Australia’s toughest hybrid? Full details of most rugged all-wheel-drive Jeep Avenger 4xe hybrid released
Jeep has released full details of its most rugged and capable Jeep Avenger ever, which introduces a new petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive.
Set to launch in Europe in Q4 of 2024, ahead of deliveries starting in 2025, the Jeep Avenger 4xe combines a 100kW 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and two 21kW electric motors that spin-up the rear wheels, providing all-wheel drive.
All-EV drive is available, and combined the system provides 100kW. The Avenger hybrid is claimed to be capable of a 0-100km/h dash in 9.5 seconds, while top speed is 194km/h.
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Only the Jeep Avenger EV is quicker in the range (0-100km/h 9.0sec), but the electric version is limited to a 150km/h top speed.
Thanks to the new powertrain, the smallest Jeep on sale can climb slopes of more than 40 percent and up to 20 percent when there’s no grip on the front axle.
At speeds of up to 30km/h the new hybrid powertrain splits torque 50:50, while from 30-90km/h the rear axle decouples and only reconnects on demand.
When all-wheel drive is engaged the torque split is fixed at 50:50, even up to 90km/h. Drive faster and, again, the rear axle decouples to save fuel.
Behind the wheel owners have the choice of Auto, Snow, Sand & Mud and Sport with all four settings adjusting the power delivery, transmissions response and traction control.
To package the all-wheel drive, the Avenger 4xe is the first model in the small Jeep range to adopt a more sophisticated rear multi-link suspension that enhances the ride, handling and capability off-road as it allows more axle articulation.
Created to be the most capable version of the baby Jeep, the Avenger 4xe gets rear tow hooks, standard roof rails and seats made of stainproof and washable fabric.
Up front there’s more tow hooks, and new anti-scratch bumpers that have more prominent underbody armour.
Finally, there’s a new bonnet sticker designed to reduce glare in sunny conditions, and new black rims that can be optioned with all-terrain tyres, in place of the standard mud and snow rubber.
With the revised front bumper, Jeep claims 22-degree approach, 21-degree breakover, and 35-degree departure angles in the rough. Sitting 10mm higher than the standard Avenger there’s also 210mm of ground clearance.
Finally, the wading depth increases to 400mm – a sizeable increase over the battery-electric version’s 230mm.
With prices and full specification still to be released for the European market but right-hand drive production has already been confirmed for the UK market opening the door for the potential for an Aussie launch next year.
