By Otsile Kadiege

At the 2022 Paris Motor Show, Jeep revealed its first-ever fully electric vehicle – the all-new Jeep Avenger. Positioned below the Renegade, the compact SUV marks a significant milestone in Jeep’s electrification journey. Designed from the ground up to meet the demands of European customers, the Avenger blends Jeep’s signature DNA with modern styling, innovative technology and zero-emission performance.

Jeep Avenger exterior

Though compact in size (just over 4 meters long), the Jeep Avenger makes a bold impression. It retains iconic Jeep elements like the signature 7-slot grille, now shaped more horizontally for aerodynamic purposes. The SUV sports high-mounted LED headlights, rugged skid plates and trapezoidal wheel arches, all communicating classic Jeep toughness.

Short overhangs, large 18-inch wheels and a generous 200mm ground clearance give the Avenger an athletic stance and genuine off-road credentials. Around back, the distinctive ‘X’ tail lights nod to vintage Jeep jerry cans, adding an adventurous flair.

Jeep Avenger interior

Inside, the Avenger follows a “design to function” philosophy. A clean, horizontal dashboard houses a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and optional digital instrument cluster. The cabin offers up to 34 litres of front storage – more than double the segment average – thanks to clever packaging and modular compartments.

Creature comforts include optional premium leather-trimmed seats with massage functions, a wide panoramic sunroof, multi-color ambient lighting, and a flexible boot offering up to 380 litres of cargo space.

Safety and driver assistance features

The Jeep Avenger sets a high bar in safety and driver-assistance technology. It comes equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving systems, combining Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering to ease highway and traffic driving.

Additional safety features include: Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, Drowsy Driver Alert, Lane Keep Assist, 360° parking sensors with Active Park Assist (late availability) and Rear camera with drone view.

Performance

Under the hood (or rather, under the floor), the Avenger features a new 400V electric powertrain developed by Emotors – a Stellantis and Nidec joint venture. It delivers 115 kW (156 hp) and 260 Nm of torque.

The 54 kWh battery – produced by Stellantis – supports up to 400 km WLTP range (and up to 550 km in urban driving). Claimed charging times are impressively quick: just 3 minutes on a 100kW DC charger provides 30 km of range, and a 20–80% top-up takes just 24 minutes.

Standard Selec-Terrain and Hill Descent Control, paired with class-leading approach and departure angles, make this front-wheel-drive EV a real contender in the B-SUV space – both on and off the beaten path.

Availability

Although originally developed with Europe in mind, Stellantis South Africa confirmed that the Jeep Avenger is on the cards for Mzansi.