The Jeep Recon, an all-electric SUV with an estimated 250 miles of vary, is right here, and I couldn’t be extra shocked. Right here’s why.
Three years in the past, Jeep unveiled the way it was reshaping its portfolio with the launch of three EVs — two of which have been sure for the North American market by 2024. The all-electric Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S fashions have been a part of the model’s plan to dominate to the electrified SUV market. On the time, guardian firm Stellantis was aiming for EVs to make up half of Jeep’s gross sales in North America — and all of its gross sales in Europe — by 2030.
The Wagoneer S finally got here to market in early 2025, whereas the Jeep Recon remained in limbo.
In the meantime, most automakers, together with Stellantis, which additionally owns Chrysler and Ram, started to backpedal on bold EV plans as demand failed to satisfy lofty forecasts. In September, Ram canceled plans to supply a battery-electric full-size pickup, opting to deal with bringing an extended-range Ram 1500 REV to market. A month later, Stellantis introduced it will make investments $13 billion to beef up its U.S. manufacturing over the subsequent 4 years as a part of a broader revival plan directed by its new CEO. However this time, the electrification was not the centerpiece of the multi-billion-dollar dedication.
And but, the Jeep Recon — with its Wrangler vibes — has survived.
The corporate revealed that the 2026 Jeep Recon, with a beginning value of $65,000 (not together with the $1,995 vacation spot payment), will go into manufacturing subsequent yr on the Toluca Meeting Plant in Mexico. It’ll initially launch within the U.S. and Canada, adopted by a world enlargement.
The Recon is a four-wheel-drive EV that carries the “Path Rated” badge, an off-roading time period that carries some weight amongst lovers.
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Because of this, the EV comes commonplace with the model’s Selec-Terrain traction administration system, underbody safety, tow hooks, off-road tires, and e-locker axle expertise that enables drivers to flip a change and electronically lock the differential to make sure torque goes to each rear wheels — one other helpful off-road function.
“With the Jeep Recon, we’re proving that electrification isn’t simply suitable with off-road excellence, it may well elevate it, delivering immediate torque, precision management and a quieter, extra linked driving expertise that’s uniquely Jeep,” model CEO Bob Broderdorf mentioned in an announcement.
The corporate additionally introduced Tuesday it’s adopting the North American Charging System for choose EVs, together with the Jeep Recon. The NACS system won’t be built-in into the Jeep Recon, nevertheless. House owners will want a NACS adapter to entry 1000’s of Tesla supercharging stations.
The powertrain, which features a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivers 650 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque — a strong mixture for off-roading. It additionally accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour acceleration in 3.6 seconds. Why one would need that in a Jeep is one in all my lingering questions.
However the bigger query — and one which received’t be answered till the automobile involves market — is whether or not SUV-loving People purchase it, particularly when the bottom model of its iconic 2026 Wrangler begins at about $49,895.
Maybe that notable torque and energy, slick inside that features a 14.5-inch horizontal touchscreen (the biggest ever for a Jeep), coupled with traditional options, together with the Wrangler-inspired LED taillamps, a swing gate, and detachable doorways will do the trick.