Jeep Avenger SUV

1.2 Summit 5dr [2025]

The American brand Jeep is legendary. It has been around for over 80 years, specialising in SUVs, pick-up trucks, and four-wheel drive.

But the sad fact is, despite some of its iconic cars, it's never had the best reputation, certainly in the UK.

Think big, thirsty engines and heavy depreciation. Plus, it doesn't have the wide appeal here that it enjoys across the other side of the Atlantic.

There is also a sense of utilitarianism about Jeeps, which many UK motorists might not necessarily want: the success of marques such as Land Rover, BMW and Audi with their luxury-laden SUVs tells you all you need to know about our SUV buying and leasing habits here in Blighty.

However, Jeep hasn’t stood still in terms of turning the tide – and there’s no better example of this than the Avenger.

Firstly, it was designed in Europe, offering something more suited to non-American roads. Secondly, build quality has improved over the years, too. Thirdly, it has a smaller, more city-friendly design, being a compact crossover. Finally, it's also become Jeep's first-ever all-electric vehicle, which aligns nicely with the swathe of manufacturers that are pushing towards electrification here.

But it’s a new hybrid Avenger we’re interested in for this review's purposes – namely the 4xe.

It might shock you to learn that, despite four-wheel drive being key to Jeep's identity, the Avenger has never been offered with anything other than front or rear-wheel drive. But the 4xe changes that.

To celebrate, it’s teamed up with a well-known outdoor apparel brand to put a special edition on the market called The North Face, which we've got our hands on here. Let’s hope the Avenger has found its off-roading shoes, then. We pack the ropes and harness in the back and set off.