Don't even think twice: for 2,000 euros more than the 1.2 Turbo, the e-Hybrid version of the Jeep Avenger is well worth it.

The Jeep Avenger is the best-selling model of the brand in the Spanish market, accounting for around 50% of Jeep’s sales, compared with 25% for the Renegade and 22% for the Compass. This speaks to the good reception of Jeep’s small urban SUV, which now adds the interesting e-Hybrid version to its line-up.

In this way, the Jeep Avenger now offers the choice between three propulsion systems and the three DGT labels: the 1.2 Turbo petrol with 100 CV and C label; the new e-Hybrid with the 1.2 Turbo engine, a 48V MHEV system, also 100 CV but with an ECO label; and the Avenger Electric, with a ZERO label. This same year, the Avenger 4xe will be added to these three versions. We already know it is based on the Avenger e-Hybrid, but in this case with a 136 CV combustion engine and an additional electric motor on the rear axle, to offer a more performance-oriented electrified Avenger with four-wheel drive.

The technology of the Avenger e-Hybrid: more hybrid than mild

Technically, the e-Hybrid technology of the Avenger is not that of a conventional hybrid, such as the Toyota Yaris Cross or the Renault Captur E-TECH, which have more powerful electric motors and larger batteries. But it is not a “light hybrid” or conventional mild-hybrid either, in which the electric motor acts as the starter motor and also assists the combustion engine, providing “extra energy” when accelerating.

Here, in addition to the belt-driven electric motor used as the starter for the combustion engine, the main electric motor, which delivers almost 30 CV and is integrated into the e-DCS6 automatic dual-clutch gearbox, can move the vehicle on its own in certain circumstances, mainly when setting off or during low-speed manoeuvres.

In theory, this is enough to contribute to a reduction in average combined-cycle consumption of 0.5 l/100 km, which can be even greater, almost double, the more the car is driven in the city. As in the Opel Corsa Hybrid, with this same technology, the lithium-ion battery, located under the driver’s seat, has a gross capacity of 0.9 kWh. The additional weight of the 48-volt hybridisation system is just 60 kg.

Behind the wheel of the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid

But the reduction in consumption and having the DGT ECO label are not the only advantages of the Avenger e-Hybrid. During the press presentation held in Madrid we were able to drive it on motorways and country roads, as well as on a 4×4 route and, best of all, compare it with the entry-level version, the Avenger 1.2 Turbo. And I can assure you that if the small Jeep SUV is on your radar, the 2,000 euros more that the e-Hybrid costs are the best investment you can make.

For many, the ECO label alone may be sufficient justification. And as for consumption, don’t bother working out amortisation. Even if there were no advantage in consumption, and there is, I would recommend the e-Hybrid version for the notable driving pleasure it offers. Whereas with the 1.2 Turbo you have to “pull the clutch” to set off from a standstill and frequently resort to a gearbox that is not exactly distinguished by speed or precision, the e-Hybrid’s dual-clutch gearbox, which on its own almost justifies the extra price, provides smoothness and comfort in driving.

But in addition, and although the official performance figures don’t reflect it, the contribution of the electric motor, which thanks to the e-boost function adds up to 55 Nm of extra torque to that of the combustion engine when accelerating, improves the elasticity of the small three-cylinder, which also feels more pleasant and effective when making use of its 200 mm of ground clearance and its good 4×4 figures when leaving the tarmac.

In this sense, the Avenger is by no means the most capable Jeep for getting into trouble. But the hill descent control, and the mud, sand and snow programmes of the drive mode system, which add to the Normal, Eco and Sport programmes, all contribute their bit.

As for the price, there is little more to add. The e-Hybrid version is offered with the same three trim levels as the 1.2 Turbo: Longitude, Altitude and Summit. And in all three cases the price difference is around 2,000 euros for the same equipment. The price of the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid starts at 25,057 euros, including the brand’s official discount, which ranges between 1,500 and 2,000 euros depending on the version. In terms of monthly payments, which brands now love to advertise, you can have an Avenger e-Hybrid from 149 euros a month (35 instalments), the same instalment as the 1.2 Turbo; although in this case the initial payment is around 1,000 euros more (6,648 euros), and the final payment almost 1,500 euros higher (19,746 euros).

The Jeep e-Hybrid range: Avenger, Renegade and Compass

The Avenger e-Hybrid joins the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass with this same hybridisation technology. In the case of the Renegade and the Compass, the combustion engine is a 1.5 Turbo 4-cylinder, and they announce an output of 130 CV.

For 2024, Jeep has made changes to both models. The Renegade, which remains faithful to the exterior design of the first version launched in 2015, is technologically renewed with a new digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch screen, a new steering wheel and a new infotainment system with a 10.1-inch screen and a processing capacity five times faster than the previous generation. The rear camera, with high-resolution images, is also new, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is added wirelessly.

As for the Compass, it receives new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs, adds adaptive cruise control among the available driver assistance systems, and also improves connectivity. Jeep offers the Renegade e-Hybrid from 199 euros a month, and from 249 euros a month for the Compass e-Hybrid.

Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid – Image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadJeep Avenger10 versions · from 25,700 €