Jeep refreshes the Avenger with a glowing grille and better tech

The Jeep Avenger has been a massive hit for the American brand since it debuted three years ago. Built in Poland and designed specifically for the European market, this small crossover even grabbed the 2023 European Car of the Year title.

With over 270,000 orders placed to date, Jeep is not resting on its success. The company revealed a major update for the model to keep it competitive against a growing sea of electric cars. This refresh brings the "baby" Jeep's styling closer to the new Compass and adds several features that owners actually asked for.

The most obvious change is right on the face of the vehicle. Jeep updated its famous seven-slot grille by adding LED backlighting. This "light-up" design makes the car much easier to spot at night and gives it a more modern look. Jeep also removed the chrome outlines around the grille slots for a cleaner, simpler appearance. This new lighting signature will eventually appear on all new Jeep models, but for now, it is a highlight of the top-tier Avenger trims. To keep the car looking fresh after a trip through the dirt, Jeep added more plastic cladding and stronger skidplates to protect the body from scratches.

Inside the cabin, the changes focus on making the car feel less like a budget vehicle and more like a premium product. Jeep listened to feedback and swapped out some of the hard plastics for softer materials on the door panels. The lower part of the dashboard now has a padded insert, which makes the interior feel much more inviting. For drivers who like to keep their eyes on the road, the drive mode selector now has a rubber coating - small change, but makes it much easier to find and grip the switch by touch alone.

Many buyers still choose gasoline power, but the fully electric version remains the flagship of the range. The electric Jeep Avenger uses a 54 kWh battery pack coupled with a 115 kW (156 hp) motor. This setup provides a driving range of up to 249 miles based on the WLTP cycle. When it comes to charging, the car supports 100 kW DC fast charging - enough to get drivers back on the road relatively quickly. For those charging at home or at work, it handles 11 kW AC charging.

Jeep is also expanding the lineup for those who need more grip. The new 4xe variant is an all-wheel-drive hybrid that stands out with bright red accents on the exterior. This version produces 145 hp and features a rear electric motor capable of delivering 1,401 lb-ft of torque to the back wheels. Jeep claims this tiny SUV can climb a 40% slope even on gravel. If you don't need all-wheel drive but still want some electric help, there is a 110 hp e-Hybrid version that uses a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a small 48V battery system.

Traditionalists have not been forgotten either. The entry-level 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine received a full overhaul. It still produces 101 hp, but Jeep replaced the old "wet belt" design with a more durable timing chain. This is a big win for long-term reliability. The engine also features new high-pressure injectors to improve fuel efficiency. With a six-speed manual gearbox, this version reaches 62 mph in 10.6 seconds. Maintenance is also easier now, as the service intervals have been extended to every two years or 15,530 miles.

Despite its small size - measuring just over 13 ft in length - the Avenger is a practical tool. It offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance and impressive off-road angles, including a 22-degree approach angle. The cargo area is also well-designed, featuring a 13.4 ft³ trunk that is exactly 3.3 ft wide. Jeep even included a reversible floor for the trunk with a washable surface on one side - perfect for muddy hiking boots or wet gear. Inside the cabin, there is another 1.2 ft³ of storage space scattered throughout various compartments.

Safety and technology also take a step forward with this update. The Avenger now comes with LED Matrix headlights, which automatically adjust the beam to avoid blinding other drivers while keeping the road ahead brightly lit. A new 360-degree camera system creates a digital bird's-eye view of the car to make parking in tight European streets much easier. The 10.25-inch center screen stays standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates to keep the software current.

To celebrate the brand's history, Jeep is launching an 85th Anniversary Special Edition. This version features unique gold-finish wheels and bumpers, along with "85 Years of Adventure" logos. The interior gets a tartan fabric pattern on the seats and gold stitching on the dashboard. It is a bit flashy, but it highlights how far the brand has come from its military roots. UK orders for the refreshed model open in late summer 2026, with prices expected to start around $36,540.

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