Jeep Avenger: Jeep’s first battery-electric SUV shown at Paris Motor Show 2022

At the Paris Motor Show 2022, we had the chance to see Jeep’s first ever battery-electric model up close: the Avenger.

It is a compact SUV positioned beneath the Renegade, developed with Europe firmly in mind. It also marks the start of a wider EV push, with four electric models due to launch in Europe by 2025.

Another key milestone for the Jeep Avenger is that it is the brand’s first model to use the CMP platform (formerly PSA) - albeit in an updated form - which is shared with other Stellantis vehicles such as the Peugeot 2008 and the Opel Mokka.

The first electric model

Power for the Avenger comes from a front-mounted electric motor producing 115 kW (156 hp) and 260 Nm of torque - the same unit announced for the Peugeot e-308.

It also borrows, from the e-308 and the refreshed DS 3, Stellantis’ new 54 kWh, 400 V battery. This pack is made up of 17 modules and 102 cells, using NMC 811 lithium-ion chemistry (80% nickel, 10% manganese and 10% cobalt).

Mounted beneath both the front and rear seats, the battery delivers a range of 400 km on the WLTP cycle (550 km on the urban cycle).

For charging, the battery supports a 100 kW Mode 4 DC connection, taking 24 minutes to go from 20% to 80% charge. Using an 11 kW Mode 3 AC connection, a full charge takes 5.5 hours.

Can it handle rough terrain?

True to the Jeep badge, the Avenger is claimed to be the most off-road capable model in its segment, even though it currently sends power to just two wheels.

Even so, Jeep has - for the first time on a two-wheel-drive model - paired Selec-Terrain and Hill Descent Control. The former offers six modes: “Normal”, “Eco”, “Sport”, “Snow”, “Mud” and “Sand”.

Further strengthening its case, the Avenger is said to have the segment’s greatest ground clearance, quoted at 200 mm. This is matched by approach, departure and breakover angles of 20°, 32° and 20°, respectively.

For “peace of mind”, the underside of the B-SUV is protected by skid plates, helping to prevent battery damage when tackling more ambitious obstacles.

Space and plenty of onboard technology

Open the door and the cabin presents clean, even minimalist lines, dominated by two screens - a 7-inch or 10-inch instrument display and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen - plus a horizontal trim element that incorporates all the air vents and… lots of storage.

Altogether, there are 34 litres of storage spread across various areas, from the centre console to a dashboard “shelf”. There is also a compartment beneath the automatic transmission buttons, covered by a fold-down magnetic lid, which can charge a smartphone while also accommodating a 1.5-litre bottle.

Jeep also quotes 380 litres for the boot - 29 litres more than the Renegade - while lowering the load floor height to 720 mm to make loading and unloading easier. On the same subject, the American brand highlights a boot opening more than 1 metre wide, as well as a hands-free powered tailgate.

On the connectivity side, the new Avenger comes as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supports over-the-air updates and uses the Jeep Mobile app. Among other functions, it allows owners to check the vehicle’s location and monitor battery charge level.

The Jeep Avenger also features a broad suite of driver assistance systems, enabling Level 2 autonomous driving.

When will it arrive?

The new Jeep Avenger will be the first of at least three new Stellantis models built in Poland, at the Tychy plant, where the Fiat 500 (petrol) and the Lancia Ypsilon are currently produced.

Its market launch is scheduled for April 2023. Before then, between 2 November and 30 November, it will already be possible to reserve the Jeep Avenger Launch Edition - the special launch version - via the brand’s website.

This model stands out for arriving “fully loaded” with equipment. Highlights range from two-tone paint (Sun with a Volcano roof, or Granite with a Volcano roof) or a full Volcano finish, to 18-inch alloy wheels, plus fully LED front and rear lights.

Inside, the specification is boosted by multi-colour ambient lighting and a yellow dashboard panel; black seats with yellow accents and heating; a heated windscreen; a hands-free tailgate with automatic opening; and more.

The price for the Jeep Avenger Launch Edition is €39,500.