The new Toyota Land Cruiser has taken home the Utility and 4×4 title at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards, with judges calling it the “gold standard” for go-anywhere SUVs. It is a strong win for a model that already has a loyal following around the world.
Presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh, the award highlights what has always made the Land Cruiser special. Strength, reliability and an ability to handle serious off road terrain with ease. This latest version keeps that character while adding smarter tech and a more refined drive.
Why the judges loved it
Ally Ballingall, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said the Land Cruiser stood out for its toughness and capable four wheel drive system. Judges praised its build quality, dependable engineering and the way it tackles tough conditions. They also pointed to its spacious and practical cabin which works just as well for everyday use.
Back to its roots, with a modern twist
Toyota introduced the latest generation Land Cruiser in late 2024. The design leans into its heritage and the engineering focuses on confidence on every surface. Built on the GA F body on frame platform, it delivers the strength and off road ability the nameplate is known for. After more than seventy years, the Land Cruiser remains a vehicle designed to take you anywhere and bring you back again.
New electrified power for 2026
For the 2026 model year, the Land Cruiser gains a new electrified 2.8D 48V powertrain that aims to deliver a smoother and more responsive drive. It should also make the stop start system quieter and more natural in daily traffic. Customer deliveries begin in March 2026 and you can read more about the model’s electrified updates here: Toyota Land Cruiser Electrified for 2026
A proper SUV for people who need one
In a market full of soft roader SUVs, the Land Cruiser still feels authentic. It remains a serious tool for towing, exploring and long distance travel. This award only reinforces its position as one of the most capable and dependable utility vehicles you can buy.
The Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition proves that small SUVs can still be serious about adventure. It’s compact, efficient and genuinely capable off road, while remaining easy to live with day to day.
Headline numbers
Price (UK): from £35,219 Powertrain: 1.2-litre turbo petrol with twin 21 kW electric motors (48V hybrid) Power output: 136 hp / 230 Nm Drive: All-wheel drive (front engine, rear e-motor) 0–62 mph: 9.5 seconds Top speed: 121 mph Fuel economy: around 51–52 mpg WLTP Ground clearance: 210 mm Angles: 22° approach, 21° break-over, 35° departure Water fording: up to 400 mm Boot: 325 litres (1,218 litres seats down) Availability: Limited to 4,806 units worldwide
First look
Earlier this year I joined Camp Jeep to get hands-on with the Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition, a small hybrid SUV with a big sense of adventure. Jeep and The North Face partnered to create this special version, drawing inspiration from Mont Blanc’s 4,806-metre peak, hence the limited number of cars produced.
The collaboration celebrates exploration and sustainability, combining Jeep’s off-road heritage with The North Face’s outdoor spirit. At first glance it looks tough and adventurous, finished in Storm Grey with Summit Gold accents, anti-glare bonnet decals and 17-inch black alloys. It looks built for dirt tracks, not just retail parks.
Design & cabin
The North Face Edition stands out with rugged styling and clever detailing. There’s a black roof, roof rails, gold skid-plate accents and topographic lines across the body and dashboard.
Inside, the design borrows from outdoor gear. The seats mimic puffer jackets and backpacks, complete with Summit Gold piping and elastic straps on the seatbacks. The floor mats show Mont Blanc’s profile and the dashboard carries matching topographic detailing.
It’s not luxurious, but that’s not the point. Materials are durable, the layout is clear and the digital screens are simple to read. The North Face branding adds an exclusive feel without overdoing it.
Space & practicality
The Avenger 4xe is compact but functional. The front cabin feels roomy with useful storage including a large cubby and dashboard shelf. The boot offers 325 litres with the seats up and just over 1,200 litres folded, which is plenty for weekend kit or shopping runs.
Rear space is limited for tall adults but fine for short trips. Visibility is mostly good, helped by a 360-degree camera and parking sensors. The hands-free powered tailgate makes loading easy when your hands are full.
On the road
In normal driving the hybrid system feels smooth and responsive. The electric motor on the rear axle gives a quick push off the line, making it feel nippier than its figures suggest. It cruises comfortably at motorway speeds and handles town driving with ease.
Steering is light, body control is stable and it feels secure even on twisty B-roads. The hybrid gearbox changes smoothly and the suspension deals well with rougher tarmac. Ride comfort is firm but not uncomfortable.
Off road
Off-road is where the Avenger 4xe really shines. The setup is smart: petrol engine drives the front, electric motor drives the rear. The instant electric torque helps it power through mud and gravel where front-wheel-drive SUVs would spin out.
At Camp Jeep, I took it up steep muddy climbs, through water, and across slopes on three wheels. It never faltered. The Hill Descent Control and Selec-Terrain system handled steep drops and slippery ground with confidence.
It won’t replace a Wrangler, but for its size it’s genuinely impressive. Ground clearance, wading depth and traction make it one of the most capable small 4x4s you can buy.
Range & running costs
Jeep claims 51 mpg, and I averaged close to that during mixed driving. There’s no plug-in charging to worry about, yet it still benefits from electric-only movement at low speeds. CO₂ sits around 124–126 g/km, which keeps tax reasonable.
Servicing is straightforward and running costs are low compared with traditional petrol 4x4s. The all-terrain tyres do create a little extra noise, but the trade-off is worth it for the grip they deliver off road.
Comfort & refinement
The Avenger 4xe feels stable and quiet on longer drives. The North Face seats are supportive and easy to clean, the cabin feels solid and visibility is good. There’s no auto-hold function though, which I miss in stop-start traffic.
Noise levels are well contained for a boxy car. Wind noise around the mirrors is noticeable above 60 mph, but not intrusive. Overall, it’s a relaxed drive for its size.
Tech and infotainment
The twin 10.25-inch displays cover driver info and multimedia. The infotainment system includes built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a wireless phone charger.
It’s easy to use and clear to read. Response speed is decent, though the interface feels slightly behind the very best systems on the market. Driver aids include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-centering assist, giving confidence on longer journeys.
Trims & pricing
The North Face Edition sits above the standard 4xe trims. At around £35,000, it’s not cheap, but you get the extra styling, the outdoor-inspired interior and a limited-edition badge.
If you want the same off-road ability without the branding, the Overland version offers similar mechanicals for less money, but lacks the exclusivity and design flair that make this one special.
Rivals
Toyota Yaris Cross AWD-i and Suzuki Vitara AllGrip are its closest competitors, but neither feel as confident off road. The Subaru Crosstrek offers similar grip but less style, while the Dacia Duster 4×4 is cheaper but more basic.
The Avenger 4xe strikes a balance between everyday practicality and genuine capability, something most compact SUVs can’t match.
Who should buy or lease
Best suited for:
Drivers who want a small SUV with real 4×4 ability
Adventurous owners who mix city use with weekend escapes
Buyers who prefer hybrid convenience over plug-in complexity
Those who like distinctive, limited-edition design
Less ideal for:
Families needing lots of rear legroom or boot space
Drivers who want better electric range
Buyers seeking a plush, premium interior feel
Want to explore how much this would cost you on a business or personal lease? Check out Rivervale today for the latest deals.
Jeep Avenger 4Xe The North Face Edition
Ben Freakley
Performance: How quick it feels day to day. Power, throttle response and smoothness.
Handling: How it corners and how stable it feels on different roads.
Comfort: Ride quality, seating, refinement and road noise.
Ease of Use: How simple the cockpit is. Buttons vs touch. Clear menus. Good ergonomics.
Space and Practicality: Boot size, rear room, storage, access, visibility.
Running Costs: Real world range, charging speed, fuel use, tax, servicing.
Build Quality: Materials, fit and finish, how solid it feels inside.
Value for Money: How much car you get for the price.
Summary
The Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition is a small SUV that feels like a true Jeep. It combines compact size with proper off-road ability, stylish detailing and efficient hybrid running. It’s tough, distinctive and fun to drive.
The interior may lack polish and the absence of auto-hold is frustrating, but the Avenger’s ability to climb, wade and handle rough terrain sets it apart from most crossovers on the road.
A compact 4×4 that’s every bit as adventurous as it looks.
3.3
FAQs
Is the Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition fully electric?
No, it’s a hybrid. The front wheels are powered by a petrol engine and the rear wheels by an electric motor. It runs briefly on electric power at low speeds but doesn’t plug in
How good is it off road?
Surprisingly capable. With 210 mm of ground clearance, clever traction modes and that rear electric motor, it’ll handle steep muddy climbs, gravel trails and even shallow water crossings.
What makes The North Face Edition special?
It’s a limited-run version (only 4,806 cars) with exclusive colours, Summit Gold details, outdoor-inspired interior design and branded extras like a tent and cool bag in the boot pack.
What are the running costs like?
No charging costs, just fuel. Expect around 50 mpg, moderate insurance and straightforward servicing through Jeep dealers.
Who is it best suited to?
Drivers who like weekend adventures, live somewhere rural or coastal, or simply want a compact SUV that can handle more than a kerb.
