The Jeep Avenger, the brand’s first fully electric car, has recently expanded its range with a new mild-hybrid option for the European market. The Avenger e-Hybrid combines a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with a 48-volt electric motor and a dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions than the conventional petrol version. The Avenger e-Hybrid also features a new Open-Air Sky Roof option, which allows the driver and passengers to enjoy the fresh air and the view of the sky with the touch of a button. This article will look closer at the Avenger e-Hybrid and compare it to its rivals and the fully electric Avenger.
What is the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid?
The Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid is a mild-hybrid version of the Jeep Avenger, a compact electric SUV that debuted in 2023. The Avenger e-Hybrid uses a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 99 hp and 205 Nm of torque, paired with a 28 hp and 55 Nm electric motor integrated within the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The electric motor is powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery under the rear seat. When needed, the battery can be recharged by regenerative braking or by the petrol engine.
The Avenger e-Hybrid can drive in EV-only mode for up to 1 km at speeds below 30 km/h, as long as the battery has enough charge. It can also park with the engine switched off, using only the electric motor. The mild-hybrid system helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 15% compared to the non-electrified equivalent, according to Jeep. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a WLTP-rated fuel consumption of 5.1 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 111-114 g/km.
The Avenger e-Hybrid has three trim levels: Longitude, Altitude, and Summit. The Summit is the top-of-the-range model with 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED lights, privacy glass, ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The Avenger e-Hybrid also offers a new optional feature called the Open-Air Sky Roof, which consists of two glass panels that can be opened or closed electrically, creating a large opening above the front and rear seats.
How does the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid compare to its rivals?
The Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid competes in the crowded segment of small electric and hybrid SUVs, facing some formidable rivals. Some of the most popular models in this category are the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia Niro EV, the Peugeot e-2008, the Renault Austral, the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X, and the Volkswagen ID Buzz. How does the Avenger e-Hybrid stack up against them?
One of the main advantages of the Avenger e-Hybrid is its off-road ability, which is rare among its competitors. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a high ground clearance of 200 mm, short overhangs, and a sophisticated traction control system with different sand, mud, and snow modes. It also has a hill-descent control and a decent break-over angle, allowing it to tackle rough terrain easily. The Avenger e-Hybrid can also ford water up to 230 mm deep, which is impressive for a small SUV.
Another strong point of the Avenger e-Hybrid is its design, which is distinctive and appealing. The Avenger e-Hybrid combines the classic Jeep cues, such as the seven-slot grille and the round headlights, with a modern and progressive style. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a blocky and rugged shape but without being too aggressive or bulky. The Avenger e-Hybrid also has some clever details, such as the body protection that protects the lamps and the painted sheet metal from scrapes or the hidden Easter eggs that reference the brand’s history and heritage.
However, the Avenger e-Hybrid has some drawbacks, especially compared to the fully electric Avenger or some of its rivals. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a relatively small battery capacity of 50.8 kWh, which limits its electric range to 244 miles on the WLTP cycle. This is less than the 249 miles of the fully electric Avenger and more than the 300 miles or more of some of its competitors, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric or the Nissan Ariya. The Avenger e-Hybrid also has a modest performance, with a 0-62 mph time of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph. This is slower than the fully electric Avenger, which can do 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds and reach 124 mph.
Another weakness of the Avenger e-Hybrid is its interior quality and usability, which are not up to the standards of some of its rivals. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a spacious and comfortable cabin, with enough room for five passengers and a decent boot capacity of 355 liters. However, the Avenger e-Hybrid also has some cheap and scratchy plastics, a narrow rear door aperture, and a high sill, making it difficult to access the back seats. The Avenger e-Hybrid also has a touchscreen infotainment system that is not very intuitive or responsive and lacks some physical controls for the climate and audio functions.
Finally, the Avenger e-Hybrid is not very affordable compared to some of its rivals. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a starting price of €28,900 ($32,500) in Italy, which is higher than the €26,900 ($30,200) of the Peugeot e-2008 or the €25,900 ($29,100) of the Renault Austral. The Avenger e-Hybrid is also more expensive than the fully electric Avenger, which starts from €27,900 ($31,300) in Italy. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a generous equipment level and a five-year warranty, but it may not be enough to justify the premium.
Is the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid worth buying?
The Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid is a good option for those looking for a small SUV with a mild-hybrid system, a distinctive design, and a decent off-road ability. The Avenger e-Hybrid offers lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than the conventional petrol version and a smooth and quiet driving experience. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a spacious, comfortable interior, a new Open-Air Sky Roof option, and a strong brand image.
However, the Avenger e-Hybrid is not the best choice for those looking for a fully electric SUV, a high-performance SUV, or a cheap SUV. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a limited electric range, a modest performance, and a high price compared to some of its rivals and the fully electric Avenger. The Avenger e-Hybrid also has some issues with its interior quality, usability, and accessibility, which may affect its appeal.
Therefore, the Avenger e-Hybrid is a good, but not great, small SUV. It has some strengths and weaknesses that make it hard to recommend over its competitors. The Avenger e-Hybrid may be suitable for some buyers, but not for all. The fully electric Avenger, or some other electric and hybrid SUVs on the market, may offer a better value and experience.
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