The Jeep e-Hybrid: A Surprisingly Gutsy Performer
The Jeep e-Hybrid’s engine may not be the most powerful on paper, but don’t let that fool you. With a 0-62mph sprint time of 10.9 seconds, it may not win any drag races, but its torquey off-the-line performance is impressive. The E-Boost feature adds an extra 40lb ft of torque, giving it a boost in acceleration.
Despite its modest figures, the e-Hybrid feels surprisingly gutsy in the mid-range. According to Jeep, it offers 30% faster acceleration between 30-60mph compared to the manual petrol Avenger. This translates to a noticeable difference on faster roads and motorways.
However, the gearbox can be a bit disappointing at times, as it doesn’t always shift up or down when needed. Additionally, the engine can sound quite gruff under hard acceleration, in contrast to the almost silent operation of the Avenger Electric.
On electric power alone, the e-Hybrid can travel up to 1km (0.6 miles), which is more than most mild hybrids but falls short of full hybrid systems like Toyota’s. This electric range comes in handy for manoeuvring around town, where the e-Hybrid excels with its refined and quiet driving experience.
While the petrol engine in the 4xe can feel thrashy and strained during spirited driving, it transitions smoothly and quietly between EV and petrol power at lower speeds. The addition of EV motors doesn’t necessarily translate to a significant boost in performance, as you’ll feel every second of the 9.5 seconds it takes to reach 62mph.
Equipped with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes, the 4xe is ready for off-road adventures. The Sport mode unleashes the full power from all sources, making it feel like a capable warm hatch on twisty roads. However, the outdoor-oriented tires can get a bit noisy and lose grip when pushed to the limit.
Although we haven’t had the chance to test the manual petrol variant yet, we will update this review as soon as we do.
