New-look 2026 Jeep Avenger revealed with light-up grille

The new-look Jeep Avenger has quietly made its first public appearance in Brazil, ahead of a European debut in the coming months.

Hitting the streets of Rio as part of a local festival, the American brand's smallest SUV has been lightly restyled after two full years on sale, with the main change being a new front end that brings it into line with the newer Compass crossover.

The headline change is the introduction of a new version of the trademark seven-slot Jeep grille, which now lights up so it's easier to pick out at night and has a chunkier, more rugged look, with the chrome surrounds of each slot removed.

The reworked grille sits above a new lower valance and bumper, which have been made to look more muscular, with a touch of off-road flavour, while subtly reshaped wings and wheel designs round off the makeover.

There's no word yet on any changes under the skin, and we haven't seen inside the cabin yet, but Jeep is expected to give a better look at a dedicated European launch in the coming months. 

The Avenger is currently offered with a wide range of powertrains: there's a 99bhp petrol with a six-speed manual gearbox; a 108bhp front-wheel-drive or 143bhp four-wheel-drive hybrid; and a 154bhp front-driven EV with a range of 249 miles.

The new look marks the first major update since the Avenger was launched in 2023, with the distinction of being one of only a handful of Jeep models not offered in the US.

The Polish-made crossover won the European Car of the Year Award in 2023 and has since proven a success for Jeep, playing a key role in its return to growth in Europe.