Jeep’s smallest SUV, the Avenger, has been turning heads across Europe since its debut in 2023. It had garnered more than 200,000 orders in the old continent within two years, piquing the interest of Jeep fans worldwide.
We got to experience the Avenger 4xe (hybrid all-wheel drive) at the 2025 Auto Zurich show, and it’s clear that it represents Jeep’s global shift toward electrified mobility, though it remains absent from the U.S. and Canadian model lineup.
Design
Designed and built in Europe, the Avenger is the most compact Jeep yet, measuring 160.6 in long and about 69 in wide, smaller than the Renegade by roughly a foot. Despite its size, it retains Jeep’s hallmark design cues including the seven-slot grille, squared wheel arches, and short overhangs that work for its approach and departure angles.
Depending on the variant, styling details vary slightly. The e-Hybrid gets 16- to 18-inch wheels and color-molded skid plates, while the 4xe version gains roof rails, green accent trims, skid plates, and tow hooks. The 4xe’s ground clearance reaches 8.3 in (210 mm) and its off-road angles improve to 22 degrees approach, 21 degrees breakover, and 35 degrees departure.
Interior
Inside, the Avenger feels surprisingly spacious for its footprint. The cabin offers practical storage solutions totaling 34 liters (1.2 cu ft), along with a 10.25-inch central infotainment display and a matching digital cluster. Premium trims get more features like leather upholstery with massage function, a hands-free liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof.
Technology & Features
Every Avenger variant features a fully digital cockpit, Selec-Terrain system, and Hill Descent Control. Advanced driver-assistance features include Level 2 autonomous driving capability, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360° camera system.
New for MY25, Jeep has introduced a ChatGPT-based co-pilot integrated with the Connected Navigation suite. The AI companion gives the driver route suggestions, off-road tips, and even cultural insights.
Trim levels vary slightly by powertrain, with Longitude, Altitude, and Summit forming the core lineup. The 4xe also comes in Upland, Overland, and the limited-run The North Face Edition, which includes outdoor gear and design cues inspired by Mont Blanc’s 4,806-meter height.
Experience in the Avenger
Ingress in the Jeep Avenger 4xe is straightforward thanks to traditional door handles and the compact SUV’s raised stance. Once seated, I found the driving position easy to adjust despite the manual seat controls. The front seats offer solid back and under-thigh support, and even with the sunroof, headroom is sufficient for my six-foot frame.
The steering adjustments are also manual, but once positioned, visibility and comfort are good. The seat height adjustability and supportive headrests make the cabin accommodating for drivers of different builds.
Cabin quality is functional, as expected from a small, economy-focused Jeep. Hard plastics are evident in the dashboard, but the layout is smart and practical. I appreciated the presence of physical buttons for HVAC functions and a tactile volume knob. The center console houses button-type drive selectors, a deep storage bin, and a wireless charger. The compartment’s foldable lid, which closes in stages like a tablet cover, is a clever touch. USB ports and a power outlet are also conveniently placed.
Moving to the rear, entry is simple, and given the vehicle’s shorter height, even children should reach the integrated handles easily. Once inside, it was immediately clear that legroom is tight for tall adults. With the front seat adjusted for my height, I had almost no knee space. Headroom is acceptable, but the upright seatback and lack of recline would make long rides uncomfortable. Rear amenities include a USB port and adjustable headrests, but the bench is best suited for kids or shorter passengers on short trips.
Powertrain & Specifications
Gas & e-Hybrid
The Avenger lineup covers nearly every propulsion format Jeep currently offers. The entry-level gas model uses a 1.2-liter turbo engine with a manual gearbox. Above it sits the e-Hybrid, which pairs a 1.2-liter engine with a 21 kW electric motor integrated into a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This 48-volt mild-hybrid setup produces 100 hp, offers regenerative braking, and enables low-speed all-electric operation for up to 1 km (0.6 miles). Fuel consumption drops by as much as 20% versus a conventional automatic, and CO₂ emissions are as low as 111 g/km on the WLTP cycle.
Electric
The fully electric Avenger delivers 156 hp and 260 Nm (191.8 lb-ft) of torque from a 400-volt system powered by a 54 kWh battery. It achieves up to 249 mi (400 km) of WLTP combined range, or 342 mi (550 km) in city driving, and can add 18.6 mi (30 km) of range in just three minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger.
Weight is kept low at around 3,300 lb (1,500 kg), in a bid to offer responsive handling on both city streets and light trails.
Hybrid AWD
The newest variant, the Avenger 4xe, expands the range with a hybrid all-wheel-drive system. It combines a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine with dual 21 kW electric motors, one on each axle, for a total output of 145 hp.
A 22.7:1 rear axle reduction ratio allows for up to 1,900 Nm (1,401 lb-ft) of rear-wheel torque, enabling 40% grade climbing on gravel and water fording up to 15.7 in (400 mm). It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds and tops out at 120 mph (194 km/h).
Why It Misses Out in the U.S.
The Avenger fits snugly into Europe’s B-SUV segment but doesn’t match the U.S. market’s size and power expectations. Positioned below the Renegade, it would overlap with entry-level crossovers already offered by Stellantis.
Moreover, it’s built in Poland on Stellantis’s e-CMP2 platform, which isn’t localized for North America. The company’s U.S. electrification push appears to focus on range-extender models (EREVs) mainly in the higher segments.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
