The Jeep Recon, an all-electric SUV with an estimated range of 250 miles, is here, and I couldn’t be more surprised. Here’s why.
Three years ago, Jeep revealed how it was reshaping its portfolio with the launch of three EVs – two of which were slated for the North American market by 2024. The Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S all-electric models were part of the brand’s plan to dominate the electric SUV market. At the time, parent company Stellantis aimed for EVs to account for half of Jeep’s sales in North America — and all of its sales in Europe — by 2030.
The Wagoneer S finally hit the market in early 2025, while the Jeep Recon remained in limbo.
Meanwhile, most automakers, including Stellantis, which also owns Chrysler and Ram, began scaling back ambitious EV plans as demand failed to match lofty forecasts. In September, Ram scrapped plans to produce a full-size battery-electric pickup, choosing instead to focus on bringing an extended Ram 1500 REV lineup to market. A month later, Stellantis announced it would invest $13 billion to boost its U.S. production over the next four years as part of a broader revival plan led by its new CEO. But this time, electrification was not the centerpiece of the multibillion-dollar commitment.
And yet, the Jeep Recon—with its Wrangler vibes—has survived.
The company revealed that the 2026 Jeep Recon, with a starting price of $65,000 (not including the $1,995 destination charge), will go into production next year at its Toluca assembly plant in Mexico. It will initially be released in the US and Canada, with global expansion to follow.
The Recon is an all-wheel-drive EV that bears the “Trail Rated” badge, an off-road term that carries some weight with enthusiasts.
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As a result, the EV comes standard with the brand’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, underbody protection, tow hooks, off-road tires and e-locker axle technology that allows drivers to flip a switch and electronically lock the differential to ensure torque goes to both rear wheels – another handy off-road feature.
“With the Jeep Recon, we’re proving that electrification isn’t just compatible with off-road prowess, it can elevate it, delivering instant torque, precise control and a quieter, more connected driving experience that’s uniquely Jeep,” said brand CEO Bob Broderdorf.
The company also announced Tuesday that it is adopting the North American charging system for select EVs, including the Jeep Recon. However, the NACS system will not be integrated into the Jeep Recon. Owners will need a NACS adapter to access Tesla’s thousands of Supercharge stations.
The powertrain, which includes a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack, produces 650 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque — a potent off-road combination. It also accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Why anyone would want that in a Jeep is one of my nagging questions.
But the bigger question — and one that won’t be answered until the vehicle hits the market — is whether SUV-loving Americans are buying it, especially when the base version of the flagship 2026 Wrangler starts at about $49,895.
Perhaps that remarkable torque and power, the sleek interior that includes a 14.5-inch horizontal touchscreen (the largest ever for a Jeep), combined with classic features like Wrangler-inspired LED taillights, a swinggate and removable doors, will do the trick.
