Jeep has officially revealed the 2026 Recon, an all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) priced from 65,000 dollars that brings Trail Rated off-road capability to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for the first time. The announcement came Tuesday ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The vehicle delivers 650 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of instant torque through standard all-electric four-wheel drive, enabling acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.6 seconds. The Recon offers an estimated all-electric range of up to 250 miles based on trim configuration.
Bob Broderdorf, Chief Executive Officer of the Jeep brand, emphasized the vehicle represents a significant step forward for the company. The Recon stays true to core values of freedom, adventure and capability while proving that electrification can elevate off-road excellence through instant torque, precision control and a quieter driving experience, he stated in a release.
The Recon stands as the only fully electric vehicle designed with removable doors, rear quarter glass and swing gate glass, requiring no tools for removal. This open-air capability honors Jeep’s heritage while delivering it in an electrified package. The vehicle features a rear-mounted spare tire, a segment exclusive feature among electric SUVs.
Built on the Stellantis Large (STLA Large) platform, the Recon utilizes front and rear Stellantis designed Electric Drive Modules (EDMs), each rated at 250 kilowatts. These modules combine an electric motor, gearing and power electronics into compact units for enhanced efficiency. The system enables standard electric four-wheel drive with instant torque on demand.
The Moab trim, which debuts first, employs a 15:1 final drive ratio in the rear EDM to deliver high torque multiplication for challenging conditions. An electronic locking differential ensures torque flows to both rear wheels when engaged, allowing drivers to switch from open differential to fully locked at the flip of a switch. The front EDM uses an 11:1 final drive ratio with automatic disconnects at each wheel end to optimize energy use during typical on-road driving when rear-drive propulsion is more efficient.
The 100 kilowatt-hour, 400 volt battery pack is protected with full underbody shields constructed from high-strength steel. Engineers equipped the Recon with large diameter half shafts and robust constant velocity (CV) joints to handle the substantial torque delivery to the wheels.
Ground clearance reaches 9.4 inches on the Moab trim, which rides on standard 33 inch tires. Off-road specifications include 34 degree approach angle, 34.5 degree departure angle and 23.5 degree breakover angle. The suspension uses a short long arm (SLA) configuration up front and integral link in the rear, balancing on-road comfort with off-road capability.
The Selec-Terrain traction management system features five distinct drive modes tailored for varying weather and road conditions. These modes include Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand and Rock, with the latter exclusive to the Moab trim. Rock mode tailors throttle pedal response for uneven terrain and includes a hill hold feature that prevents vehicle movement when transitioning from brake to throttle. The system also incorporates Selec-Speed Control for challenging inclines and declines, maintaining set speed while freeing drivers to focus on steering.
The exterior design blends heritage inspired elements with modern electric innovation. The upright front face features illuminated seven slot grille rings, U shaped daytime running lights and premium Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting. Expansive glass maximizes visibility throughout the cabin. The vehicle offers either a standard dual pane sunroof or an available Sky One-Touch Power Top for open-air experiences.
Interior features include a two-tiered pass through center console with generous storage, including an available wireless charger on the upper level and a cord pass through to a lower compartment suitable for tablets or larger items. The vehicle provides 65.9 cubic feet of rear cargo space with the second row folded, plus a front trunk measuring 3.0 cubic feet sized to accommodate a carry-on suitcase. Modular door panels with removable elastic straps and interchangeable cargo solutions offer flexible organization.
The Moab trim introduces a Joshua Tree tan interior color palette that pays tribute to the iconic national park. Recycled materials appear throughout the cabin, with surfaces finished in Capri, a refined non-leather synthetic material. The headliner and carpets also feature recycled content, while rugged all-weather mats in the front, second row and rear cargo area provide protection against the elements.
A premium Alpine audio system comes standard, with speakers repositioned beneath the seats rather than in traditional door mounts. This design ensures uninterrupted sound quality even with doors removed, making the Recon the only electric vehicle in its segment to offer premium sound as standard equipment.
The technology suite includes over 26 inches of high definition screen space. A standard 12.3 inch driver cluster with customizable menu options pairs with a 14.5 inch horizontal touchscreen radio and center display, representing the largest singular usable digital screen space ever offered in a Jeep vehicle. The system is powered by Uconnect 5, Jeep’s most advanced infotainment platform.
The Recon forms part of Jeep’s turnaround plan that included revealing four new or redesigned products in four months. The other vehicles in this launch sequence were a new Cherokee hybrid and redesigned versions of the Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer. The strategy comes after years of sales declines and cancellations of several Jeep SUVs for the United States market in an attempt to boost profits.
Off-road enthusiasts gain access to the Jeep exclusive Trails Offroad app, offering a comprehensive guide to trails across the United States and Canada with pitch and roll mapping. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) pages provide real time insights into vehicle state of charge, while Dynamic Range Mapping powered by TomTom helps plan trips with precision, indicating when and where to charge.
Production will begin early next year at the Toluca Assembly Plant, with initial launches in the United States and Canada, followed by global expansion. The Moab trim will be offered exclusively in North American markets, reinforcing Jeep’s commitment to delivering region specific performance and design excellence. The vehicle includes over 170 standard safety and security features.
The starting price represents roughly a 14,000 dollar premium over an entry level 2025 Wrangler plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and nearly a 27,000 dollar premium over a base 2026 Wrangler four-door. The pricing aligns with the 65,200 dollar Wagoneer S EV, which offers a range of 294 miles.
The Recon’s arrival comes as parent company Stellantis has heavily reduced its investments in electric vehicles following changing market conditions and leadership changes in the past year. Across the broader market, sales of EVs have declined following the end of up to 7,500 dollars in federal incentives in September to purchase plug-in electric vehicles.
Broderdorf acknowledged the end of federal incentives is expected to impact sales across the industry, including with the Recon, but emphasized the new SUV functions as an electric vehicle bookend alongside the sportier Wagoneer S for the Jeep brand’s electric portfolio. The company will not chase volume simply for volume’s sake, he indicated during a media call.
The Recon was initially supposed to arrive in 2024 but has been pushed back. Broderdorf stated the vehicle will go on sale sometime in spring 2026, though Stellantis brands have encountered numerous delays when launching new electric vehicles.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
