Jeep tiptoed into uncharted territory simply over a 12 months in the past when it launched the pint-size Avenger – Australia’s first battery-electric mild SUV – however it hasn’t fairly been in a position to lay declare to the land.
The Avenger was Jeep’s first-ever absolutely electrical car (EV) and narrowly beat the Hyundai Inster on sale right here (however not the Mini Aceman, which is formally classed as a light-weight automotive anyway), and it’s truthful to say it seems extra like an SUV than a hatchback than each of these tiny EVs.
However 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 robust and rugged, partially as a result of the American off-road model leveraged its European mother or father firm, Stellantis, to base it on an already-developed ‘sub-compact’ modular automotive platform referred to as EMP.
The Avenger is subsequently intently associated to vehicles just like the Fiat 600, Peugeot 208, and Alfa Romeo Junior, all of that are aimed toward European prospects and solely the latter of which has since been launched Down Beneath. 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. Though 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. Solely six have been bought in November, fewer than all Jeep fashions together with the costlier and now-discontinued Grand Cherokee, which recorded 10 registrations.
Rubbing extra salt into the Avenger’s wounds is the Junior, its platform-mate. Out there 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 mild SUVs.
The purpose is that Australian motorists have steered effectively clear of those two Stellantis EVs, notably the Avenger. Competitors could also be robust given the phase is dominated by extra conventional fashions just like the CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross, however there’s no skirting across the information.
Granted, the Avenger is a distinct segment car, however it’s additionally by far the most costly mannequin in its class, and Jeep has by no means actually been a favorite amongst Australian patrons. 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 price?
The Jeep Avenger was handled to value 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.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Jeep Avenger Longitude | $49,990 |
| 2026 Jeep Avenger Restricted | $54,990 |
| 2026 Jeep Avenger Summit | $60,990 |
There are at present solely three EVs within the mild SUV phase, together with the Avenger, limiting direct rivals. The opposite 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 phase 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 phase.
For context, the drive-away value listed in Jeep’s on-line configurator is $68,635 for the Avenger Summit on check right here, which is greater than a top-spec hybrid Lexus LBX or an Audi Q2… you get the concept.
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
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What’s the Jeep Avenger like on the within?
Fairly low-cost feeling for the value.
Okay, that’s blunt, however there isn’t something in right here that justifies spending $70,000. Virtually every thing is made from exhausting plastic and really by-product of the underpinning Stellantis platform, however arguably the worst half is that there’s no actual sense of Jeep id.
If you happen to coated up the badge on the steering wheel and requested somebody to guess what automotive the inside belongs to, they most likely wouldn’t say Jeep (until 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 persona to place one thing distinctive collectively. Assume the rugged Gladiator or the flashy Grand Cherokee.
However 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. Positioned entrance and centre under the local weather array, it’s nothing greater than some buttons: no shifter, no rotary dial, simply 4 bland, plastic buttons.
Positive, they’re clear and legible, however we’d have favored just a little extra effort if nothing else – the associated Junior not less than 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 attention-grabbing occurring, even when it’s all pretty tidy. Straight traces 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 emblem on the passenger aspect.
The ten.25-inch infotainment show sits awkwardly atop the dashboard like an afterthought, starkly contrasting the neater integration of the Junior. This display screen is not less than purposeful with its easy graphics, although some Stellantis quirks, just like the unintuitive remoted shortcut buttons under, stay.
Wi-fi smartphone mirroring is not less than a pleasant contact, and we are able to reward its reliability. A bit extra awkward is the break up between the display screen and bodily buttons, which takes some time to get used to.
There’s a strip of climate-related buttons alongside the dashboard’s vanguard, however any inputs are displayed solely in a skinny banner on the prime of the infotainment display screen and may be exhausting to find at first. Regardless of the buttons, the one technique to allow seat heating is by way of the display screen, which is a bizarre inconsistency.
The ten.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 simple on the attention.
We additionally recognize the multitude of bodily buttons on the tiller. Whereas 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 snug massaging seats and a good vary of adjustment, although the slim centre console leaves little room for the armrest. At the very least that armrest (and those on the doorways) are properly padded.
It’s additionally value reiterating the very fact there are numerous Stellantis-style easter eggs scattered across the Avenger, a lot of that are refined however not less than give it a splash of character. It isn’t sufficient to really make the SUV really feel distinctive to the common proprietor, however it’s not less than a touch of some precise Jeep flavour.
Past 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 change. These modular fittings are among the many better-considered components of the Avenger’s inside.
A basic theme is that the cabin within reason spacious. As small because the Avenger is exterior, it appears like house 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 potential (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 not less than get a singular USB-C port on the again of the centre console. You’ll discover extra exhausting 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.
Transferring to the boot reveals a purposeful house. The boot ground is completely flat, other than a small drop on the entry, which creates loads of house; taller gadgets will nonetheless must be left behind if the folding rear seats are occupied.
There’s a shallow storage space below the boot ground too, superb for the automotive’s charging cable. Sadly, you solely get a tyre restore package as an alternative of a spare wheel, which isn’t superb for a car pitching any off-roadability.
| Dimensions | Jeep Avenger |
|---|---|
| Size | 4084mm |
| Width | 1797mm |
| Top | 1534mm |
| Wheelbase | 2557mm |
| Cargo capability | 355L (rear seats up) 1252L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
The Avenger’s electrical powertrain seems remarkably like an engine below 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.
| Specs | Jeep Avenger Summit |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 54kWh NMC |
| Peak energy | 115kW |
| Peak torque | 260Nm |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 1520kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 9.0 seconds |
| Vitality consumption (WLTP, claimed) | 15.8kWh/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 14.3kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 390km |
| Max AC cost charge | 11kW |
| Max DC cost charge | 100kW (24min 20-80%) |
Our week with the automotive primarily concerned freeway driving, with just a few stints of lower-speed city driving. Even so, it proved fairly environment friendly, and we’re impressed that we beat Jeep’s power consumption declare.
It’s value noting {that a} mild-hybrid Avenger is accessible abroad, utilising a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with complete system energy of as much as 81kW in front-wheel drive fashions. The electrical powertrain on check 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 isn’t accessible in Australia, leaving the Avenger as a front-drive EV, not less than for now.
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the Jeep Avenger drive?
For its inside shortcomings, the Avenger’s on-road behaviour is usually fairly good.
It’s job the Avenger is constructed atop a European platform, as a result of these extra assured driving dynamics make for a nice driving expertise. When you’ve wrapped your head across the considerably laggy begin/cease button and unconventional gear selector, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in first rate electrical efficiency.
It isn’t fast by any means, however it’s greater than able to getting you throughout cities or cities with only a trace of electrical zest off the road. The truth 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 may select from a collection of drive modes for those who’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 principle 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 Regular mode.
The Avenger’s steering could be very mild as customary. Whereas this aids low-speed manoeuvrability, it could actually translate to a flimsy really feel, making the automotive really feel extra unstable than it truly is.
In distinction, the journey consists, particularly in contrast with most different mild SUVs. That is the place the Euro traits are most obvious, because the Avenger confidently handles high-speed bumps and retains its occupants snug.
The suspension continues to be firmer than you would possibly count on, however it’s tuned effectively sufficient that the Avenger feels supple sufficient and properly planted. Physique roll is subsequently saved in verify round turns, and it’s potential to use the automotive’s agility by means of some extra spirited driving – when you’ve acclimatised to the sunshine steering.
In fact, it isn’t a sports activities automotive, however the positives by way of journey and dealing with are largely per its Alfa Romeo platform-mate. That’s refreshingly surprising for a Jeep.
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Issues change just a little in relation to braking, because the pedal really feel is inconsistent. Like many EVs, regenerative and friction braking are mixed, which might make it difficult to use the brakes easily because the automotive 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 various. This isn’t a dealbreaker, however one thing that might be a studying curve for newcomers.
Equally, 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 want this setup, although it’s not superb that there aren’t selectable ranges of regenerative power.
The one various is ‘B’ mode, which is engaged by urgent the ‘D’ gear button once more. This noticeably will increase regen power to a degree the place these used to EVs could really feel extra snug, however it’s once more a ‘one measurement matches all method’ 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, however it’s nonetheless workable if want be, offered you possibly can take care of a little bit of street noise. It’s a lot better suited to inner-city driving consequently.
We not less than discovered that the Avenger’s driving-related tech is strong, which is greater than may be mentioned for many different mild SUVs. Naturally, that is non-negotiable if you’re paying almost $70,000, however it’s not less than one thing that Stellantis has received proper.
Adaptive cruise management is dependable, and gadgets like the driving force monitor are unobtrusive. As a result of 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.
Regardless of being a front-drive Jeep, the Avenger will get the model’s six-mode Choose-Terrain drive mode system, comprising Eco, Regular, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Snow. This full complement of modes is in any other case solely reserved for extra rugged four-wheel drives.
Don’t count on 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.
Nonetheless, Jeep’s itemizing of the usual array of off-road geometries means that not less than one Stellantis engineer thought-about off-roading, and the entrance and rear overhangs appear quick sufficient to fend off comparatively steep inclines.
There’s additionally first rate safety below the automotive to defend its most important elements, so it shouldn’t be utterly hopeless for those who 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 offers assured on-road manners, even when gadgets just like the steering and brake response might nonetheless use some sprucing.
| Off-road dimensions | Jeep Avenger |
|---|---|
| Monitor entrance and rear | 1565mm |
| Floor clearance | 199mm |
| Strategy angle | 20º |
| Departure angle | 32º |
| Ramp breakover angle | 20º |
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
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 tools highlights:
- 17-inch silver gloss alloy wheels
- Tyre restore package
- Reflector LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- ‘Digital Jane’ sample material seat trim
- TechnoLeather steering wheel
- Six-way guide driver seat adjustment
- 4-way passenger seat adjustment
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment show
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- Frameless auto-dimming mirror
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Keyless begin/cease
- Hill descent management
- Digital parking brake
- Jeep Linked Providers
- 7kW AC onboard charger
- Mode 3 Cost Cable
- Selec-Terrain
Avenger Restricted provides:
- ‘Robin’ material and TechnoLeather seat trim
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Top-adjustable cargo ground
- Arms-free energy tailgate
- Keyless entry
- 11kW AC onboard charger
- Powered, heated and auto-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps
- Top-adjustable cargo ground
Avenger Summit provides:
- 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- LED projector headlights
- LED tail-lights
- LED fog lights with cornering operate
- Gloss black seven-slot grille
- Bi-colour roof
- Sunroof
- Leather-based-accented seat trim
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way energy lumbar help and therapeutic massage operate
- Six-way manually adjustable passenger seat
- Heated entrance seats
- Heated windscreen
- Privateness glass
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the Jeep Avenger secure?
The Jeep Avenger has a three-star ANCAP security score, primarily based on testing carried out by sister organisation Euro NCAP in 2024.
| Class | Jeep Avenger |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 79 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 71 per cent |
| Weak street consumer safety | 59 per cent |
| Security help | 54 per cent |
Commonplace security options embody:
- 6 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian and bicycle owner detection
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera incl. dynamic pointers
- Site visitors signal recognition
Avenger Restricted provides:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Entrance, aspect parking sensors
- Clever adaptive cruise management
- Lane centring
- Site visitors jam help
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Jeep Avenger price to run?
Jeep Australia backs the Avenger with a five-year, 100,000km car 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 Guarantee | Jeep Avenger |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, 100,000km |
| Excessive-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 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $1250 |
As compared, the Junior Elettrica has longer 12-month, 25,000km service intervals, albeit with out capped-price servicing. Present estimates on Alfa Romeo’s web site recommend it’ll price roughly $100 much less to service over 5 years.
The one different electrical mild SUV is the Inster, which has even longer 24-month, 30,000km intervals. Its first three companies (overlaying six years) complete $1980, averaging $330 a 12 months.
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 12 months.
Needless to say all 4 of these competitor manufacturers supply unlimited-kilometre warranties.
To see how the Jeep Avenger stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle 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 transfer for the Avenger. You get good dealing with, a composed journey 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 units.
However, the Avenger’s mild 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 major 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 id, despite the fact that there’s a lot persona that might be leveraged.
Evaluate that to the Junior, which gives 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 costlier than the electrical Junior, which is the opposite motive for our sentiment.
The way it nonetheless prices this a lot even after a value lower is unusual, and it makes the Summit means out of attain for many – if not all – patrons on this phase. So it’s under no circumstances stunning that Jeep has bought so few examples.
At $40,000 drive-away, the bottom Avenger Longitude is far more logical from a price perspective, however you then miss out on fundamental security gear like blind-spot monitoring. This pricing/tools imbalance is the Avenger’s greatest drawback, making it virtually unimaginable even to shortlist.
No matter whether or not EVs go well with Australian mild SUV patrons, the Avenger hasn’t been arrange for gross sales success.
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