Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, faced a setback as one of its models, the Jeep Avenger, received a poor rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings. In a group of vehicles that included the Audi Q6 e-tron, Ford Explorer, Renault Symbioz, Subaru Crosstrek, and XPeng G6, the Jeep Avenger was the only one to achieve a three-star rating, much lower than the five-star performances of the other vehicles.
The Audi Q6, Ford Explorer, Subaru Crosstrek, and XPeng G6 all excelled in adult and child occupant protection, earning them five-star ratings. However, the Renault Symbioz, which achieved a four-star rating, marked a slight decline compared to its previous generations. The Jeep Avenger’s three-star rating was deemed “mediocre” by Euro NCAP.
Euro NCAP highlighted the Avenger’s poor chest protection for a 10-year-old in a side impact crash test, as well as the absence of a child presence detection system, a feature standard in competitors’ cars. Additionally, the forward collision warning system’s audio signal was found to be ineffective. Following Euro NCAP’s feedback, the carmaker has made improvements to the warning signal in current production vehicles and offered existing owners the option to update their cars. Despite these efforts, the Avenger still performed poorly in crash avoidance tests involving pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.
Secretary-General Michiel van Ratingen expressed disappointment in Stellantis for not prioritizing safety, despite the brand’s reputation for innovation in car design. Van Ratingen emphasized the importance of safety in the competitive car industry and reiterated Euro NCAP’s commitment to highlighting shortcomings in safety standards for the benefit of European car buyers.
The poor rating of the Jeep Avenger serves as a reminder to car manufacturers that safety should never be compromised for cost-saving measures. As the automotive industry evolves and competition intensifies, prioritizing safety features and performance should remain a top priority for ensuring the well-being of drivers, passengers, and other road users.
