Jeep has just pulled the wraps off its new, rugged EV, the 2026 Jeep Recon. An all-electric answer to the off-road-ready Wrangler, the Recon has all the capabilities and purpose-drive features for outdoor adventures, just without the noise and emissions of many internal combustion engine. It boasts the same open-air configurations as the Wrangler, allowing for full immersion in nature as you travel far off the beaten path. Additionally, it includes familiar Jeep styling that should appeal to the brand’s most loyal fans.
The Jeep Recon Has Impressive Power
The 2026 Recon uses a pair of 250-kilowatt electric motors, one front and one rear, providing a total of 650 horsepower, plus 620 pound-feet of torque delivered instantly upon acceleration. This gives it a claimed 0-60 time of just 3.6 seconds. Each motor is part of an electric drive module that incorporates gearing and power electronics in a compact unit. Of course, this also provides the Jeep Recon with four-wheel drive.
Providing the energy to the motors is a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack providing up to 250 miles of driving range. This 400-volt pack is protected by steel underbody shielding to help prevent any damage that could be encountered off-road.
A Trail Rated EV
Jeep ensures the Recon is as capable as its internal-combustion counterparts by fitting it with an off-road suspension with a short-long arm setup up front and integral link in the rear. The most capable Moab trim comes standard with 33-inch tires and 9.1 inches of ground clearance, a 33.8-degree approach angle, 33.1-degree departure angle, and a breakover angle of 23.3 degrees. Up front, the electronic drive module features an open differential design. A switch-activated electronic locking differential helps provide extra traction in the rear when needed.
The Recon uses Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system with Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand modes that helps it adapt to different terrains. The Moab trip adds a Rock mode, which maps throttle response to facilitate two-pedal off-road driving, and also includes a hill hold feature for steep ascents and descents. A Selec-Speed Control system acts like a low-speed, off-road cruise control that sets a steady speed while the driver focuses on steering the Recon through obstacles.
It Looks Like A Jeep
True to its roots, the Jeep Recon has a fresh take on the traditional seven-slot grille, with each section lit up with LED surrounds. Flanking that are a pair of U-shaped LED running lights. The rear LEDs are inspired by the Wrangler, and the Recon includes a spare tire mounted on the rear swing gate. The Moab trim adds touches like gloss black fascias, aggressive wheel flares, optional rock rails, and an anti-glare hood graphic.
Inside, the Recon employs the traditional horizontal layout, but with the modern touch of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. Occupants will find the usual passenger-side grab handle for those white-knuckle moments off-road. On top of the instrument panel is a modular accessory rail that can attach cameras or a duck holder for those rubbery gifts that get left with your Recon. As far as cargo space, there’s 65.9 cubic feet with the second row folded, plus an additional 3.0 cubic feet under the frunk.
Open-Air Driving
The Jeep Recon comes standard with a dual-pane sunroof, but can also be had with the Sky One-Touch Power Top to open the roof to the elements. It also features doors, rear quarter glass, and swing gate glass that can be removed without the need for any tools.
The 2026 Jeep Recon will go on sale next year, with a starting price of $65,000. It will be built at Jeep’s Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, alongside the Jeep Compass, Cherokee, and the all-electric Wagoneer S. It will launch first in the United States and Canada, with other markets to follow.
TopSpeed’s Take
The Jeep Recon arrives at an interesting time, when federal tax rebates are gone and EV demand remains in question. That said, we’re glad Jeep is finally launching an all-electric counterpart to the Wrangler, one that can go off-road in silence without sacrifice its rugged capability. Its powertrain specs are impressive too, if even a little over the top for the needs of most drivers. That capability is reflected by its somewhat steep $65,000 starting point. That might be a bit tough to swallow when you consider the Wrangler 4xe PHEV offers some of the same benefits of quiet off-roading at a little over $50,000. We’d love to see a version of the recon that comes in at a lower price, and we’d happily take a decrease in power to get it.
We’ll be watching closely to see what sort of reception the Jeep Recon gets. Will Jeep fans embrace it, or will it attract EV fans to the brand? We’re sure Jeep is asking itself these same questions. Either way, Jeep put its best foot forward with the recon in terms of providing the off-road capability, design DNA, and open-air motoring that people love about the Wrangler.
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