Jeep's Tiniest Hybrid Gains AWD with Help from Mini Electric Motors - International Edition (English)

The Jeep Avenger debuted three years ago, but until now it has been only front-wheel drive.

• Pre-orders for the fully driven Jeep Avenger have started.
• Called the Avenger 4xe, this urban crossover features an electric all-wheel drive system.

The Jeep Avenger The American automaker's compact vehicle is at last receiving an attribute it ought to have possessed from the outset: all-wheel drive. Indeed, you heard correctly. Jeep , renowned globally for its off-road capable vehicles, has been offering a front-wheel-drive crossover in European markets for approximately two years now.

That's finally changing. Though the updated version was announced last year , the order books are finally opening up. Deliveries in Europe are scheduled to begin in May. Sorry, Americans: it’s not coming to the United States.

The Avenger 4xe boasts an intriguing power system. The primary energy comes from a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine capable of delivering 136 horsepower. This power is directed to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Moreover, this urban SUV features two compact electric motors—a single unit positioned at both the front and back—which allows for electric-powered all-wheel drive capability. Although each motor generates only 28 horsepower (or 21 kilowatts), they do not provide particularly thrilling performance.

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The total system output is rated at 145 hp, which is enough to propel the B-segment crossover from zero to 62 miles per hour in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 120 miles per hour. That’s 6 mph (10 kph) faster than the front-wheel drive e-Hybrid version of the Avenger.

Despite all these points, Jeep has designed this e-AWD system primarily for low-speed operation. Initially, only up to 28 horsepower can be directed to the rear wheels at once, as stated by the manufacturer, which also notes that the rear electric motor disconnects itself beyond 56 mph (90 km/h). Within the range of 18 to 56 mph, the rear motor activates solely when necessary, whereas under 18 mph, it operates continuously, ensuring an even distribution of torque between both axles.

Keep in mind, this is not a plug-in hybrid like the original one. Wrangler 4xe but rather a mild hybrid with 48-volt bits. As such, Jeep says that the Avenger 4xe could drive in electric-only mode at speeds of up to 18 mph for up to three-fifths of a mile (1 km).

According to the American automaker, the diminutive off-roader comes with approximately a quarter-inch (10 millimeters) more ground clearance than the regular version and it can ford water as high as 15.7 inches (400 mm) deep. The 4xe also gets anti-scratch bumpers, roof rails, all-season Goodyear tires, underbody protection and a rear tow hook. Inside, there’s a black headliner and waterproof covers for the seats.