Barely a year after launching its first all-electric SUV, Jeep is ready to bring out a second one. But where the original Wagoneer S was what can politely be described as a “soft-roader,” the 2026 Jeep Recon is meant for those tackling the toughest trails in places like Moab or the Rubicon. Headlight.News checks out Jeep’s latest entry.
The 2026 Jeep Recon is the automaker’s second all-electric model – but the first to be “trail-rated.”
Can an EV match the rugged capabilities of the iconic Jeep Wrangler? Well, we’re about to find out.
The off-road brand has been surprisingly big on electrification. It offers the two best-selling plug-in hybrids in America, the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe trims, as well as the all-electric Wagoneer S. But where the latter model offers only modest off-road capabilities, the 2026 Jeep Recon will be the brand’s first “trail-rated” EV.
“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,” said Bob Broderdorf, CEO of the Jeep brand.
What’s new
Like Wrangler, owners can remove the doors and all glass but the windshield on the new Jeep Recon.
Virtually identical in size to the Wrangler, Recon will deliver the sort of power and performance even the limited-edition Commando 392 can’t match – with its twin electric motors delivering the sort of low-end torque that should make them especially adept at rock and stump crawling.
On pavement, Recon delivers sports car acceleration, hitting 60 in under 4 seconds. While not a benchmark, it offers reasonable range, at 250 miles per charge. And, as one of the first EVs sold in North America by Jeep parent Stellantis equipped with the North American Charging System port, it will be able to plug into the vast Tesla Supercharger network. That nearly doubles the number of places it can catch a charge, which should significantly reduce range anxiety.
This is not a clone of the Wrangler. Recon is based off an entirely new “multi-energy platform” that, Jeep officials acknowledge, could later allow it to be outfitted with other powertrain options – but more on that shortly. Like Wrangler, the new EV is designed specifically for those into serious off-roading. It features extensive underbody protection, for one thing, and its doors, read quarter glass and tailgate glass are all removable. There’s even an optional one-touch folding roof.
All-electric drivetrain
The battery and drivetrain are sealed and protected to allow rock-crawling and water fording.
Recon pairs two electric motors, one on each axle, creating what engineers often refer to as a “through-the-road” hybrid system, with no mechanical links front to back. Each electric drive module, or EDM, produces 250 kilowatts of power, in more conventional terms a combined total of 650 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque.
As Wrangler 4xe buyers have discovered, going electric lets you hear, as well as see, the wild world around you, rather than the thrum of an internal combustion engine. But there’s another plus, according to lead engineer Brian Del Pup. Those motors near 100% of their torque the moment they start spinning, making it easier to clamber over obstacles.
“It’s a better way to off-road,” he explained during a media background briefing, allowing you “to consistently manage your throttle input.”
On the highway, meanwhile, Recon can launch from 0 to 60, according to factory numbers, in just 3.6 seconds. If that’s verified in real-world testing that would be only about a half second slower than the Porsche Taycan 4S.
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Other drivetrain options may follow
Dodge launched its new Charger Daytona in all-electric form, later adding a gas model – sans the “Daytona” badge. Could the same follow with Recon?
Jeep parent Stellantis made a significant decision several years ago, opting to develop an assortment of “multi-energy” platforms capable of using a variety of different powertrains, rather than just going all-electric. That’s paying off at a time when demand for EVs has slowed.
There have been rumors in recent months that Jeep is working up other powertrain options for Recon. For his part, Del Pup would only said that the new vehicle “does have opportunities there.”
Those opportunities could include a conventional gas powertrain – which is the alternative the sibling Dodge brand has opted for with the new Charger line. It debuts in Daytona trim with an all-electric drive system. Sans the Daytona badge, Charger is now available with two versions of the Inline-6 Hurricane internal combustion engine. But parent Stellantis could also provide mild, conventional and plug-in hybrid options, as well as newer range-extender technology.
Battery and charging
Recon will get the Tesla NACS charger port allowing it to plug in at 3,000 Tesla Supercharger stations.
In current form, Recon carries a 100-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and potential buyers should be pleased to note it features heavy steel cladding to protect it from the roughest rock strikes it might face on the trail. It’s also fully sealed, permitting safe water fording.
The new EV uses a 400-volt electric architecture so won’t set a record when it comes to recharging. But, at as little as 28 minutes to go from a 5 to 80% state-of-charge, that’s reasonably competitive for the size of its pack. With a 240-volt Level 2 system it can go from 5 to 80% in as little as 6.8 hours. Both figures depend upon the output of the charger.
The good news is that Recon will come with the Tesla CCS port allowing it to easily plug into Superchargers at one of the 3,000 stations that automaker operates in the U.S. and Canada.
Ready for Off-Roading
Recon’s motors are designed to deliver plenty of low-end torque, when needed.
Eventually, Jeep will offer an assortment of different Recon trims. At launch, the electric SUV debuts with the “Trail-Rated” Moab package. It boasts 9.1 inches in ground clearance, slightly less than the various Wrangle trims. 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.
To make it easier to handle steep inclines, Recon adds Selec-Speed Control, essentially a low-speed cruise control system that lets you set an optimum speed for climbing or descending. Moab, meanwhile, gets a hill hold function that lets the driver move their food back-and-forth, between throttle and brake, without the EV lurching forward.
Among other things, Recon Moab features an 11:1 drive ratio on the front EDM – with disconnects on each front wheel to reduce energy consumption when it’s more efficient to operate in rear-wheel-drive mode. In back, the EDM has a 15:1 final drive ratio for improved torque where needed on rough and uneven terrain.
All versions of Recon feature Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system allowing a driver to choose from various modes matching road and weather conditions. Moab adds a Rock Mode which, explains Jeep, “tailors throttle pedal response to help manage progress over uneven terrain, enabling a two-pedal driving technique to control the vehicle. Rock mode also includes a hill hold feature that lets the driver’s foot move from the brake to the throttle pedal without the vehicle moving.”
Recon Design
Recon adopts a more modern and aerodynamic design language than Wrangler, but they have a number of things in common, including a tall, boxy shape and rear-mounted, full-size spare tire. Like the more time-tested SUV, Recon features 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. Add LED lighting, front and rear, plenty of black accents, including a gloss black roof option.
Recon wouldn’t be a Jeep without a 7-slat grille, but here it’s backlit. In a concession to aerodynamic efficiency, the EV adopts flush-mounted, electrically operated door handles.
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.
The EV offers plenty of passenger and cargo space – including a 3.0 cf frunk.
Interior Design
The new EV’s cabin also hews closely to Wrangler guidelines, with 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 camera.
With no engine up front, the traditional dimensions of a 2-box SUV have been shifted slightly. Under the hood, there’s a usable frunk, with about 3.0 cubic feet of storage space. That means a near-midsize passenger compartment despite Recon’s compact footprint. Under the hood, there’s a usable frunk, with about 3.0 cubic feet of storage space. The cargo bay adds 30.3 cf – expanding to 65.9 cf with the rear seats folded over.
Technology
All Recon trims feature 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. The infotainment system operates the 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.”
Amazon’s Alexa voice app is built in. The automaker also claims Recon is outfitted with 170 standard safety and security systems. It has not yet confirmed if 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.
Pricing and Availability
Production is expected to launch “early next year,” about a year later than Jeep had originally expected to start rolling out its second EV. Sales will launch by spring in the U.S. and Canada before rolling out in other global market.
Recon Moab will be the first to reach showrooms, other trims to follow later in 2026.
Current plans call for the Recon Moab to carry a base MSRP of $65,000 before delivery fees.
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