Jeep’s new Avenger 4xe has an AWD system that helps it climb, drive and swim better than ever

Jeep has extended its Avenger lineup with a new hybrid ‘4xe’ all-wheel drive (AWD) variant, which boasts more driven wheels, more power and a beefier suspension for that one weekend each year when you fancy going on a muddy trail and the rest of the year driving through potholes.

The 4xe’s hybrid powertrain comprises a 137bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and two 21kW electric motors - one at each end - to turn it into the fastest Avenger yet. However, we’d take that statement with a pinch of salt because it’ll still need 9.5 seconds to reach 62mph - just 0.1s quicker than the pure EV version - and tops out at 120mph.

A bit more salt may be required for the torque output, which Jeep claims can reach a peak of 1,401lb ft at the rear wheels. Though this figure is likely achieved by multiplying the electric motors’ individual figures by the gear ratios.

Other mechanical details include a multilink rear suspension (a first for the Avenger), a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and Jeep’s AWD system. 

It’s a clever drivetrain, which splits the traction equally to each corner below 19mph and switches to front-wheel drive only from there to 56mph, but you can still manually toggle the AWD at this speed. This no longer becomes an option above 56mph, where the rear motor completely switches off to minimise fuel consumption… and since you’re unlikely to need all this fancy torque vectoring on the A1 at cruising speeds.

But let’s say you’re not on the A1 and instead in the Scottish Highlands for that one weekend a week; the 4xe can now achieve higher off-road angles, including a 22-degree approach and 35-degree departure. And while it might not be able to wade across Loch Ness, it can ford streams that are up to 40 centimetres deep. Good stuff.

It’s a handsome car, the Avenger. And since it’s getting the extra off-road treatment, it’s only fair that it gains a bit of visual bulk, too. With the 4xe, you’ll now spot roof bars as standard, a rear tow hook and repositioned front fog lights to improve nighttime visibility. The gold detailing on the exposed front grille could even be mistaken for a pair of fangs.

There’s also a lot more cladding to protect the car’s underbelly, while both sets of bumpers are now complete with an ‘anti-scratch’ finish. The interior of the 4xe remains largely similar to that of a standard Avenger, albeit with seats now made from extra durable materials. So you’ll still be treated to a pair of 10.25in infotainment and instrument clusters inside, actual physical switchgear to operate some of the creature comforts and a generally robust look/feel throughout.

Pricing has yet to be revealed for the new Avenger 4xe, but given an E-Hybrid in range-topping ‘Summit’ trim will set you back a pre-options price of around 30 grand, this fancier version should bump it up a bit. We’ll know a concrete answer in the coming months ahead of its arrival later this year.