 19/32 degrees, respectively, and the ramp angle is — 20 degrees. Of course, you shouldn’t go into the sand on it, but it can handle light mud once or twice, and it can also overcome difficult descents/ascents. Yes, it has not only a snowflake system, but also a system of controlled movement from the slope (Hill Descent Control), which is rare in this segment.
Combined versatility of the Jeep Avenger
There will be no aggressiveness in the behavior of the «avenger». The similar name is just a marketing gimmick: it promises a lot, but in fact has rather mediocre performance if you believe the characteristics. The maximum power of the hybrid unit is only 128 hp, and acceleration to the first 100 km/h is 10.9 seconds. If we consider anything over 11 seconds to be a good indicator, then the Avenger falls just into the last place.
I had a short business trip to Bukovel during the test of this little Jeep. Fortunately, the test car turned out to be a hybrid, not an electric one, so I was happy to be able to cover 700 km quickly and comfortably. Of course, it would have been more interesting with an electric train, but also more difficult because the declared 400 km in reality on the highway turns into 300 km at best. Four stops of 1.5 hours will be mandatory, and the road from 9 hours will turn into a 15-hour quest for charging.
The seemingly small car with close to cubic outlines a priori does not have perfect aerodynamics. There is not much space in it, and the hybrid loses its economic advantages at cruising speeds. But it turned out to be the opposite. The Jeep Avenger lost all reminders of its genetics and looked like a practical B-class hatchback as soon as it started moving.
You quickly feel the dimensions behind the wheel, and it is easy and confident to maneuver in traffic. The small size is only a plus, allowing you to quickly change lanes, easily break off from traffic lights and deftly overtake those who are slow. The suspension works out bumps well and swallows even «speed bumps». Of course, it lags in terms of drive and does not give such driving pleasure as, for example, Toyota Yaris Cross or VW T-Cross. Even the Ford Puma gives much more pleasant sensations. Only the Avenger has its advantages besides the price, and one of them is the hybrid system.
The engine in the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid always starts in electric mode, so you can’t miss it, only from the dashboard you will know that the car is ready to move. Starting, slow driving, and jerking in traffic jams allow you to use the energy of the battery exclusively. You can even adjust and try to keep the car in electric mode longer. Graphics on the dashboard allow you to monitor the operation of the hybrid system. However, you won’t notice the engine start exactly, it bursts into action quite loudly.
The manufacturer claims that the electric motor is about 20%, but I managed to increase this figure to almost 25% in the city. The main thing is to use recuperation more often, as well as the force with which you press the accelerator. This has a good effect on fuel consumption, and the figure almost did not exceed 5.6 liters even in a fairly dynamic driving style.
The city dweller also performed well on the highway. The rectangular face, flat hood, and high ride height are not the best companions for a fast, comfortable ride, but it turned out that the aerodynamics here are like those of a regular hatchback (0.338x). The Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid rides smoothly, holds its course well, and demonstrates surprisingly modest body roll in corners. You will not find any wiggling in the lane up to a speed of 150 km/h.
The steering wheel is moderately elastic with adequate feedback and quite informative. Adaptive cruise keeps the course, lane, and reminds you to be vigilant. After two hours of driving, the car will remind you with a message that it’s time to rest. You can, of course, ignore it, or you can stop, drink coffee and stretch your legs. I think the massage option would be appropriate if you drive long distances a lot, especially since it is available in the maximum equipment.
I didn’t listen to the advice and took the good road through Chudniv and Liubar — and it was a strategic mistake. If you are going to the Carpathians, I do not advise you to go there. The absence of trucks and beautiful scenery will be complemented by the simple absence of a road in the areas after Chudniv for about 30 kilometers, and then there will be several more. So you will have to slow down and time will be lost. It is better to go through Rivne and Ternopil on wide and fast roads.
The suspension in the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid is standard for this class: independent MacPherson type in front and a beam with stabilizers in the rear. But the settings are straightforwardly impressive. It seems that you have to try very hard to break through this suspension, or even cause discomfort. It can’t boast of softness, but it’s not hard either. As if designed to smooth out potholes, it swallows road seams and light pits well. However, you should still slow down on bumpy roads because 18-radius tires with a rather modest profile won’t last long on tired roads.
Speaking of wheels, it’s worth noting that in our case there will be no spare tire because there is an optional JBL audio system, where they did a very good job with the sounds. The space in the luggage compartment under the double bottom is given not to the tire, but to the subwoofer.
Driving at speed should have significantly increased fuel consumption because the electric motor is hardly used, but this is not the case with the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid. The electric mode was switched on while driving downhill, while rolling, simply by holding the accelerator in one position. As a result, the fuel consumption for the entire trip to Bukovel was 5.8 liters per 100 km. That is, a 44-liter tank is enough to cover 650-700 km. Not bad performance for a mild hybrid.
It reminded me of its pedigree far in the mountains, when I just wanted to get off the road into a picturesque area. And here you realize that all that universal component that is the basis of the «Avenger» is well synchronized with decent cross-country ability. No, this is not an SUV, but it can do a little more than the same classmate Peugeot 2008 or Citroen C3 Aircross. Moreover, Jeep even offers different settings for the hybrid Drive Mode system: Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud and Snow.
Simplicity and practicality of the Jeep Avenger
The genetic code is read more inside the cabin than outside. It’s not just the logo on the steering wheel and the small branded badges that can be found on the front panel, or the hidden boy looking through the spyglass on the windshield. There are many different shelves and pockets. The signature shelf in the front console was preserved as a reminder of the historical heritage and is still a great and convenient place to store small items. A large, deep niche was made in the center console where there is a wireless charger for a smartphone, and you can put many different things. Convenient cupholders with interchangeable walls allow you to put a thermos of any size.
I never got used to the gearshift buttons. They’re a bit of a fancy trick. Only Citroen indulges in this. You always have to look before you press reverse or forward, parking or neutral. In a hurry, it’s a very inconvenient thing, a lever would be much more appropriate. However, it freed up a lot of space.
A separate panel with buttons was also allocated for climate control — it’s always more convenient than a sensor. You can quickly adjust the temperature, airflow, or switch the mode. Of course, the single-zone climate is typical for this class. The settings are duplicated on the 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen monitor in the center. And there’s a lot of room for personalization here, from setting up a profile with colors to setting up shortcuts on the screen, which turned out to be a very useful feature.
Of course, the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless even as standard, and there are two of them offered to us: Altitude and Summit with a difference of just over a hundred thousand hryvnias. The main differences are in the presence of LED optics, adaptive cruise, the number of cameras and parking sensors, and the absence of interior lighting that can change color and decorates the rather laconic overall appearance of the interior.
Don’t expect any nice and expensive materials to be used — everything is quite restrained, even in the leather interior. Only plastic does not reek of cheapness and looks decent. The combination of materials is restrained and does not cause unnecessary irritation. Everything in this small car is somehow at a decent level, even compared to the older Jeep Compass.
A nice steering wheel, six-way electric driver’s seat adjustments, an adjustable armrest with storage space. There are three types of ports for charging gadgets in front: USB, Type-C, 12V, and another Type-C for rear-row passengers. Heated seats and windshield are standard in all trim levels.
The 10.25-inch instrument panel can be customized to the driver’s liking with buttons on the end of the turn signal and wiper levers. You can set it to view the hybrid system or the on-board computer information, or to use a scale to display the speed and revs. Of course, it has a branded topographic map as wallpaper. But you won’t find a compass or a device that measures the horizon — at the wrong level. The main color preferences can be set on the main display in the personalized settings.
The most impressive feature from Jeep is an optional JBL audio system. It not only offers good sound through the speakers, but also changes the entire system. So instead of the click of the turn signals, you’ll hear a beat, a melody for an unfastened belt. Only safety systems will signal the danger loudly and unpleasantly. However, there is a sacrifice to this sound — the subwoofer takes up the floor space.
The rear row space is a weak point for a compact. While there is plenty of room for a family of three and a dog, it will be too small for a comfortable trip for adults in the back. The 380-liter trunk has several storage levels, which is convenient and allows you to hide more than just one container. There are hooks for attaching a net, hidden niches on the sides, even a 12V socket. Compared to its classmates, we can say that the Jeep is barely in the middle. For example, Toyota Yaris Cross offers 390 liters, Skoda Kamiq — 400 liters, and Renault Captur has as much as 536 liters. Only the Nissan Juke has a smaller trunk.
Conclusions and positioning
The Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid is the smallest and most affordable of the entire Jeep lineup. Avenger has a character that brings it closer to its big brothers. And it can be the fulfillment of someone’s desire to own a Jeep. Despite sharing a common basis with the Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka and Citroen C3 Aircross, it is still very different from them and looks exactly like a modern compact SUV should look. And even without all-wheel drive, it demonstrates good off-road performance only thanks to its ground clearance, overhangs, and energy-intensive suspension.
The price tag of UAH 1,061,400 ($25,742) makes it quite competitive. Among the advantages are efficiency, modern appearance, and environmental friendliness. Cheaper will be, for example, the Suzuki Vitara with a mild hybrid drive and a price tag of UAH 979,000. The Skoda Kamiq will offer more space, the price will be at the same level as the Avenger, although it offers only gasoline engines. Nissan Juke will be slightly more expensive and also offers only gasoline engines. The Toyota Yaris Cross has similar fuel consumption and hybrid engines, but its price will be higher.
In my opinion, the Jeep Avenger allows you to discover the world of the brand without delving into off-road characteristics. It is able to cover all the necessary needs of a city dweller and even allow you to travel off-road. It is easy to organize picnics and get to wild beaches with it, the main thing is not to get carried away.
PROS: efficiency and environmental friendliness, high ground clearance, suspension, compactness, stylish exterior, and interior storage space.
CONS: space for the rear row, speakers would be nice, intrusive and loud security system notifications.
Technical characteristics of the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid Summit
| Body, type | SUV |
| Dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 4084/1808/1536 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2557 |
| Declared ground clearance, mm | 200 |
| Trunk volume, liters. | 380/1277 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1288 |
| Engine | 1.2L e-Hybrid |
| Power, hp. | 100 |
| Torque, Nm | 205 |
| Electric motor power, kW | 21 |
| Torque, Nm | 55 |
| Type of drive | Front |
| Pendant | Independent MacPherson / torsion beam |
| Transmission | 6DCT |
| Dynamics 0-100, s | 10,9 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 184 |
| Fuel consumption, l (mixed) | 4,9-5,1 |
| Cost, UAH | from 1 061 400 |
| The cost of the test car, UAH | 1 172 600 + options |
| Competitors | Toyota Yaris Cross |
| Nissan Juke | |
| Peugeot 2008 | |
| Renault Captur | |
| Skoda Kamiq |
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