It’s been over three years since we first caught glimpse of Jeep’s Wrangler-esque Recon EV, named after the automaker’s suspension-lifting package deal of off-roading choices for its common lineup of SUVs. Jeep initially pegged the Recon’s gross sales debut for 2023, however that clearly didn’t occur. And since then, there have been additional delays, and even rumors that the Recon was DOA.
Surprisingly, these rumors turned out to be false. The 2026 Jeep Recon is alive and properly, and can go into manufacturing in early 2026, with preliminary launches deliberate for the US and Canada. Jeep says the Recon will churn out 650 horsepower, 620lb-ft of torque, and a modest vary of 250 miles. And with a beginning worth of $66,995 (together with vacation spot cost), it would slot under the automaker’s brawnier, pricier Wagoneer S.
However will anybody shell out for an electrical Wrangler facsimile that prices over double the value of a standard Wrangler? When it does go on sale, the Recon will possible confront a number of the identical headwinds because the Wagoneer S, and albeit the remainder of Jeep’s lineup, which has been struggling to seek out consumers lately amid hovering prices and over-reliance on large, costly SUVs. But Jeep thinks its due for a comeback — its latest gross sales quarter confirmed enhancing gross sales, whereas the remainder of Stellantis was down — and that can embrace the all-electric Recon.
“With the Jeep Recon, we’re proving that electrification isn’t simply appropriate with off-road excellence, it will possibly elevate it, delivering on the spot torque, precision management and a quieter, extra related driving expertise that’s uniquely Jeep,” CEO Bob Broderdorf stated in a press release.
Naturally, Jeep is leaning on off-roading to assist make its gross sales pitch. When it comes out, the Recon would be the solely EV within the automaker’s lineup to earn the Path Rated badge, which is awarded to automobiles that cross rigorous checks round traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and floor clearance. (After all, Jeep solely has two absolutely electrical automobiles, so its not that large of a distinction.) The Recon will include Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction administration system, in addition to e-locker axle expertise, under-body safety, tow hooks, and off-road tires.
What in regards to the battery, which sits low within the Recon’s flooring? Will all that mountaineering or river fording injury the delicate cells inside? Not in accordance with Jeep, which insists the 100kWh, 400-volt pack is throughly ensconced in a “full suite of sturdy, high-strength metal underbody shields.”
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The Recon’s suspension features a short-long arm up entrance and an integral hyperlink within the rear. On the usual 33-inch tires with the Moab trim, floor clearance is about 9.1 inches. And off-road specs characteristic 33.8-degree method angle, 33.1-degree departure angle, and 23.3-degree breakover angle.
Like all good Wranglers, the Recon will even permit for the doorways and the quarter rear-windshield glass to be absolutely eliminated — “No instruments required,” Jeep says. No different electrical SUVs at the moment permit for detachable doorways, not even the Jeep-aping Scout Traveler and Terra EVs, so that would actually assist the Recon distinguish itself. (Slate Auto’s first electrical truck may embrace detachable doorways if it ever goes into manufacturing.)
The Recon options entrance and rear 250kW electrical drive modules (EDM), every of which is comprised of an electrical motor, gearing, and energy electronics to ship normal four-by-four propulsion and on the spot torque on demand. The entrance EDM makes use of an 11:1 closing drive ratio in an open differential design, which Jeep claims will assist the drive high quality really feel very balanced. And the entrance axle contains computerized disconnects at every wheel finish to assist “optimize vitality use and vary throughout typical on-road driving circumstances when rear-drive propulsion is extra environment friendly,” the corporate says.
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That sense of customizability continues contained in the Recon, the place you’ll discover modular door panels with detachable elastic straps and interchangeable cargo configurations. The rear cargo area, with the second row folded, permits for 65.9 cubic-feet of area, whereas the frunk has a modest 3.0 cubic-feet, sufficient for a carry-on suitcase.
The 12.3-inch drive cluster is all-new to Jeep, in addition to the 14.5-inch central touchscreen in panorama orientation, which the automaker says is “the most important singular usable digital display screen area ever provided in a Jeep automobile.” And whereas the heating and cooling capabilities are digitally managed via the display screen, there’s a bodily quantity knob. Nonetheless, Jeep touts its “modern, buttonless design” that it claims “blends futuristic aesthetics with sensible usability.” The infotainment runs on Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 working system, and contains unique apps like Jeep’s Trails Offroad, a information to trails throughout the US and Canada, with pitch and roll mapping.
After all, the Recon was initially presupposed to arrive in 2024 — and its a disgrace that Stellantis couldn’t maintain to that schedule. It may have benefited from the $7,500 federal EV tax credit score, which may have helped take a number of the chew out of that sticker worth. Nonetheless, its a minor miracle the Recon survived the shakeup at Stellantis, during which Carlos Tavares was changed as CEO by Antonio Filosa, who headed Jeep underneath Tavares’ management.
When I interviewed Filosa last year at the Wagoneer S launch, he claimed that Jeep would ultimately produce a $25,000 electrical Jeep. The Recon just isn’t that, but it surely’s a step towards a future the place a extra reasonably priced mannequin may very well be attainable.
