► Updated Avenger drops wet belt for a chain
► Styling updates bring it more in-line with Compass
► Includes an 85th Anniversary edition
The Jeep Avenger has received its first major facelift since its introduction three years ago, which brings it more in-line with the larger Compass SUV.
The Avenger has been the best-selling model from the American brand in Europe, reaching a peak of 270,000 orders in the region since 2023. The facelift brings new updates including a reworked engine, trim upgrades, and an 85th Anniversary edition.
As before, there’s also a couple of hybrids; beginning with the e-Hybrid model, which develops 110hp and is teamed with a six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and a tiny 48V 0.9kWh lithium ion battery. Jeep claims it offers a mere one kilometre of driving range when travelling below 30kmh. A more rugged AWD 4xe model ups the engine’s power to 145hp and a rear electric motor driving the back axle. Jeep claims it can tackle slopes of up to 40%.
In an effort to add more toughness to the baby Jeep, the Avenger now has colour-matched skid plates to prevent damage from some light off-roading as well as plenty of exterior cladding. In a nod to its history, the new 17 and 18 inch alloy wheels feature wheel caps with a little profile of its WW2 ancestor. The harking back doesn’t end there, either.
The 85th Anniversary edition references the beginning of production of the original Willys-Overland MB – also known as the Ford GPW – in November 1941. It wasn’t until 1945 when consumer vehicles under the official Jeep brand began production.
There are also some new material upgrades, including some padding on the lower dashboard teamed with softer materials on the door panels in an effort to add some plushness. The 4xe sports a mostly-green interior with what Jeep claim are ‘washable’ materials.
In the 85th Anniversary edition, the 85th badge on the front wings can also be found on the seats along with a tartan pattern gold stitching to mirror the alloy wheels.
As for other areas throughout the cabin, there’s a 10 x 25 inch screen like before, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the same 380 litres of boot space.
Order books are open now and the facelifted Avenger is expected to arrive in the UK in September this year.