Life with a Jeep Avenger: Final Report
The Jeep Avenger arrived to much acclaim, having been named Car of the Year and Best Small Car in 2023. However, over the course of our long-term test, the Avenger’s reputation has diminished. It experienced numerous issues that were not isolated incidents, calling into question its reliability. The Avenger’s problems mirrored those experienced by another publication, indicating a pattern of issues with the car. In fact, Jeep ranked last in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey. These faults, combined with quirks such as a basic infotainment system and inaccurate range indicator, have dampened the initial enthusiasm for the Avenger.
Despite these setbacks, there are still positive aspects to the Avenger. Its compact size, solid build, and chunky look make it stand out in its class. It is nimble and maneuverable in city driving and offers a decent amount of storage space in the front cabin. However, ride quality is compromised, which became more bothersome over time. The Avenger scored a three-and-a-half-star road test verdict, reflecting its mixed performance.
As an ownership proposition, the Avenger’s issues and lack of confidence in its reliability are concerning. The fact that faults did not show up in the workshop raises questions about the effectiveness of pre-production models in identifying and resolving problems. It is disappointing to see a car with such potential fall short in terms of long-term reliability.
Ultimately, while there are still aspects to like about the Avenger, it has not lived up to its initial promise. The combination of recurring issues and subpar functionality have dampened the overall experience. It is a shame to see a car with such charm and character struggle to deliver on its potential.
Second Opinion
The issues faced by the Avenger are disheartening, especially considering its characterful design. While the Avenger’s fundamental proposition is good, the presence of recurring issues is a cause for concern. The 1.2-litre petrol manual version may be a more reliable alternative. Overall, the Avenger’s performance has been underwhelming.
Life with a Jeep Avenger: Month 3
The Avenger faced a terrifying systems failure on a dark, wet motorway. All the digital features suddenly died, leaving the car invisible and powerless. After a few seconds, everything rebooted and returned to normal, but the experience was harrowing. Jeep diagnosed a loose battery terminal as the cause of the issue, although it did not show up in the diagnostics. This incident, combined with previous issues faced by our sister publication, raises questions about the reliability of the Avenger.
Life with a Jeep Avenger: Month 2
The Avenger’s charging cable stands out with its bright red color, making it less of a trip hazard. Additionally, the false boot floor provides convenient storage space for the cable. The Avenger proved its toughness by handling trips to the local waste recycling center and a journey to watch a muddy rally in Wales. It offered a useful shape for carrying large bags of tree cuttings and proved comfortable over long distances. However, there were some gremlins, including a failed attempt to charge at a BP Pulse charger and a refusal to start at one point. These issues were attributed to software glitches and cold weather.
Life with a Jeep Avenger: Month 1
The Avenger made a strong impression from the start, with its unique design and compact yet robust appearance. It manages to look both small and substantial at the same time. The Avenger is the first Jeep to be designed and built in Europe exclusively for European markets. It is also the first Jeep to be offered as an electric vehicle. The Avenger offers a range of up to 249 miles with its 51kWh battery pack and features an intuitive driving experience. However, there are some limitations, such as the inability to precondition the heating from the touchscreen infotainment system and the reliance on a phone app for certain functions.
Overall, the Avenger has made a positive first impression, but there are still questions about its long-term reliability and value for money. The Avenger’s charm and character may win over the heart, but the issues faced during our long-term test have raised concerns about its overall performance and durability.