Jeep has given the Avenger its first major update after three years on sale, with a new look that brings it into line with the new Compass.

Chief among the changes to the baby crossover is a new iteration of the American brand’s trademark seven-slot grille that now features LED lighting, making it more recognisable in the dark. The chrome outline on each slot has also been removed, bringing a simpler look. 

This new grille design – a signature of all new Jeeps to come – will be offered on range-topping trims. 

The Avenger also gets more prominent plastic cladding and skidplates to help protect against damage on rough terrain.

Meanwhile, the four-wheel-drive 4xe variant gains red accents to mark it out against the front-wheel-drive petrol, hybrid and electric Avengers.

Inside, Jeep claims to have improved material quality, fitting softer material to the doorcards and padding on the lower section of the dashboard. The drive mode selector is now finished in rubber to make it easier to find by touch.

The entry-level 99bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol triple has been revised with new high-pressure injectors and reworked internals, claimed to improve fuel efficiency. It also has a timing chain, rather than the wet belt used by previous iterations of the Stellantis engine.

It's mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and delivers a 0-62mph sprint time of 10.6sec.

As before, the Avenger can also be had with a 127bhp FWD or 143bhp 4WD hybrid powertrain or as a 154bhp EV with 249 miles of range.

The updated car is due to arrive in the UK in September. Prices are expected to remain roughly the same; they currently start at £26,610.

The Polish-built Avenger has been a success for Jeep: it won the European Car of the Year award in 2023 and has since racked up some 270,000 sales globally, playing a key role in the brand’s growth.