The wait is finally over. Or, at least, it will be soon. After a nearly year-long delay, Jeep is finally giving us a first look at the new Recon. And, despite some of the wild rumors that have been circulating in recent months, it really will be all-electric. Better yet, it will be Jeep’s first true trail-rated EV, in sharp contrast to the brand’s original battery-electric vehicle, the soft-roading Wagoneer S.
The Jeep Recon is roughly the size of the familiar Wrangler. Its motor drive system makes the sort of numbers even the new Moab 392, with its 6.4L Hemi V-8, can’t match — 650 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of instant-on torque. It also offers plenty of ground clearance and useful features like a locking rear differential and five separate drive mode settings, which, claims Jeep, enhance capabilities in “all weather and road conditions.”
True to the Brand
“The 2026 Jeep Recon is … an all-electric SUV that stays true to our core values,” said Bob Broderdorf, CEO of the Jeep brand. “With the Jeep Recon, we’re proving that electrification isn’t just compatible with off-road excellence, it can elevate it, delivering instant torque, precision control, and a quieter, more connected driving experience that’s uniquely Jeep.”
The basic design of the Recon hews closely to that of the Wrangler. It has easily removable doors, rear quarter glass and swing gate glass, and a choice of a dual-pane sunroof or a one-touch power-folding top. There’s also the requisite rear-mounted full-sized spare tire, of course. It also offers LED lighting, front and rear, and plenty of black accents, including a gloss black roof option.
As you’d expect, Recon boasts Jeep’s iconic seven-slat grille. But the EV design team wasn’t wedded to tradition. Those slats are all backlit, for one thing, and they made numerous subtle adjustments aimed at enhancing range-extending aerodynamics, such as the flush-mounted, electrically operated door handles.
Jeep Electric Drive
Recon is actually just the latest “electrified” Jeep. There’s the all-electric Wagoneer S, and two plug-in hybrids, and the 4xe (pronounced “4-by-e”) versions of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. They are, in fact, the bestselling PHEVs in the U.S., buyers appreciating the rock-crawling nature of their electric drive systems, Jeep claims.
Whether that will win over buyers for Recon remains to be seen, but there are clearly some features to like about the EV’s drivetrain. That starts with two electric drive modules, or EDMS, each punching 250 kW of power, for a combined 650 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque.
The critical thing to remember is that this power comes on all but immediately, emphasized lead engineer Brian Del Pup, during a media background briefing. “It’s a better way to off-road,” allowing you “to consistently manage your throttle input.”
Energy comes from a 100kWh lithium-ion battery pack that features a high-strength underbody shield and wraparound protection to eliminate concerns when fording water.
Jeep claims Recon can muster up to 250 miles per charge. It will be launched with a CCS charge port, and the Tesla Supercharger network will be available to it.
While those motors might be great for rock-crawling, they’re also capable of delivering sports car-like acceleration on pavement, the EV rated to go from 0 to 60 mph “in as low as” 3.6 seconds, Jeep claims.
Might Other Drivetrain Options Follow?
Jeep hasn’t said yet whether other electric drive packages might follow. But there’ve been plenty of questions whether Recon might follow the same path as sibling brand Dodge has taken with the new Charger muscle car. It debuted with the all-electric Daytona trims and, more recently, added several gas-powered packages.
The underlying platform used for Recon “is multi-energy and does have opportunities there,” said Del Pup, referencing the ability to use a variety of different drivetrain technologies without a complete tear-up. But neither he nor other Jeep officials would confirm whether a gas or a hybridized version of Recon is under consideration.
That said, former Jeep brand boss Antonio Filosa, now the Stellantis global CEO, told GearJunkie last year that the brand will use multiple powertrain technologies where appropriate.
Off-Road–Ready EV
Like Wagoneer S, Recon has an electric version of Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, in this case, offering up to five driver-selectable modes that instantly adjust a variety of vehicle functions for the appropriate road and weather conditions. But that’s where the similarities end.
Like Wrangler, the Recon’s drivetrain is set up to maximize off-road capabilities. The electric drive modules utilize an 11:1 final drive ratio, with the front module featuring an open differential and automatic disconnects on each wheel to reduce energy consumption — essentially, improved range when rear-drive is all that’s needed.
With a flip of a switch, a driver can activate Recon’s rear locking differential. The EV also has Selec-Speed Control, essentially a low-speed cruise control system that allows you to set an optimal speed for climbing or descending steep inclines.
Suspension & Ground Clearance
Recon features a short-long arm, or SLA, suspension up front, with an integral link design in back. We’ll have to wait for details on the various trims, but the automaker confirmed the initial Moab edition rides on standard 33-inch all-terrain tires.
Ground clearance on that package is 9.1 inches. That’s not quite a match for Wrangler, which runs from 9.7 to 10.8 inches, depending upon the package. Aerodynamic considerations appear to have played into this, as well as the thickness of Recon’s battery pack mounted under the load floor. Still, it achieves a 33.8-degree approach angle in Moab trim, a 33.1-degree departure angle, and a 23.3-degree breakover angle.
Recon Moab Edition
Jeep plans to phase in the various Recon trim packages, first rolling out the Moab line. “The Moab package adopts a 15:1 final drive ratio on the rear EDM “to help the driver power through challenging conditions,” Jeep explained.
Moab adds the fifth Selec-Terrain mode. Appropriately dubbed “Rock,” it adjusts throttle response for managing uneven surfaces. It also adds a hill hold function that lets the driver move their foot back-and-forth, between throttle and brake, without the EV lurching forward.
From a visual standpoint, Recon Moab is distinguished by gloss black fascias, wider wheel flares, an anti-glare hood graphic, and exclusive badging with topographical etching. Side rock rails will be available, as well.
Jeep Recon Interior Design
One of the advantages of electric drive is the fact that there’s no engine up front. Space normally devoted to the engine compartment can be repurposed for passengers and cargo.
With the rear seat folded over, Recon boasts 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Add another 3.0 cubic feet in the under-hood frunk.
The cabin retains the rugged look of a Wrangler, with details such as its horizontal layout and oversized passenger grab handle, while adopting a more high-tech feel. There’s a pass-through center console and useful features like a wireless smartphone charger. A rail system atop the instrument panel can be used to mount accessories, such as a GoPro.
There’s a 12.3-inch driver-reconfigurable gauge cluster, as well as a 14.5-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen — the largest ever offered in a Jeep.
Technology
The infotainment system uses parent Stellantis’ latest Uconnect 5 operating system. It offers a variety of useful features for off-roading, including several camera views and Jeep’s exclusive Trails Offroad app, which provides guidance on an extensive list of U.S. and Canadian trails. Meanwhile, notes the automaker, “Dynamic Range Mapping powered by TomTom helps plan long trips with precision, indicating when and where to charge.”
The EV also has the Amazon Alexa voice app built in. The automaker also claims Recon is outfitted with 170 standard safety and security systems. It has not yet confirmed whether the new Stellantis hands-free driving system is on that list, but it’s been rolling out on a wide range of new products this past year, including Wagoneer S.
2026 Jeep Recon: Pricing & Availability
The 2026 Jeep Recon Moab trim will be the first to reach showrooms in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting “early next year,” the automaker said in a news release. A global rollout will follow. The EV is expected to carry a starting MSRP of $65,000 in the States.
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