The Jeep Avenger was just announced a few months ago, back in September as a lead-up to the Paris Auto Show. The subcompact crossover SUV was a new entry into Jeep’s stable that was positioned under the Renegade as a smaller and less expensive alternative in the European market.
As part of the Paris Auto Show, Jeep had a press conference covering newly announced changes to their line and showing a couple of concept vehicles. The finale of the event had Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO, unveil an EV 4×4 concept of the Avenger. Of the newly announced Avenger platform, the CEO stated, “…we couldn’t help but wonder, what would happen if we injected the Jeep brand’s four-wheel drive electrified capabilities into a compact package, while retaining the brand’s unique design language, capability, and personality?”
This concept vehicle is their answer to that question. The concept changes a number of external elements of the standard Avenger newly released as a 2023 model for the brand. From the press photos, one can see the wider fenders and stance, as well as added tow hooks and larger, off-road oriented tires. The press release also notes that the approach angle has been improved to 21 degrees, the departure angle to 34 degrees, and the breakover angle to 20 degrees. Part of these improvements are due to the increase in ground clearance that now stands at 7.87 inches (200mm), which is impressive for a subcompact crossover.
Along with the clearance improvements, Jeep showed a concept roof cargo system that has a proprietary belt system that compresses the luggage on the roof providing a lower overall vehicle profile when used. Beefed up bumpers, added fog lights, and several areas of scratch resistant treatment round out the changes from the non-4xe versions of the Avenger.
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While the Jeep Avenger is not likely to be offered in North America, its good to see more 4×4 platforms being designed with an EV drivetrain. It’s likely we’ll see the rest of Jeep’s 4×4 vehicles moving that direction over the next two to three years. That said, perhaps we’ll see the Avenger in a Trailhawk trim show up in the NA market as the demand for performance vehicles grows.
