Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid review

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After its heralded arrival as an EV, Jeep's compact crossover gains a mild-hybrid petrol option

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When the Jeep Avenger was revealed in late 2022, it was slated to arrive in the UK only with an electric powertrain. But things have changed - market conditions, customer desires, you name it - and now the Stellantis brand will also offer it in the UK in two other guises: a manual petrol version and this, the mildly electrified petrol Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid. 

It's a similar story at Fiat, which is now bringing the petrol version of its Avenger-related 600e to the UK too. 

Each Avenger variant offers its own advantages, but which one should you buy? Read on to discover our verdict. 

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DESIGN & STYLING

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Jeep Avenger eHybrid rear lead

Jeep says it's giving customers the "freedom of choice" with the Avenger's threefold powertrain offering:  EV, manual petrol and this automatic mild hybrid.

Despite their mechanical differences, the e-Hybrid looks virtually identical to the electric Avenger. The only noticeable change is the addition of a green ‘e’ badge to denote its electrification.

The manual petrol lacks this badging and looks rather plain at the rear, but at least it doesn't lose any of the Avenger's character. It uses a 99bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine to hit 0-62mph in 10.6sec and go on to a top speed of 110mph. Jeep claims an economy figure of 50.4mpg. 

As for the e-Hybrid, it's similar to the Alfa Romeo Tonale and other Jeep e-Hybrids in using a beefy mild hybrid system. The same Puretech engine as in the manual is assisted by a 48V hybrid system, a 0.9kWh battery under the driver's seat and a 28bhp electric motor in the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. In all, its peak outputs stand at 127bhp and 151lb ft of torque.

INTERIOR

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Jeep Avenger ehybrid interior

Inside, the manual and the e-Hybrid are almost the same as the electric version - save for those blue 'e' badges in the EV. 

You sit high but have more than enough space and adjustment to find to your preferred driving position and all-round visibility is pretty good. 

There's a 7.0in digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, or a 10.25in screen on the top two specification levels.

This sits alongside a 10.25in infotainment touchscreen, on which everything is laid out logically and the graphics are crisp enough. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard. 

Thankfully, the petrol Avenger is as spacious and practical as the EV. The centre console conceals a large storage area and the door pockets are roomy enough for a typical drinks bottle. The extremely useful shelf in front of the passenger remains in place too.

It's not quite as plush as the Kia Niro or the Hyundai Kona inside, but the Avenger has its own character, which many drivers might end up preferring.

Don't expect especially spacious rear quarters, though, particularly not behind a taller driver. Because the e-Hybrid's battery is positioned underneath the driver's seat, rear foot space is slightly impacted there. 

The boot is slightly larger than in the EV, measuring 380 litres instead of 355 litres. It still lags far behind the Kona's 466 litres, though, and the 397 litres of the Toyota Yaris Cross. 

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE

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Jeep Avenger eHybrid dynamic cornering 2

The e-Hybrid’s engine appears rather measly on paper, and with a 0-62mph sprint of 10.9sec, it won’t be winning any sprint races. But it's torquey off the line, bolstered by an E-Boost feature that adds 40lb ft of torque for an extra push in acceleration. 

It also feels gutsier than the figures suggest in the mid-range. Indeed, Jeep says the e-Hybrid offers 30% faster acceleration between 30-60mph than the manual petrol Avenger.

You can feel the difference on faster B-roads and motorways. However, the gearbox can disappoint, because it doesn't always shift up or down when you need it to.

The set-up can sound quite gruff when you put your foot down too, in marked contrast to the near-slient serenity offered by the Avenger Electric.

The e-Hybrid can drive for up to 1km (0.6 miles) on electric power alone, which is more than most mild hybrids but a long way short of a good full hybrid system like Toyota’s.

Still, it comes in useful when you're manoeuvring or driving around town, and it’s here where the e-Hybrid excels, offering a refined and quiet driving experience when taking off from a set of lights or trundling through traffic.

If you're considering getting an Avenger Electric primarily for use in town, the cheaper e-Hybrid would make a suitable alternative.

We've yet to sample the manual petrol, but this review will be updated as soon as we get our hands on one. 

RIDE & HANDLING

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Jeep Avenger eHybrid dynamic cornering

Because it doesn't have a large battery, the e-Hybrid is 315kg lighter than the EV and its direct steering means it feels light and agile in the corners.

It can’t quite match the Ford Puma for agility, though, and tighter corners cause some body roll and lean. It's not entertaining, although it is competent and neat.

Its ride is also acceptable, but the gripes we had about the EV are also apparent in the e-Hybrid: the flat seats and lack of lumbar adjustment make themselves known on rougher roads.

However, the e-Hybrid is a much better option for long-distance driving. It's smooth at higher speeds, although the suspension can struggle on lumpier surfaces.

Around town, the e-Hybrid struggles to absorb rigid cracks and bumps. It can get a bit lairy, with larger bumps crashing into the cabin. 

MPG & RUNNING COSTS

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Jeep Avenger eHybrid front lead

The e-Hybrid has some enticing official efficiency figures: 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 111g/km. That's a chunk more MPG than the mild-hybrid Ford Puma officially achieves (52mpg) and our test drive yielded a creditable 52.2mpg. 

Yet the real deal-maker is the e-Hybrid’s £25,965 price, which boosts its credibility in a crowded sector.

Although it’s £1706 more expensive than the manual petrol and just beaten by the related Fiat 600 Hybrid (£23,965), it matches the Puma Hybrid (£25,640) and beats the Peugeot 2008 Hybrid (£27,770). It’s also almost £10,000 cheaper than the Avenger EV. 

Meanwhile, the manual petrol Avenger, which we've yet to test, officially averages 50.4mpg and has an even lower list price of £23,600. 

The range-topping Summit version of the e-Hybrid, which we tested, costs £29,200 and offers 18in wheels, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, keyless entry, a 180deg reversing camera, automatic headlights, semi-autonomous driving features and a powered tailgate. 

VERDICT

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Jeep Avenger eHybrid front corner static

So should you choose the Avenger e-Hybrid over the Avenger Electric?

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The petrol car is impressively efficient and just as easy to use around town – all while being £10,000 cheaper and never needing to spend time at a charger.

It's arguably the most well-rounded version of the Avenger we’ve tested so far.

But one caveat: we’re anticipating that the incoming four-wheel-drive Avenger 4xe mild-hybrid petrol will reveal the model’s true potential.