The Latest Jeep Is A Fashion-Forward Steer

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby stray off the green lane in an electrified sports utility vehicle: the Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition.

Test Drive: Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition

JT: The latest Jeep is something of a fashion accessory – if you are the outdoorsy-type.

J-TP: The North Face is a go-to clothing brand for adventurers and urbanites alike, especially if you like a puffer jacket. So, what’s this collaboration all about?

To put it simply, most SUVs rarely go off Tarmac. They are the modern alternative to an estate car but stand taller on the road, offering the perceived benefits of better visibility, a higher driving position and easier access.

What’s wrong with that, then?

Not much, except few drivers will ever use the four-wheel drive ability of their expensive SUVs. Which is why more-and-more manufacturers are offering two-wheel drive versions, models that cost less and still offer most of the benefits.

Which brings us neatly back to the Jeep Avenger we tested.

Yes, except this version does have all-wheel drive. It’s a nod to the Jeep brand’s illustrious past as a rugged, off-road vehicle. And to cement that image, the collab with The North Face makes this model even more desirable for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

And it’s impossible to miss – note the giant North Face logo on the bonnet!

The interior is a bit special too. The seats are inspired by a North Face puffer jacket and TNF backpacks in the rear. Best of all mums and dads, the seats are washable – why don’t more cars feature durable seats for everyday family use?

And the dashboard design is quite eye-catching.

Apart from the yellow flashes sewn into the trim, the dash features topographic lines and the profile of Mont Blanc – the mountain, not the pens.

Anything else to distinguish The North Face car from a standard Avenger?

For tackling the worst of November weather, Jeep has thrown in an Exploration Kit. That’s a water bottle, bag and, of course, a tent.

A tent – are you prepared to swap your sumptuous Simba mattress for a sleeping bag?

Not exactly – although you can fit a roof tent on a Jeep and I could almost squeeze my mattress in there!

I suppose the question is, does the Avenger The North Face do the job when the going gets tough?

We gave it good try. It has impressive ground clearance for such a small car – 210mm to be exact – and should the need arise, this version will wade through 400mm of water. The 4xe’s hybrid powertrain features two electric motors and a 1.2-litre petrol engine but performance is modest rather than punchy.

How does that compare with rival cars in this sector?

Key challengers to the Jeep are the Suzuki Jimny and the Dacia Duster – both offer four-wheel drive models which are virtually unstoppable off-road and well-priced. Our North Face special edition Avenger is almost £36,000, which is quite expensive for this category of car.

There are cheaper versions of the Avenger but if you want all-wheel drive with all the trimmings, The North Face version is the one to save up for. What else is standard?

Just about anything a fledgling explorer might need, from a heated front windscreen and seats, to re-styled bumpers that prevent this version grounding out on rough terrain.

Well, it’s certainly the ultimate accessory for any puffer jacket! I’m just not sure you will ever get me in a tent though.

Find out more about the Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition at jeep.co.uk