2023 Jeep Avenger revealed, Australian launch possible

The 2023 Jeep Avenger small electric SUV has been unveiled ahead of its launch in Europe and Asia early next year – but a local arrival has yet to be confirmed.

It made its public debut overnight at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, after Jeep published initial photos alongside the Recon and Wagoneer S electric SUVs last month.

It will become Jeep’s first electric vehicle, with the Recon and Wagoneer S set to commence production in 2024.

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While right-hand drive production for the UK and Japan has been confirmed, an Australian launch is currently unclear.

“Avenger is going to go to the UK and Japan, and we’re looking at maybe Australia if there is a market for it,” said Jeep brand CEO Christian Meunier in Detroit last month.

Measuring 4080 millimetres long, the city SUV is 160mm shorter than the Renegade – making it the smallest Jeep model ever.

JUMP AHEAD

• Powertrains, charging, and driving range
• Exterior
• Interior and technology
• Availability

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Powertrains, charging, and driving range

Under the skin, the Avenger is rumoured to be underpinned by the STLA Small architecture, an evolution of the CMP platform used by other Stellantis vehicles, such as the Peugeot 2008 and Citroën C4.

There is a 54kWh nickel manganese cobalt lithium-ion battery, with a claimed 400-kilometre driving range on the stricter WLTP cycle. The electric motor produces 115kW and 260Nm.

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According to the brand, a 100kW DC charger will top-up the Avenger’s battery from 20 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes – and 30km of added driving range in three minutes.

Using an 11kW AC home charger will allow for a zero to 100 per cent recharge in 5.5 hours.

A turbocharged petrol engine will also be offered in select markets, including Italy and Spain.

Exterior

The production model will be front-wheel-drive; however, Jeep previewed an all-wheel-drive version with the ‘Avenger 4x4 Concept’, featuring tow hooks, a wider body, and larger tyres.

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It also includes thicker body cladding, taller suspension, extra LED lighting, and a lightweight roof cargo system. Jeep didn’t reveal any performance details for the concept.

While it’s only front-wheel drive, Jeep says it has the highest ground clearance in the light SUV segment, at 200mm, with terrain modes, hill descent control and underbody skid plates to protect the battery.

Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system offers Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud and Sand modes.

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Meanwhile, the Avenger’s off-road capability is supported by a 20-degree approach, 20-degree breakover and 32-degree departure angle, shorter overhangs and “360-degree cladding” designed to hide scratches.

The 4x4 Concept increases the approach and departure angles to 21 and 34 degrees, respectively.

A closed-off version of Jeep’s iconic seven-slot is present, joining 18-inch alloy wheels, ‘hidden’ rear door handles, and tail-lights “inspired by the classic X fuel cans”.

Interior and technology

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Inside, the 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, and support for over-the-air updates.

It sits above the dashboard, which includes body-coloured panels, an exposed storage compartment and full-width air vents.

Depending on the grade, a 7-inch or 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is available. Other features include heated and massaging power front seats, an electric tailgate, wireless phone charging, and colour-adjustable LED ambient lighting.

It has a 380-litre boot capacity, with an additional 34 litres of storage in the front row.

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A full suite of active safety equipment is offered, including a Level 2 semi-autonomous function combining the adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and traffic jam assist.

Other features include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and automated parking.

Is the Jeep Avenger coming to Australia?

The 2023 Jeep Avenger will arrive in Europe and Asia in early 2023. An Australian launch is unconfirmed at this stage, but the larger Recon and Wagonner S are confirmed for our market.