In this Jeep Avenger 4xe review, Caroline tests Jeep’s smallest SUV, now with 4×4.
Jeep Avenger 4xe overview
The Jeep Avenger marked the start of a new chapter for Jeep when it arrived in Ireland in 2023. It was one of the brand’s most competitive new models in years, bringing with it a fresh design, modern technology and new powertrains, including hybrid and electric. The new Jeep Avenger 4xe leans much more heavily into Jeep’s off-road heritage and capability. While it still uses the familiar 1.2-litre hybrid petrol engine, this version adds an electric motor on the rear axle for four wheel drive, along with more power, more rugged styling and extra capability away from tarmac roads. Prices start from €39,995.
Is it worth the extra money over the standard Avenger? Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering buying one in Ireland.
The new Jeep Avenger 4xe adds more off-road capability to Jeep’s popular small SUVPros
- Rugged styling
- Rare four-wheel drive option in the small SUV class
- Refinement
- Comfort
- Efficiency
Cons
- Smaller boot than front-wheel drive models
- Cabin plastics feel quite basic
- Equipment levels could be more generous for the price
Jeep Avenger 4xe Video Review
Watch Caroline’s video review of the new Jeep Avenger 4xe to see how it performs on Irish roads.
Which Jeep Avenger should I buy?
The Jeep Avenger range starts from €29,995 in Ireland, making it competitive with rivals like the Opel Mokka, Ford Puma and Toyota Yaris Cross. One clever aspect of Jeep’s pricing strategy is that the petrol, hybrid and fully electric Avengers all start at the same price, allowing buyers to choose the powertrain that best suits their driving without paying a premium.
The Avenger 4xe sits above these models as the flagship, priced from €39,995. It’s available in three trims: Upland, Overland and the North Face Edition.
The 4xe has a few unique styling details that help distinguish it from the rest of the range. These include chunkier bumpers, extra ground clearance, matte black 17-inch alloy wheels with mud & snow tyres, lime green accents, roof rails, and a black anti-glare bonnet decal. There are also improved approach and departure angles for off-roading.
Standard equipment on the Upland includes adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, automatic climate control, digital instrument display and a touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
That said, for a car costing almost €40,000, the specification could be more generous. Features such as wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are missing and will require adding as options or going up the trim levels.
The interior of the Jeep Avenger 4xe is comfortable but plain and lacks some features like heated seats amd wireless chargingWhat’s it like to drive on Irish roads?
Most Jeep Avengers sold in Ireland are front-wheel drive, but the 4xe offers four-wheel drive. That’s quite rare in the B-SUV segment, with the Dacia Duster 4×4 and Suzuki Vitara Allgrip being its closest rivals.
Rather than creating a heavy duty off-roader, Jeep has focused on delivering a refined road car with extra capability when conditions become more challenging. Whether you’re driving across wet grass, muddy tracks or rough forestry roads, the extra traction is reassuring without compromising everyday usability and efficiency. It feels more refined on-road than its closes rivals.
Power increases from 100hp in the standard hybrid to 136hp in the Avenger 4xe thanks to electric motors on both the front and rear axles. A dual-clutch automatic gearbox comes as standard.
The extra power is noticeable, smoothing out the acceleration so that the engine is less noisy and under pressure. 0-100km/h is 9.5 seconds, with a number of drive modes to change between including Auto, Sport, Sand/Mud and Snow. In Auto mode, the system automatically engages four-wheel drive only when it’s needed, helping to maximise efficiency.
The Avenger has always been one of the more enjoyable small SUVs to drive and that remains true here. Steering is direct, grip levels are impressive and body control is excellent through corners. 4xe versions get a multi-link rear suspension that also improves comfort. It feels composed on Irish motorways and rural roads, although around town it can feel a little firm over speed ramps and sharper potholes. Overall though, it’s a polished and refined driving experience.
The Jeep Avenger 4xe offers a comfortable, refined driveWhat’s the real-world fuel economy of the Jeep Avenger 4xe?
Fuel economy is another pleasant surprise. Despite offering four-wheel drive, the hybrid system remains impressively efficient. During my time with the car I averaged around 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres, making it a sensible choice.
Jeep Avenger 4xe Interior and practicality
Inside, the Avenger 4xe shares the same utilitarian design and finish as other models in the range. It features washable seat upholstery and hard-wearing materials that suit the adventurous image, although there is no escaping the fact that much of the cabin is finished in hard plastics.
A silver trim panel stretching across the dashboard adds some interest, while the digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep it up to date.
Storage throughout the cabin is excellent, with useful cubbies and large door bins.
One feature I’m less convinced by is the push-button gear selector. Selecting drive, reverse and neutral via buttons feels unnecessarily fiddly, particularly when carrying out quick parking manoeuvres.
Rear passengers get adequate space for a vehicle of this size, though there is not a huge amount of legroom. It’s quite narrow so will be most comfortable for two. Isofix mounting points feature on the two outer rear seats.
How big is the boot in the Jeep Avenger 4xe?
One compromise of the four-wheel-drive system is boot capacity. Because of the additional rear electric motor, luggage space falls from 380 litres in front-wheel-drive versions to 325 litres in the 4xe.
The rear seats split and fold 60:40 to increase carrying capacity when required.
The Jeep Avenger 4xe has less boot space than other models in the range but is still practicalJeep Avenger 4xe Pricing for Ireland
- Jeep Avenger 4xe Upland: €39,995
- Jeep Avenger 4xe Overland: €42,995
- Jeep Avenger 4xe North Face Edition: €47,995
Verdict: Jeep Avenger 4xe
The Jeep Avenger was already one of the best small SUVs on sale, and the new Avenger 4xe gives it an extra layer of appeal for buyers seeking more capability and the reassurance of 4×4. It looks fantastic with its cosmetic upgrades and the extra power and more sophisticated suspension makes it feel more relaxed and capable than the standard hybrid without sacrificing fuel economy.
It’s not perfect. The boot is smaller, the cabin materials remain fairly basic and the equipment list could be more generous considering the asking price.
But if you’re looking for a small SUV that stands out from the crowd, offers genuine four-wheel-drive capability and still feels refined enough for everyday driving on Irish roads, the Jeep Avenger 4xe is an easy car to recommend.
The Jeep Avenger 4xe is not cheap but it’s capable and good to driveKey facts
Model tested: Jeep Avenger 4xe Upland
Price: €39,995
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol hybrid
Power: 136hp
Motor tax: €200
___________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year