Test Car Specifications
Model: 2025 Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition
Price: From £35,725
Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with hybrid system
Transmission: six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Power: 136hp
Torque: 230Nm
Emissions: 122g/km
Economy: 52.3mpg
0-62mph: 9.5 seconds
Top speed: 120mph
Boot space: 325 litres
Styling
In many ways, the Avenger 4xe looks much like any other Avenger, but there are some subtle tweaks, including a 10mm increase in ground clearance, and mud-and-snow tyres, not to mention roof rails, a tow hook and reinforced bumpers. This North Face Edition, however, has some much less subtle upgrades, such as the black-and-yellow stickers with North Face branding. Those stickers are combined with either Storm grey, Volcano black and Snow white colour schemes, topographic lines on the black seven-bar grille, and 17-inch black alloys. It's a look that won't be for everyone, but those who don't like it can always opt for the slightly less 'out there' Upland version.
Interior
As with other Avengers, the 4xe models have the usual combination of 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster, but the dashboard is fairly plain otherwise. Yes, you get plenty of buttons on the steering wheel and there are buttons for selecting the gears, but the only other switchgear on the dash is a bank of switches for climate control (praise be) and four other switches between the air vents.
One of those buttons is for the hazard lights, but the other three are for the touchscreen, helping drivers navigate the infotainment system. The system is quite sharp and it looks pretty good, but the menus aren't all as intuitive as you might hope. And because even the safety systems are controlled through the screen, you have to interact with it on the move, which is an unwelcome distraction.
While the screen might be mediocre, the Jeep's design is somewhat more successful. The plastics aren't all brilliant, but it feels reasonably well made, and some of the North Face features of this particular car are quite nice. We aren't sure about the elasticated cords that serve as seat pockets, but the seat materials feel quite tactile and we like the little special edition logo on the dash. Heated seats are a handy addition, too.
Practicality
Although it is a 4x4, the Avenger 4xe is not the most practical car on the market. Space in the front is more than adequate, but the rear seats are a bit cramped and the darkness of the interior does nothing to improve things. Headroom isn't too bad, but legroom is tight, particularly if you've got a tall person in the seat in front, and the boot isn't massive, either. The 4xe models lose a fair bit of capacity due to the rear electric motor, leaving them with 325 litres of capacity, or less than you get from a Seat Ibiza. It isn't disastrous, but it isn't spectacular, either.
Performance
To give the 4xe its all-wheel-drive capability without ruining its environmental credentials, the ubiquitous 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is supplemented by two electric motors, with one on each axle. That means the rear wheels are driven solely by electric power, and can be disengaged at higher speeds for maximum economy.
In total, the system produces 136hp and 230Nm of torque, which is adequate enough, but despite that and the electric motors, it doesn't feel that quick. Getting from 0-62mph takes 9.5 seconds, and the top speed is 120mph. It also feels a bit jerky at times as the gearbox, engine and electric motors all trip over themselves to deliver the power, which leaves the Jeep jolting as you put your foot down.
In the cruise, however, the system is pretty smooth, and the 1.2-litre engine thrums away tidily and characterfully. It's efficient, too, managing more than 50mpg on the official economy test, and we achieved something approaching that in the real world. Not bad for something with genuine off-road capability and a little petrol engine under the bonnet.
Ride & Handling
As well as its modified powertrain, the Avenger 4xe also gets a different rear suspension set-up from the standard Avenger. On paper, that – along with the increased ride height – is designed to make the car more capable off-road, but it also makes the 4xe a little more supple than the standard car on asphalt. The ride isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly acceptable on any surface and any speed, and it makes the Avenger quite amiable on longer drives.
Obviously, there is some soft-road capability there – and significantly more than in a front-wheel-drive Avenger. It’ll wade through deeper water and it has better approach and departure angles to help it tackle rough terrain. With mud-and-snow tyres on board, it’s a pretty capable small car.
And it drives nicely, too. The steering is accurate enough and the body control is surprisingly good, despite the tyres and the ride height. There are sportier options out there, but it’s the powertrain that holds the Avenger back in that regard, not the chassis.
Value
The Avenger 4xe range starts at £30,999 for the basic Upland model, which comes with 17-inch black alloy wheels, LED headlights and silver skid plates, as well as washable fabric seat coverings, black roof lining and silver dashboard accents. And that's before we consider the usual stuff such as the touchscreen and instrument display, reversing camera and keyless start.
Moving up to the North Face Edition, which is limited to 4,806 units (the number equates to the height of Mont Blanc in metres), increases the price to £35,725, but for that you get a host of yellow accents, North Face logos, and custom floor mats with 3D mountain range designs. The interior is also adorned with North Face elastic seatback straps, while equipment including heated seats, a heated windscreen and a navigation system are all fitted as standard.
The North Face models also come with a hands-free powered tailgate, behind which customers will find a North Face duffel bag, a tent and a water bottle, designed to help you be as adventurous as the car.
Verdict
The Avenger 4xe isn’t perfect – and the North Face Edition definitely won’t suit everyone – but if you want a compact SUV that drives nicely and has a bit of off-road capability, the Avenger 4xe is definitely worth a look. Yes, the hybrid system is a bit awkward, but it’s reasonably efficient and the basic engine is decent, so it’s a small price to pay for the extra talent. We just aren’t sold on the stickers…
