The Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face became one of the most talked-about compact SUVs on the European market in 2026. Its launch attracted interest not only because of its partnership with The North Face, but also due to its effort to combine urban comfort with elements of real off-road capability. Buyers are interested not just in its appearance, but also in how well the vehicle can handle rough roads and challenging conditions.
Production of the model is based at the Stellantis plant in the Polish city of Tychy, where the Fiat 600 and Alfa Junior are also assembled. This decision helped reduce costs, but affected some technical characteristics. The Jeep Avenger 4xe is built on a front-wheel-drive platform, while all-wheel drive is provided by an additional electric motor on the rear axle. The rear electric motor delivers 29 hp, enabling the vehicle to start confidently on slippery surfaces and handle light off-roading. However, it can’t be called a full-fledged off-roader — it’s more of an urban crossover with expanded capabilities.
Design details
Engineers equipped the Avenger 4xe with steel underbody protection, 21 cm ground clearance, and the ability to ford depths up to 40 cm. The rear departure angle is 35 degrees, which gives it an advantage over many competitors. The front of the body is less suited to extreme conditions, with an approach angle of only 22 degrees. Inside, the cabin features hard plastics, and the top of the dashboard can reflect sunlight, sometimes hindering the view. Designers added a topographic map to the trim, though this is more decorative than practical.
The multimedia system is simple: a TomTom navigator, which does not support voice control without an active subscription. Traffic sign recognition works reliably but requires confirmation by button. It’s nice that the cabin retains physical control buttons. The seats are short, with no lumbar support, making long trips less comfortable. The upholstery is easy to clean, which is important for active users. There is enough headroom in the second row, but passengers of average height may find their knees pressing against the backs of the front seats, while the backrest of the rear bench is set almost vertically.
Hybrid system
The technical setup of the Avenger 4xe combines a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, each with 29 hp. One motor is integrated into the six-speed automatic transmission, and the second is located on the rear axle. The rear electric motor engages when the front wheels slip and shuts off at speeds above 90 km/h to save energy. Because of the hybrid components, the trunk volume is reduced to 325 liters, and up to 1,218 liters with the seats folded. There are no cargo hooks in the trunk, raising questions about the model’s practicality for travel.
The six-speed gearbox sometimes shifts with noticeable RPM jumps, and a tachometer is not available in any of the five digital instrument cluster display modes. This may not appeal to those who prefer to visually monitor engine performance. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, these decisions are likely driven by the aim to reduce costs and simplify the design.
Performance and comfort
The Jeep Avenger 4xe stands out for its compact size (4.09 m) and high maneuverability, making it convenient for city use. The suspension is tuned to be firm, so small road imperfections are felt quite acutely, despite the 17-inch high-profile wheels. The car handles long asphalt waves more smoothly, but short bumps are transmitted to the cabin. The Goodyear Vector 215/60 R17 all-season tires used here are closer in composition to winter tires, but are slightly less soft. The wheels maintain good road contact even in deep potholes, but the body noticeably rolls in corners.
The steering is light, but lacks precision, and vibrations from the powertrain are sometimes felt through the wheel. A sharper steering response could make the car feel jittery on uneven surfaces, so a compromise was chosen. Overall, the Avenger 4xe behaves like a short vehicle with large wheels—you notice this in every maneuver.
Off-road capabilities
Testing at the sand pit showed that the suspension isn’t designed for serious diagonal articulation—a typical feature of urban crossovers. Nevertheless, the rear electric motor engages quickly in loose sand and helps avoid getting stuck. In Mud/Sand and Snow modes, rear-wheel drive operates up to 30 km/h, making it easier to start moving and handle tough surfaces. This approach makes the 4xe system not just a marketing tool but genuinely useful for those who occasionally venture off asphalt.
Interestingly, the European SUV market is currently seeing a surge in hybrid and electric models, and competition is intensifying. New alliances like the partnership between Freelander and Chery are already shifting the balance of power—read more about this in the article on new threats to premium SUVs.
Jeep is an American brand with a rich history, long associated with true off-road vehicles. In recent years, however, the company has been actively adapting to European demands, offering compact and hybrid models. Its partnership with The North Face highlights the brand’s efforts to go beyond its usual image and attract a new audience focused on outdoor activities and an active lifestyle beyond the city. The introduction of new technologies and solutions in the Avenger 4xe reflects a broader trend towards sustainability and versatility, which is becoming increasingly prominent among European automakers.
