The Avenger has arrived! Jeep's first pure electric SUV set to battle Hyundai Kona EV and BYD Atto 3, but will it come to Australia?

Just seven months after unveiling a city-sized full-electric SUV concept, Jeep has launched the Avenger, its first-ever production EV.

Using the Paris Motor Show as a launching pad for this milestone model is in line with Jeep’s focus on Europe’s B-SUV segment, a category it says accounts for one-in-five vehicles sold across the continent.

Measuring just over 4.0m long, the compact, five-seat Avenger is powered by a 400-volt electric powertrain producing 115kW/260Nm and driving the front wheels only. The Jeep Avenger 4x4 Concept shown next to it previews the inevitable 4x4 version to follow.

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That said, the two-wheel drive Avenger still features Jeep’s ‘Selec-Terrain’ system offering six modes tuned for specific conditions - Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud, and Sand. And with a compact battery located under the seats and central tunnel, ground clearance (200mm) as well as approach, breakover and departure angles (20, 20, and 32-degrees respectively) are focused on genuine off-highway capability.    

The 54kWh, high-density lithium-ion battery delivers a claimed range of 400km on the WLTP cycle, and 550km in urban running. Using a 100kW DC charger, claimed charge time from 20 to 80 per cent is 24 minutes. Using an 11kW unit more typical of a wallbox-type charger or public station, charge time from 0-100 per cent is 5.5 hours.

While evolving the brand’s design approach into a more contemporary look, the Avenger rides on 18-inch alloy rims and retains Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille and broad stance, but softens the traditional trapezoidal wheel-arch treatment to an almost constant curve.

Inside, the look and feel is close to minimalist with the body colour carried on to the central layer of a sweeping three-tier dash. The lower level is open for loose storage and a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen stands proud above the centre stack, running the brand’s ‘Uconnect 10’ software.

A configurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster completes the high-tech array, with transmission select buttons located at the leading edge of the centre console. Leather seat trim and electronically adjustable front chairs (with massage function) are included. 

The interior has a minimalist design to it.

Despite its compact footprint, the Avenger boasts a a hands-free power tailgate and a broad, deep boot able to swallow 380 litres of cargo.

Standard active safety tech includes adaptive cruise control (with ‘Lane Centering’), AEB (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, driver attention monitoring and ‘Active Park Assist’.

A clear focus on younger buyers means customisation options are extensive with 100-plus accessories offered, from decals and ‘X-camo’ livery to coloured wheels and detail elements.

European deliveries are scheduled to commence early in 2023, with pre-orders now open for a “fully-equipped” Launch Edition.

The Avenger rides on 18-inch alloy rims.

With production coming from Jeep’s Tychy Plant in southern Poland, the question of whether the Avenger will come to Australia remains open, although Jeep Brand CEO Christian Meunier recently told CarsGuide, it’s “under consideration” for local sale.

If it does come here, the similarly sized Kona Electric is premium-priced from circa $60K, while the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV kick off in the mid-$40K bracket. So the Jeep would likely have to be priced at the upper end of the $15,000 band that separates them. 

Our best early estimate is $55,000, which would sit the Avenger just above its Compass stablemate, which ranges from $40-$54,000. Stay tuned for updates.