Review: 2024 Jeep Avenger Limited
Posted in Vehicle Reviews
Review: 2024 Jeep Avenger Limited
The Avenger is Jeep's first foray into all-electric powered vehicles and it's certainly an interesting step for the offroad-oriented automaker.
A far cry from the brand's core offering, we're excited to see if the Avenger and battery-electric vehicles have a place in the Jeep lineup.
We recently spent the weekend with the mid-spec Limited trim (there are three trims to be exact) to see how this city-sized EV handled the streets of Brisbane.
What are our first thoughts?
Quite possibly the smallest vehicle to come out of Jeep, the Avenger is a compact SUV styled fittingly for the Jeep brand with the iconic seven-bar grille. It's quite possibly the best-looking iteration of the Jeep grille in our eyes, with its smouldering gaze that alludes to its future-forward powertrain.
We also loved the Sun Yellow/Gold paint of the Avenger that we test-drove - it's the halo colour for the new model which suits it immensely well.
Stepping inside, the interior is a reasonably simple setup. Still, the first thing we noticed was the unique gear selector in the form of a horizontal button across the centre console - it's the first we've seen in this configuration.
The seats are far more plush than Avenger's more rugged Jeep siblings although a touch smaller to fit into the pint-sized SUV.
How does the Avenger drive?
Across the range, the Avenger is powered by a 115kW/260Nm electric motor which in EV terms is on the smaller size however we found this to be to its benefit. It seems like the ideal output to scoot this lightweight EV along smoothly without the jerkiness you can experience in many other electric cars.
The Avenger certainly doesn't handle like a traditional Jeep - in a good way. Its effortless steering combined with deft agility thanks to its short wheelbase serves it well as an urban-oriented commuter.
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How practical are the Avenger's storage capabilities?
For a vehicle of its size, we were pretty happy with the boot space on offer. The flat floor is broad and square enhancing the usefulness of the space, plus the extra compartment under the floor is perfect for hiding away charging cables or other valuable items.
The power tailgate was also a great addition, especially in the mid-spec Limited where other automakers may gatekeep this luxury for top-spec models only.
Up in the front of the cabin, storage capabilities come in the form of an unusual yet reasonably practical centre console bin that sinks deep down to the floor. It's a great space to store a small handbag while driving but a bit odd if you just have a few loose items like your phone, wallet and keys as you'll feel like you're reaching elbow-deep into a magician's hat trying to retrieve them.
The wireless phone charger is also located in this storage bin which provides a decent incentive to avoid picking up your phone while driving as it's an awkward reach.
How practical is the Avenger's battery power?
In terms of EV range, the Avenger sits around the middle of the pack with 396 kilometres available on the WLTP standard for the mid-spec grade that we drove as well as the base model, Longitude. Surprisingly, this is better than the competing grades in some of the most popular models in the segment like the BYD Atto 3, MG MG4, and Hyundai Kona Electric.
Recharging the Avenger is also quite reasonable with the ability to go from 0-100% on an 11kW AC charger (that you can install in your home) in just over five and a half hours.
Put it on a 100kW DC fast-charger at the servo and the Avenger will shoot from 20-80% in under 25 minutes.
How comfortable is the Avenger?
Each grade of the Avenger features its unique seat upholstery so while we didn't experience the "Digital Jane" fabric seats of the Longitude, nor the leather-accented seats of the Summit, the TechnoLeather found in the Limited were ideal.
We weren't sure what TechnoLeather was either but, after some research, it turns out it's Jeep's eco-friendly leather alternative that's more durable and easier to clean while maintaining the feel and looks of genuine leather.
While the front seats were comfortable, we were a bit disappointed that the power-adjustable driver's seat was only exclusive to the top-spec Summit and not the mid-grade Limited we were driving. The Summit has a suite of extra features for the driver like a heated and massaging seat with 8-way power adjustable options.
Second-row space isn't terrible for a car of this size and is certainly manageable for a few children, however, it does get a bit tight for adults.
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How safe is the Avenger?
The list of driver safety assistance systems in the Avenger isn't as extensive as it could be which has affected its potential to score top points for the ANCAP safety ratings (it finished with 3 out of 5 stars).
However, all grades do well to protect the Avenger's occupants with six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for vulnerable road users, lane keep assist, blind spot assist, driver attention assist, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and rear parking sensors. Front and side parking sensors are added from the mid-spec upwards, as well as lane centring and traffic jam assist as a part of the adaptive cruise control system.
We're keen to see upgrades to this system that provide more protections for other road users - technology such as AEB junction assist, and improvements to the AEB for vulnerable road users.
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How connected is the Avenger?
The Avenger is well-equipped across the range in terms of connectivity and entertainment with all grades featuring the same dual 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, both USB-A and USB-C charging ports and Jeep's connected services.
What Jeep easter eggs can be found in the Avenger?
A staple of any Jeep model is the iconic easter eggs hidden around the vehicle and the Avenger is no exception. They've gone to town with the easter eggs - we won't tell you where they are but we'll list off all the ones we know of for you to go searching yourself.
Depending on your trim, there are two or three Willy's Jeep grille elements scattered around, as well as a ladybug, a mountain silhouette, a silhouette of a boy with a telescope with stars elsewhere to complement him, and a compass with a real set of coordinates.
How much does the Avenger cost?
The Avenger range starts from $55,186 drive away for the Longitude trim in a choice of six colours (Sun Yellow and Lake Green are our favourites by far).
The mid-spec Limited that we drove is priced at just over $60k while you can take home the range-topping Summit for $66,386 drive away. These two trims gain extra colour options including two-tone options with a Volcano Black roof.
There's a range of accessories available to spice up your Avenger including bonnet and grille decals or some electric blue wheel accents that look stellar contrasting with the Sun Yellow paint option.
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What do we think of the Avenger overall?
Overall, the Avenger a unique yet appealing offering from Jeep. It's hard to say how it will fair as it won't appeal to traditional Jeep owners however it does have the chops to compete effectively amongst the smaller electric SUVs on the market.
The main sticking point for EV buyers will most likely be to do with where it's coming from - an American off-road automaker. If potential buyers are looking at a compact SUV, we'd suggest they don't pass up the opportunity to check out the Avenger in their searches.
If you're considering an Avenger or are looking to go electric, drop into the Motorama Jeep showroom and speak to the team or book an Avenger test drive today.
