Jeep Avenger | charismatic fully-electric small SUV impresses

The transition of the new vehicle market away from petrol and diesel to electric is providing some unexpected moments.

These include new entrants into the UK market such as Ora and BYD, while an iconic muscle car name is now being used for a fully-electric SUV.

So what of Jeep, that iconic American brand best known for its brash, terrain-conquering large petrol-engined off-roaders?

Well, it has just launched a fully-electric B-segment SUV – Avenger – which has all the qualities needed to make it a hit in the company car and salary sacrifice sectors.

The range’s starting P11d price of £34,745 for the entry-level Longitude model means that, with a 2% benefit-in-kind tax rate, drivers can access the vehicle for a monthly company car tax bill of only £12.

While this will be persuasive enough for some motorists, the car’s appeal should be further boosted by it being hugely charming, likeable and capable.

Avenger marks a couple of firsts for Jeep: it is its first European designed and built model, as well as its first BEV: it will be followed by three more fully-electric models by the end of 2025.

Despite it is breaking new ground for the brand, it is still unmistakably a Jeep. It features a number of the brand’s familiar styling features, such as the seven-slot grille, while the extremely short front and rear overhangs, black plastic cladding and 200mm of ground clearance give it a chunky and rugged appearance in keeping with Jeep’s off-road heritage.

Under the skin, it benefits from the EV know-how and technology of the brand’s Stellantis parent company, including using its new e-CMP2 modular electric platform.

This technology helps gives the Avenger a WLTP range of up to 248 miles from its 54kWh battery, for an impressive efficiency of 4.03 miles/kWh.

The standard onboard charger can deliver up to 100kW in DC, which corresponds to going from 20% capacity to 80% in 24 minutes, and 11kW in AC. This allows a 0-80% charge in five-and-a-half hours.

Jeep says the Avenger’s efficiency is aided by the aerodynamics and lightness of the vehicle: it weighs in at only 1,500kg.

This is reflected in the driving experience. It feels nimble and light on its feet, particularly around town, and although the steering may lack the feel and weight of sportier handling cars, it is good for this type of vehicle.

Three modes for day-to-day driving are available: sport (which provides the full 154bhp), normal (which caps power at 107bhp) and eco (which limits power to 81hp).

In a nod to Jeep’s off-road heritage, snow, sand and mud driving modes are also included, as is hill descent control.

Despite this, an Avenger will spend the vast majority of time on the road, and in this habitat it impresses: it rides well, while occupants will also be more than happy with the interior space.

There is plenty of headroom and, given the car’s overall dimensions, legroom is more than acceptable: few B-SUVs are as roomy in the back.

Interior quality is decent, with the overall design striking an impressive balance of function and style.

The dashboard console is dominated by two screens: a seven-inch or 10.25-inch instrument panel depending on trim level, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system screen which sits at the top of the centre console.

The infotainment system, which supports full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity as well as integrated TomTom-powered navigation, is a highlight as it is a noticeable step up from previous Jeep technology.

It is easy to use and the touchscreen responsive, while controls for climate functions remain as physical buttons, located just below the screen.

Plenty of storage space is also found throughout the cabin, with the cubby hole at the bottom of the centre console and the tray running two-thirds the width of the dashboard particularly useful.

Its 380-litre boot is also among the best in class, while the one-metre wide boot’s square shape adds to its practicality.

All-in-all, Avenger is an excellent, modern B-SUV and deserves to see the brand increase its popularity in the fleet sector.