It’s been on the way forever but the Jeep Avenger is about to hit the road in plugin hybrid 4xe form. The latest version of the high-selling B-SUV promises to bridge the gap between the full EV, in which form it was first launched in the UK, and the petrol and hybrid models which have come since.
While there’s not yet any sign of a Trailhawk version to take advantage of the 4xe drivetrain, which drives all four wheels, Jeep has not ruled this out. For now, the 4xe will be available in three trims, all of them powered by the same combination of 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, and dual 21kW, 48V electric motors. This delivers 145bhp to all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch auto box.
Jeep says the drivetrain allows the Avenger to tackle ‘even the most adventurous off-road terrains’. It boasts 210mm of ground clearance (an additional 10mm compared to the rest of the Avenger range), meaning 22° approach, 21° breakover and 35° departure angles, and can ford up to 400mm of water.
In addition, a 22.7:1 reduction gear in the rear axle makes for an extraordinary 1400lbf.ft of torque at the wheels. This promises enormous tractability – Jeep says the vehicle can scale gradients of up to 40% on unpaved surfaces, with 20% achievable even if the front wheels have no grip at all. Although the Avenger doesn’t have low range as such, its drive modes offer the option of a virtual centre diff lock – as well of course as programs tailored to driving in mud, sand and snow.
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