The Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland, known for making small cars with serious swagger, has officially kicked off production of the Jeep Avenger 4xe. Yes, the same factory that used to churn out Fiat 500s and Lancias is now building a hybrid all-wheel-drive Jeep that’s as eager to tackle muddy trails as it is to squeeze into a parallel spot downtown.
And the very first unit? A limited-edition "The North Face" trim — a nod to Mont Blanc's height at 4,806 meters, because clearly someone at Stellantis wanted the first run of vehicles to peak early. It’s the type of marketing stunt that says, “We’re outdoorsy, but we also like numbers and puffer jackets.”
What’s the Deal With the Jeep Avenger 4xe?
Let’s get this out of the way: the Avenger 4xe is not a superhero, but it might save you from fuel bills and snowbanks. This compact SUV is Jeep’s first hybrid AWD offering in the B-SUV segment. And no, the “B” doesn’t stand for “basic.” In fact, the Avenger was crowned European Car of the Year 2023, which means it beat out all the other alphabet-soup SUVs to win the popularity contest nobody admitted they cared about.
Key selling points:
- Compact footprint for urban driving
- Real-deal off-road chops (not just plastic cladding)
- Efficient hybrid system with electric assist
- Three powertrain options to confuse buyers just enough
It’s designed for folks who want eco-conscious adventure but aren’t ready to go full EV (or full Wrangler). Think of it as the gateway Jeep. A "soft top" into the lifestyle, minus the actual soft top.
Tychy Plant: From Panda to Powertrain Pioneer
The Tychy facility in Poland used to be Fiat’s go-to spot for building cheerful economy cars. It’s now Stellantis’ high-tech hub for B-segment innovation, and it's been through quite the makeover.
Recent upgrades include:
- A revamped line for electrified drivetrains
- Expanded modular production capabilities
- More robots than a Star Wars prequel
The plant now assembles models for Jeep, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo, and handles both ICE and electrified variants. That’s like running a vegan kitchen next to a steakhouse—and pulling it off. It’s also a reminder that if a Fiat Panda plant can grow up to build a hybrid Jeep, there's hope for all of us.
Executive Commentary: Polish Pride and 4xe Power
Janusz Puzoń, the plant director (and unofficial Polish Jeep whisperer), said the team is proud to be producing the brand’s newest hybrid AWD model, especially since Europeans can’t get enough B-segment SUVs. It’s the continent’s best-selling category, likely because most drivers want to feel adventurous without the parking stress of a Grand Cherokee.
His full quote was probably very serious and executive-like, but we imagine it ended with: "And now, back to building more tiny tanks with Wi-Fi."
Trim Levels: Pick Your Hybrid Personality
The Jeep Avenger 4xe is offered in three trims, each designed to suit a slightly different lifestyle — or Instagram aesthetic.
- Upland – Rugged, youthful, and probably smells like granola bars.
- Overland – For people who think “glamping” is too rustic.
- The North Face Edition – Limited to 4,806 units, for drivers who want their car to say: “I shop at REI and I hike… sometimes.”
All three come with the 4xe powertrain, a sophisticated hybrid setup that lets you save gas and flex off-road, all without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Powertrain Tech: Punchy Yet Polite
Under the hood, the Avenger 4xe is packing a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine paired with not one, but two 21kW electric motors — one on each axle. Yes, it's basically a sandwich of torque.
The specs:
- Total power output: 145 hp
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 9.5 seconds (which is 1.4 seconds faster than the FWD hybrid, aka the “Monday morning” version)
- Top speed: 194 km/h (~120 mph)
- Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, which shifts faster than you can say “dual-clutch”
At low speeds, it runs in EV-only mode, which means it sneaks around in electric silence like a ninja that’s very into car camping.
Off-Road Stats That Matter (and Sound Tough)
Let’s get nerdy:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Approach angle | 22° |
| Breakover angle | 21° |
| Departure angle | 35° |
| Ground clearance | 210 mm |
| Wading depth | 400 mm |
Translation: it can crawl up curbs, ford puddles that’d scare a scooter, and make light work of gravel paths leading to your cousin’s Airbnb in the woods.
It’s 10 mm taller than the front-wheel-drive version, which might not sound like a lot… until that 10 mm saves you from dragging your undercarriage on a tree root.
AWD System With a Brain
The intelligent all-wheel-drive system splits torque automatically based on speed and traction needs.
How it works:
- Under 30 km/h: Permanent AWD. Jeep calls it “Trail Mode,” your dog calls it “stick hunting speed.”
- From 30–90 km/h: AWD kicks in when needed, like a helpful but not clingy friend.
- Above 90 km/h: Rear motor goes on vacation to reduce fuel use.
This setup gives you the best of both worlds — traction when it counts, and efficiency when it doesn’t.
