The arrival of the Jeep Recon, an all-electric SUV with an estimated range of 250 miles, couldn’t be more surprising. Here’s why:
Three years ago, Jeep released three EVs and revealed how it was rebuilding its portfolio. Two of them are scheduled to be launched in the North American market by 2024. The all-electric Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S models were part of the brand’s plan to dominate the electrified SUV market. At the time, parent company Stellantis aimed for EVs to account for half of Jeep’s sales in North America and all sales in Europe by 2030.
The Wagoneer S eventually hit the market in early 2025, but the Jeep Recon remained in limbo.
Meanwhile, most automakers, including Stellantis, which also owns Chrysler and Ram, have begun rolling back ambitious EV plans after demand fell short of high expectations. In September, Ram halted production plans for its battery-electric full-size pickup, choosing to focus on bringing the longer-range Ram 1500 REV to market. A month later, Stellantis announced it would invest $13 billion over the next four years to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing operations as part of a broader turnaround plan led by a new CEO. But this time, electrification wasn’t the focus of the multibillion-dollar effort.
Still, the Jeep Recon survives, with its Wrangler vibe.
The company said the 2026 Jeep Recon will have a starting price of $65,000 (not including a $1,995 destination charge) and will begin production next year at its Toluca assembly plant in Mexico. It will launch first in the U.S. and Canada, and then expand globally.
The Recon is a four-wheel-drive EV and carries the “Trail Rated” badge, an important off-road term among enthusiasts.
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As a result, this 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 can be switched on by the driver to electronically lock the differential to ensure torque is sent to both rear wheels, another useful off-road feature.
“With Jeep Recon, we’re proving that electrification not only goes hand in hand with great off-road performance, it can even enhance it, delivering instant torque, precise control and the quieter, more connected driving experience that Jeep is known for,” brand CEO Bob Broderdorf said in a statement.
The company announced Tuesday that it will adopt the North American charging system for some EVs, including the Jeep Recon. However, the NACS system is not integrated into the Jeep Recon. Owners need a NACS adapter to access thousands of Tesla Supercharger stations.
The powertrain, which includes a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivers 650 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, making it a powerful combination ideal for off-road driving. It also accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. One of my questions has always been why people would want to do that with a Jeep.
But the bigger question, which won’t be answered until the car hits the market, is whether SUV-loving Americans will buy it, especially when the base version of the iconic 2026 Wrangler starts at about $49,895.
Perhaps its notable torque and power, slick interior that includes a 14.5-inch horizontal touchscreen (the largest in Jeep history), and classic features like Wrangler-inspired LED taillights, swing gates, and removable doors will do the trick.
