Jeep Avantgarde 196
Used Car Review

Jeep Avantgarde 196

For Sale Online with Finance

Nick Zapolski

ChooseMyCar founder, ex-racing driver, and motoring expert

LinkedIn

A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.

Overall Rating

4.1/5

Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing

Performance

3.8

Comfort & Interior

4.3

Running Costs

3.7

Practicality

4.2

Expert Review

Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.

Jeep Avantgarde 196

Overview

Looking for a compact SUV that offers genuine off-road capability without the bulk? The Jeep Avenger might be exactly what you need. This newest addition to the Jeep family brings iconic American ruggedness to a European-friendly size, perfect for navigating both city streets and weekend adventures. It’s designed for drivers who want the legendary Jeep capability in a package that’s practical for everyday British life.

From the moment you see it, the Avenger stands out with its distinctive seven-slot grille and squared-off styling. Unlike rivals like the Nissan Juke or Ford Puma, the Avenger maintains that unmistakable Jeep character. The interior surprises with its modern tech and solid build quality, featuring a user-friendly touchscreen and comfortable seating that can handle both the school run and genuine outdoor pursuits.

Driving the Avenger feels reassuringly capable and composed. The available all-wheel drive system gives you confidence in challenging conditions, while the efficient engines keep running costs reasonable for daily use. It handles city driving with ease but really comes alive when the tarmac ends. While it commands a premium over some mainstream rivals, you’re paying for that unique combination of style, capability, and the peace of mind that comes with proper four-wheel drive when you need it most.

Jeep Avantgarde 196

What's the Jeep Avantgarde-196 Like to Drive?

The Jeep Avenger offers a choice of efficient powertrains designed for versatility rather than outright speed. The base petrol engine delivers around 130 horsepower from a turbocharged unit, providing adequate performance for most situations. It handles city driving smoothly and has enough power for confident motorway cruising and safe overtaking. The 4xe hybrid variant adds electric assistance for improved fuel economy and extra torque when needed.

Where the Avenger truly excels is in its off-road manners and driving refinement. The available all-wheel drive system automatically sends power where it’s needed, making light work of muddy car parks or snowy conditions. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and control, soaking up rough surfaces while maintaining composure on winding roads. This makes it an ideal compact SUV for drivers who need genuine capability without sacrificing everyday usability.

Key Features

Essential specifications and features

  • Engine

    1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.6L Hybrid 4xe

  • Power Output

    130 - 180 bhp

  • 0-60 mph

    9.0 - 7.5 seconds

  • MPG Combined

    45 - 60 mpg

Boot Space
380 litres
Safety Rating
(Euro NCAP)

How Comfortable Is the Jeep Avantgarde-196?

Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the Avenger’s thoughtful cabin design. The dashboard features a clean, modern layout with an intuitive 10.25-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The materials feel robust and well-assembled, with soft-touch surfaces where they matter most. The seats offer good support and comfort, making longer journeys pleasant for both driver and passengers.

The front cabin feels spacious and airy, with excellent visibility all round thanks to the upright seating position. Rear passengers get decent legroom for the class, though taller adults might find headroom a little tight. One of the standout features is how quiet the cabin remains at speed, with effective wind and road noise insulation. Climate control is straightforward to use, and there are plenty of storage cubbies throughout the interior for everyday items and family essentials.

The Jeep Avenger successfully brings the brand’s legendary capability into the competitive compact SUV market. It offers something genuinely different from mainstream rivals with its available all-wheel drive system and rugged character. The interior impresses with its build quality and modern technology, while the efficient engines keep running costs reasonable for daily driving. The trade-offs are a slightly higher price point and marginally less interior space compared to some two-wheel drive rivals. However, if you value genuine capability and distinctive styling, these compromises are easily justified. The Avenger is perfect for buyers who want a compact SUV that can handle whatever life throws at it, from urban commuting to weekend adventures off the beaten track.
Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert
Jeep Avantgarde 196

Jeep Avantgarde-196 Running Costs

The Avenger’s running costs are competitive for a capable compact SUV, though slightly higher than some mainstream alternatives. The efficient petrol engines deliver real-world fuel economy in the mid-40s to low 50s MPG range, helping keep fuel bills manageable. The 4xe hybrid version can achieve even better economy in mixed driving, particularly around town where the electric motor does much of the work.

Insurance groups are moderate for the segment, reflecting the Avenger’s strong safety credentials and reasonable repair costs. The initial purchase price sits at a premium compared to some rivals, but this reflects the genuine four-wheel drive capability and strong brand heritage. Servicing costs are reasonable, and car finance options make the Avenger accessible with flexible monthly payments to suit different budgets and circumstances.

How Does It Compare?

Compare key features and specifications

jeep avenger
Nissan Juke
Ford Puma
Starting Price £28,000 £24,500 £26,000
Performance
Engine 1.2L Turbo 130hp 1.0L Turbo 114hp 1.0L Turbo 125hp
Power 130 bhp 114 bhp 125 bhp
0-60 mph 9.0 seconds 10.4 seconds 9.8 seconds
Running Costs
MPG Combined 48 mpg 50 mpg 52 mpg
Practicality
Boot Space 380 litres 422 litres 456 litres
Standard Features
Key Features All-wheel drive available, Off-road modes, Rugged styling Distinctive design, Good tech, Efficient engines Practical boot, Sporty handling, Ford reliability
Jeep Avantgarde 196

Is the Jeep Avantgarde-196 Practical for Everyday Use?

The Avenger proves surprisingly practical for a compact SUV with serious off-road credentials. The 380-litre boot is well-shaped and easily accessed, comfortably swallowing a weekly shop or holiday luggage for four. The rear seats fold down to create a useful cargo area for larger items, and there are plenty of tie-down points for securing loads. The higher driving position makes loading and unloading easier on your back.

Where space becomes tighter is in the rear seats for taller passengers on longer journeys. However, for families with younger children or occasional adult passengers, the Avenger offers enough room for comfortable travel. The compact dimensions are actually a major advantage in town, making parking and manoeuvring much easier than with larger SUVs. It strikes an excellent balance for buyers who need genuine capability but don’t want the bulk of traditional used Jeep cars models.

“Love the rugged look and the fact it can actually handle proper off-road driving unlike most SUVs these days. Build quality feels solid and the tech is easy to use. Boot could be bigger but it’s perfect for our active lifestyle.” by Sarah Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell Jeep Avantgarde-196 Customer
Verified Purchase

The Jeep Avenger stands out in the crowded compact SUV segment by offering genuine four-wheel drive capability in a city-friendly package. It combines the brand’s legendary off-road heritage with modern efficiency, advanced technology, and a thoughtfully designed interior. While it may not be the cheapest or most spacious option in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for adventurous drivers.

You choose the Avenger because you want a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on capability. Its distinctive styling, robust build quality, and genuine all-weather confidence make it ideal for buyers who need more than just a raised hatchback. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or exploring countryside trails, the Avenger delivers that reassuring Jeep capability in a package that works brilliantly for modern British life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Avenger shows promising reliability credentials with solid build quality throughout. Early owner reports suggest dependable performance for daily driving. Like any modern vehicle, regular servicing is essential to maintain reliability. The three-year unlimited mileage warranty provides additional peace of mind. Jeep’s dealer network offers good support, and common parts are readily available to keep maintenance costs reasonable.

The Avenger’s key differentiator is its available all-wheel drive system and genuine off-road capability. Unlike many compact SUVs that are essentially raised hatchbacks, the Avenger can handle proper off-road conditions with confidence. It also maintains Jeep’s distinctive styling with the iconic seven-slot grille and rugged appearance. The brand heritage and proven 4×4 technology set it apart from mainstream alternatives.

The Summit trim represents the pinnacle of the Avenger range, featuring the most comprehensive specification. It includes advanced driver assistance systems, premium interior materials, and the latest infotainment technology. The Summit variant typically comes with the more powerful engine options and enhanced styling details. This top-tier model showcases the Avenger’s full potential for luxury and capability.

Starting prices for the Avenger begin around £28,000 for the base model, with fully loaded versions reaching into the mid-30s. The 4xe hybrid variants command a premium but offer improved fuel economy. Used examples are starting to appear on the market as the model establishes itself. Bad credit car finance options can help make ownership more accessible with manageable monthly payments.

The choice depends on your priorities and intended use. Choose the Avenger if you value genuine four-wheel drive capability, distinctive Jeep styling, and occasional off-road use. The Ford Puma offers more boot space and sportier on-road handling, while the Nissan Juke provides distinctive design and excellent fuel economy. The Avenger sits between them as the most capable off-road performer with strong everyday practicality.