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Jeep tiptoed into uncharted territory simply over a yr in the past when it launched the pint-size Avenger – Australia’s first battery-electric gentle SUV – but it surely hasn’t fairly been in a position to lay declare to the land.
The Avenger was Jeep’s first-ever absolutely electrical automobile (EV) and narrowly beat the Hyundai Inster on sale right here (however not the Mini Aceman, which is formally classed as a light-weight automobile anyway), and it’s honest to say it appears extra like an SUV than a hatchback than each of these tiny EVs.
But with modest dimensions much like these of the garden-variety Mazda CX-3, it’s not so typical for a model that sells itself on being powerful and rugged, partly as a result of the American off-road model leveraged its European guardian firm, Stellantis, to base it on an already-developed ‘sub-compact’ modular automobile platform often called EMP.
The Avenger is subsequently intently associated to vehicles just like the Fiat 600, Peugeot 208, and Alfa Romeo Junior, all of that are geared toward European prospects and solely the latter of which has since been launched Down Under. Launched in Australia in late 2024 as a brand new entrant in Jeep’s more and more small and eclectic native lineup, the Avenger has been met with a lukewarm reception. Although Jeep is hardly a quantity model right here, the Avenger is its lowest-selling mannequin.
Of the 1613 autos Jeep has bought in Australia up to now in 2025, the Avenger has accounted for simply 92. Only six have been bought in November, fewer than all Jeep fashions together with the dearer and now-discontinued Grand Cherokee, which recorded 10 registrations.
Rubbing extra salt into the Avenger’s wounds is the Junior, its platform-mate. Available with each electrical and mild-hybrid powertrains (the latter of which can be anticipated to eventuate for the Avenger), the Junior has discovered 91 properties regardless of launching solely in October – the 2 fashions are at present Australia’s slowest-selling gentle SUVs.
The level is that Australian motorists have steered nicely clear of those two Stellantis EVs, notably the Avenger. Competition could also be powerful given the section is dominated by extra conventional fashions just like the CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross, however there’s no skirting across the info.
Granted, the Avenger is a distinct segment automobile, but it surely’s additionally by far the costliest mannequin in its class, and Jeep has by no means actually been a favorite amongst Australian consumers. So what’s it concerning the Avenger that appears to be repelling prospects, and are they proper to remain away?
How a lot does the Jeep Avenger value?
The Jeep Avenger was handled to cost cuts earlier than its launch, with the top-spec Summit introduced down by $3000. It’s been priced at $60,990 earlier than on-road prices since September 2024.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Jeep Avenger Longitude | $49,990 |
| 2026 Jeep Avenger Limited | $54,990 |
| 2026 Jeep Avenger Summit | $60,990 |
There are at present solely three EVs within the gentle SUV section, together with the Avenger, limiting direct rivals. The different two are the Alfa Romeo’s platform-sharing Junior Elettrica, priced at $57,900 earlier than on-roads, and Hyundai’s Inster, which ranges in value from $39,000 to $45,000 earlier than on-roads.
The section chief is the non-hybrid CX-3, which tops out at $38,890 earlier than on-roads, adopted by the hybrid Toyota Cross, which peaks at $39,930 earlier than on-roads. The theme throughout the board is that the Avenger (and its Stellantis sibling) are priced proper on the prime finish of the section.
For context, the drive-away value listed in Jeep’s on-line configurator is $68,635 for the Avenger Summit on take a look at right here, which is greater than a top-spec hybrid Lexus LBX or an Audi Q2… you get the thought.
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
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What is the Jeep Avenger like on the within?
Pretty low-cost feeling for the value.
Okay, that’s blunt, however there isn’t something in right here that justifies spending $70,000. Practically every little thing is made from laborious plastic and really spinoff of the underpinning Stellantis platform, however arguably the worst half is that there’s no actual sense of Jeep identification.
If you coated up the badge on the steering wheel and requested somebody to guess what automobile the inside belongs to, they in all probability wouldn’t say Jeep (except they observed one of many few discreet ‘easter eggs’ scattered about). That’s a disgrace, as a result of as a lot as Jeep is ripe for a punchline, there’s no query it has the heritage and character to place one thing distinctive collectively. Think the rugged Gladiator or the flashy Grand Cherokee.
But even with out defining options, the top-spec Summit is soured by the omission of any remotely premium inclusions. The leather-finished seats with their Jeep logos and geometric stitching are the one actual spotlight, as the remainder of the cabin is plastic, cheap-looking, and extremely naked.
The gear selector is a first-rate instance. Placed entrance and centre beneath the local weather array, it’s nothing greater than some buttons: no shifter, no rotary dial, simply 4 bland, plastic buttons.
Sure, they’re clear and legible, however we’d have preferred slightly extra effort if nothing else – the associated Junior at the least will get a grabbable rotary toggle borrowed from the Peugeot elements bin. These buttons merely don’t promote the adventurous vibe Jeep angles for.
Above all, there’s nothing fascinating occurring, even when it’s all pretty tidy. Straight strains and gray or black surfaces dominate the entrance of the cabin, other than the small try at a Jeep-specific design on the leather-wrapped steering wheel’s centre pad and the Avenger brand on the passenger aspect.
The 10.25-inch infotainment show sits awkwardly atop the dashboard like an afterthought, starkly contrasting the neater integration of the Junior. This display screen is at the least practical with its easy graphics, although some Stellantis quirks, just like the unintuitive remoted shortcut buttons beneath, stay.
Wireless smartphone mirroring is at the least a pleasant contact, and we are able to reward its reliability. A little bit extra awkward is the break up between the display screen and bodily buttons, which takes some time to get used to.
There is a strip of climate-related buttons alongside the dashboard’s forefront, however any inputs are displayed solely in a skinny banner on the prime of the infotainment display screen and will be laborious to find at first. Despite the buttons, the one technique to allow seat heating is by way of the display screen, which is a bizarre inconsistency.
The 10.25-inch instrument display screen is equally bland, although a creative topographical design offsets the easy rectangular gauges. There are a handful of menus to flick by means of, and also you’ll discover that its sharp decision is straightforward on the attention.
We additionally respect the multitude of bodily buttons on the tiller. While we’ve complained concerning the plastic surfaces elsewhere, it’s logical to have these buttons completed in that extra sturdy materials, and we like that there are not any touch-sensitive controls.
Ergonomics are additionally first rate, with moderately comfy massaging seats and a good vary of adjustment, although the slender centre console leaves little room for the armrest. At least that armrest (and those on the doorways) are properly padded.
It’s additionally value reiterating the actual fact there are numerous Stellantis-style easter eggs scattered across the Avenger, lots of that are delicate however at the least give it a touch of character. It isn’t sufficient to actually make the SUV really feel distinctive to the common proprietor, but it surely’s at the least a touch of some precise Jeep flavour.
Beyond that, you’ll discover workable storage choices scattered all through. There’s a deep, lidded bin within the centre console appropriate for small baggage, together with a big wi-fi charging pad, USB-A and -C ports, and a curious dash-wide slot for varied odds and ends. The latter is sensible however wants a rubber mat to cease issues sliding about.
You’ll additionally discover some cupholders behind the electrical parking brake and drive mode swap. These modular fittings are among the many better-considered components of the Avenger’s inside.
A normal theme is that the cabin in all fairness spacious. As small because the Avenger is exterior, it seems like area has been maximised inside, making it really feel much less cramped than the intently associated Junior – consider a barely extra roomy CX-3.
That carries by means of to the second row, the place you get simply sufficient leg room to accommodate adults, albeit ideally shorter ones. It’s additionally attainable (if unfavourable) to squeeze three again right here, because the Avenger is a five-seater – in contrast to the comparatively compromised four-seat Inster.
There’s no fold-down armrest within the center, however you at the least get a singular USB-C port on the again of the centre console. You’ll discover extra laborious plastics, and foot room within the center is compromised by a hump on the ground, which, even when there’s no exhaust or centre driveshaft right here, is a product of the multi-powertrain EMP platform.
Moving to the boot reveals a practical area. The boot ground is fully flat, other than a small drop on the entry, which creates loads of area; taller gadgets will nonetheless need to be left behind if the folding rear seats are occupied.
There’s a shallow storage space beneath the boot ground too, superb for the automobile’s charging cable. Unfortunately, you solely get a tyre restore package as an alternative of a spare wheel, which isn’t superb for a automobile pitching any off-roadability.
| Dimensions | Jeep Avenger |
|---|---|
| Length | 4084mm |
| Width | 1797mm |
| Height | 1534mm |
| Wheelbase | 2557mm |
| Cargo capability | 355L (rear seats up) 1252L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Avenger’s electrical powertrain appears remarkably like an engine beneath the bonnet. A 54kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery feeds a single front-mounted electrical motor, which produces as much as 115kW of energy and 260Nm of torque.
| Specifications | Jeep Avenger Summit |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 54kWh NMC |
| Peak energy | 115kW |
| Peak torque | 260Nm |
| Drive kind | Front-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 1520kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 9.0 seconds |
| Energy consumption (WLTP, claimed) | 15.8kWh/100km |
| Energy consumption (as examined) | 14.3kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 390km |
| Max AC cost price | 11kW |
| Max DC cost price | 100kW (24min 20-80%) |
Our week with the automobile primarily concerned freeway driving, with only some stints of lower-speed city driving. Even so, it proved fairly environment friendly, and we’re impressed that we beat Jeep’s vitality consumption declare.
It’s value noting {that a} mild-hybrid Avenger is out there abroad, utilising a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with whole system energy of as much as 81kW in front-wheel drive fashions. The electrical powertrain on take a look at right here is essentially the most highly effective Avenger powertrain bought globally.
There’s additionally a mild-hybrid four-wheel drive variant abroad, which makes use of the identical 1.2-litre engine however provides two 21kW electrical motors to the rear axle for as much as 107kW of energy.
This will not be obtainable in Australia, leaving the Avenger as a front-drive EV, at the least for now.
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Jeep Avenger drive?
For its inside shortcomings, the Avenger’s on-road behaviour is usually fairly good.
It’s an excellent job the Avenger is constructed atop a European platform, as a result of these extra assured driving dynamics make for a pleasing driving expertise. Once you’ve wrapped your head across the considerably laggy begin/cease button and unconventional gear selector, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in first rate electrical efficiency.
It isn’t fast by any means, but it surely’s greater than able to getting you throughout cities or cities with only a trace of electrical zest off the road. The indisputable fact that its meagre 115kW of energy is deliberately restricted interprets to very manageable energy supply, and the entrance wheels reliably hook up with little slip.
You can select from a number of drive modes should you’re not happy, however even Sport mode doesn’t have a lot impact. Throttle response turns into a contact sharper, certain, however even with the total 115kW unlocked, it gained’t blow your socks off.
The principal Sport-related change comes with steering weight. It turns into noticeably heavier to make nuanced inputs throughout high-intensity driving, which truly improves on the sensation of Normal mode.
The Avenger’s steering may be very gentle as normal. While this aids low-speed manoeuvrability, it may well translate to a flimsy really feel, making the automobile really feel extra unstable than it truly is.
In distinction, the experience consists, particularly in contrast with most different gentle SUVs. This is the place the Euro traits are most obvious, because the Avenger confidently handles high-speed bumps and retains its occupants comfy.
The suspension continues to be firmer than you would possibly anticipate, but it surely’s tuned nicely sufficient that the Avenger feels supple sufficient and properly planted. Body roll is subsequently stored in test round turns, and it’s attainable to use the automobile’s agility by means of some extra spirited driving – when you’ve acclimatised to the sunshine steering.
Of course, it isn’t a sports activities automobile, however the positives by way of experience and dealing with are largely in keeping with its Alfa Romeo platform-mate. That’s refreshingly surprising for a Jeep.
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Things change slightly relating to braking, because the pedal really feel is inconsistent. Like many EVs, regenerative and friction braking are mixed, which may make it difficult to use the brakes easily because the automobile shifts between the 2 braking strategies.
There’s a noticeable level at which the bodily friction brakes are engaged, that are a lot stronger than the energy-recuperating electrical different. This isn’t a dealbreaker, however one thing that may very well be a studying curve for newcomers.
Similarly, regenerative braking by itself isn’t highly effective and fairly far faraway from true one-pedal driving. As somebody used to driving petrol vehicles, I choose this setup, although it’s not superb that there aren’t selectable ranges of regenerative power.
The solely different is ‘B’ mode, which is engaged by urgent the ‘D’ gear button once more. This noticeably will increase regen power to some extent the place these used to EVs could really feel extra comfy, but it surely’s once more a ‘one size fits all approach’ in that there’s nonetheless no actual adjustment.
Its small dimensions and comparatively weak energy imply it doesn’t really feel at dwelling on the freeway, but it surely’s nonetheless workable if want be, offered you possibly can cope with a little bit of highway noise. It’s significantly better suited to inner-city driving because of this.
We at the least discovered that the Avenger’s driving-related tech is strong, which is greater than will be mentioned for many different gentle SUVs. Naturally, that is non-negotiable whenever you’re paying almost $70,000, but it surely’s at the least one thing that Stellantis has acquired proper.
Adaptive cruise management is dependable, and gadgets like the driving force monitor are unobtrusive. Because our tester is a top-spec variant, it doesn’t miss out on issues like blind-spot monitoring like its lower-spec counterparts do – these omissions are nonetheless objectively disappointing for the bottom Longitude.
Despite being a front-drive Jeep, the Avenger will get the model’s six-mode Select-Terrain drive mode system, comprising Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Snow. This full complement of modes is in any other case completely reserved for extra rugged four-wheel drives.
Don’t anticipate anybody to do any actual off-roading on this although, partly as a result of it’s lacking all-wheel drive and a spare tyre, however principally as a result of it’s primarily a metropolis SUV and subsequently lacks crucial capabilities like further floor clearance and wheel articulation.
Still, Jeep’s itemizing of the usual array of off-road geometries means that at the least one Stellantis engineer thought-about off-roading, and the entrance and rear overhangs appear brief sufficient to fend off comparatively steep inclines.
There’s additionally first rate safety beneath the automobile to protect its most important parts, so it shouldn’t be fully hopeless should you do have to hit a light-weight path.
All up, the Avenger presents a distinctly European driving expertise, which works as a result of it supplies assured on-road manners, even when gadgets just like the steering and brake response might nonetheless use some sprucing.
| Off-road dimensions | Jeep Avenger |
|---|---|
| Track entrance and rear | 1565mm |
| Ground clearance | 199mm |
| Approach angle | 20º |
| Departure angle | 32º |
| Ramp breakover angle | 20º |
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
Three trim ranges can be found for the Jeep Avenger in Australia, and the Summit sits proper on the prime.
2026 Jeep Avenger Longitude gear highlights:
- 17-inch silver gloss alloy wheels
- Tyre restore package
- Reflector LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- ‘Digital Jane’ sample fabric seat trim
- TechnoLeather steering wheel
- Six-way handbook driver seat adjustment
- Four-way passenger seat adjustment
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment show
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Frameless auto-dimming mirror
- Satellite navigation
- Keyless begin/cease
- Hill descent management
- Electronic parking brake
- Jeep Connected Services
- 7kW AC onboard charger
- Mode 3 Charge Cable
- Selec-Terrain
Avenger Limited provides:
- ‘Robin’ fabric and TechnoLeather seat trim
- Wireless telephone charger
- Height-adjustable cargo ground
- Hands-free energy tailgate
- Keyless entry
- 11kW AC onboard charger
- Powered, heated and auto-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps
- Height-adjustable cargo ground
Avenger Summit provides:
- 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- LED projector headlights
- LED tail-lights
- LED fog lights with cornering perform
- Gloss black seven-slot grille
- Bi-colour roof
- Sunroof
- Leather-accented seat trim
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way energy lumbar assist and therapeutic massage perform
- Six-way manually adjustable passenger seat
- Heated entrance seats
- Heated windscreen
- Privacy glass
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Jeep Avenger secure?
The Jeep Avenger has a three-star ANCAP security ranking, based mostly on testing carried out by sister organisation Euro NCAP in 2024.
| Category | Jeep Avenger |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 79 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 71 per cent |
| Vulnerable highway person safety | 59 per cent |
| Safety help | 54 per cent |
Standard security options embody:
- 6 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian and bike owner detection
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digicam incl. dynamic pointers
- Traffic signal recognition
Avenger Limited provides:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front, aspect parking sensors
- Intelligent adaptive cruise management
- Lane centring
- Traffic jam help
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Jeep Avenger value to run?
Jeep Australia backs the Avenger with a five-year, 100,000km automobile guarantee and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery guarantee. Servicing is required each 12 months or 12,500km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Warranty | Jeep Avenger |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, 100,000km |
| High-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years, 160,000km |
| Roadside help | ‘Lifetime’ if serviced by means of Jeep |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 12,500km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years, $250 every |
| Total capped-price service value | $1250 |
In comparability, the Junior Elettrica has longer 12-month, 25,000km service intervals, albeit with out capped-price servicing. Current estimates on Alfa Romeo’s web site recommend it’ll value roughly $100 much less to service over 5 years.
The solely different electrical gentle SUV is the Inster, which has even longer 24-month, 30,000km intervals. Its first three providers (protecting six years) whole $1980, averaging $330 a yr.
The hybrid Yaris Cross, in the meantime, prices $1275 to service over 5 years ($255 for every service), whereas the non-hybrid, non-electric CX-3 prices $2259 – averaging $451.8 per yr.
Keep in thoughts that each one 4 of these competitor manufacturers provide unlimited-kilometre warranties.
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Take on the Jeep Avenger Summit
The Jeep Avenger is a difficult proposition.
On one hand, you get a commendable package deal for an in any other case rugged American model’s first actual foray into the EV world, even when the well-considered driving expertise is the principle factor propping it up.
There’s no denying that leveraging the European-developed Stellantis platform was an excellent transfer for the Avenger. You get good dealing with, a composed experience and an influence output that appears to go well with the chassis – in reality, with that in thoughts, it’s mildly amusing to think about what Jeep would have produced if left to its personal gadgets.
On the opposite hand, the Avenger’s gentle steering and unfriendly brake pedal are disappointing. The factor is, these issues could be forgivable if the inside was higher than it’s.
That’s sadly a big disadvantage for the Avenger, and one of many two causes we’re reluctant to advocate it. There’s a lot plastic and so little Jeep soul that there’s no actual sense of identification, despite the fact that there’s a lot character that may very well be leveraged.
Compare that to the Junior, which affords a premium-feeling steering wheel, distinctive design components and, above all, some precise Alfa aptitude, and the Avenger turns into all of the extra underwhelming. This top-spec Summit can be $4000 dearer than the electrical Junior, which is the opposite cause for our sentiment.
How it nonetheless prices this a lot even after a value reduce is unusual, and it makes the Summit approach out of att