2026 Jeep Recon EV: Jeep’s First Fully Electric Trail Rated SUV

by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor

Jeep has never been shy about telling you what it loves. Freedom. Adventure. The sort of capability that doesn’t flinch at a washed-out trail or a snowed-in backroad.

For nearly 85 years, those promises have been backed by the familiar sounds of gears, exhaust and the low burble of a gas engine. Now, for the first time, Jeep is asking its most hardcore fans to imagine that same promise delivered in near silence.

Jeep recently released a statement that its first fully electric Trail Rated SUV, the 2026 Recon, would launch early in 2026. The brand is expected to show off the vehicle during a press event at the Los Angeles Automotive Show on Thursday.

This isn’t a hybrid style that has limited electric range and a gas engine for backup. No, this is a totally electric machine, engineered from the ground up to do the things Jeep enthusiasts actually care about: airing down and clawing over rocks, climbing washed out hills, stripping the doors off, dragging mud across the floor mats, and still driving home in comfort. The idea it can do all of this on electric power instead of gasoline or diesel is not an asterisk.

It’s the point.

“The 2026 Jeep Recon is a bold step forward for the brand, an all-electric SUV that stays true to our core values of freedom, adventure and capability,” said Jeep Brand CEO Bob Broderdorf. “It’s trail-rated, purpose-built and ready to take Jeep enthusiasts into the future without compromising the legendary performance they expect.

“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.”

While the brand first unveiled the Recon name a few years ago, it has since been silent on any further details, specifications, or even a release date. Instead, Jeep’s talking points seemed to focus heavily on traditional gasoline-powered powerplants such as its 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, or its popular 6.4 liter V8 in the Wrangler 392.

However, with the Recon reveal, Jeep indicated it isn’t giving up on electrified vehicles.

According to Jeep, the Recon will launch with a stunning 650 horsepower, 620 lb-ft of instant torque, 0–60 mph in as little as 3.6 seconds and an estimated 250 miles of all electric range. It rides on 33-inch tires, carries real approach (33.8-degree), departure (33.1-degree) and breakover angles (23.3-degree), runs a rear electronic locking differential and uses Selec Terrain and Rock mode to turn that electric torque into precise, controllable trail performance.

But beyond the numbers, Jeep is hoping Recon becomes a statement about where adventure is headed. A different kind of powertrain that can still deliver everything that makes Jeep a Jeep.

Electrified Power, Classic Jeep Capability

The 2026 Recon utilizes purpose-built electric architecture using front and rear electric drive modules (EDMs). Each EDM combines the motor, gearing and power electronics into one compact unit, providing standard electric four-wheel drive and instant torque to all four wheels.

Unlike a gas engine that has to build revs, the Recon delivers nearly all of its 620 lb-ft of torque right off the line. But engineers tuned the throttle mapping specifically for off-road control, so you get precise, predictable response whether you’re picking your way through rocks or merging onto the highway.

The intial showroom version is titled Moab, and this trim level gets a more aggressive 15:1 rear final drive ratio, multiplying torque even further for technical terrain. The front EDM runs an 11:1 final drive with automatic disconnects at each wheel end to improve efficiency during normal cruising when rear-drive is more efficient.

An electronic locking rear differential lets the driver send power evenly to both rear wheels at the flip of a switch, while beefed-up half shafts and CV joints are designed to handle repeated hits of EV torque off-pavement. A 100-kWh, 400-volt battery pack sits between the axles, guarded by high-strength steel underbody skid protection.

Trail Rated, the Electric Way

Like all of its Trail Rated models, Jeep forced its Recon version to master tests in five different areas: Traction, Water Fording, Maneuverability, Articulation and Ground Clearance.

The Recon boasts a ground clearance of 9.1 inches, with a 33.8-degree approach angle, 33.1 departure angle and 23.3 breakover angle.

Jeep said the vehicle’s suspension is a mix of short-long arm (SLA) up front and integral link in the rear, tuned to keep a large contact patch on the ground while balancing on-road comfort with off-road articulation.

The Recon also leans heavily on software to unlock EV-specific benefits on the trail. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system comes standard, with Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand, and Rock modes. Rock mode uses unique calibrations for the motors and pedals, enabling a two-pedal driving technique that lets you softly increase power over obstacles while a hill-hold function keeps the vehicle from rolling back between brake and throttle.

For steep climbs and descents, Selec-Speed Control works like an off-road cruise control at low speed, maintaining a set pace so you can focus on wheel placement instead of pedal modulation.

Open-Air EV Freedom

It isn’t all power and clearance for the 2026 Jeep Recon. Engineers also added plenty of open-air functionality.

The brand said its new Recon is the only fully electric SUV designed with removable doors, removable swing-gate glass and rear quarter glass, optional Sky One-Touch powertop, or standard dual-pane sunroof.

Up front, an upright face with illuminated seven-slot grille rings and U-shaped daytime running lamps makes it instantly recognizable as a Jeep family member, even if there is not a radiator hiding behind the grille.

Finishing out the exterior are gloss black accents on the grille, pillars, window trim and roof provide a modern appearance, while Wrangler-inspired LED taillamps and tailgate-mounted spare keep one foot planted squarely in Jeep tradition.

Interior: Rugged, Clever, and Sustainably Built

Inside, the Recon’s cabin appears to be half trail tool and half tech lounge. The dashboard features a strong horizontal layout with a big passenger grab handle, while a modular accessory rail (something we’ve seen on other concept vehicles) can hold cameras, nav units and even a dedicated duck holder.

Storage, always something lacking in the Wrangler series, seems to be a priority in the Recon. It offers a two-tier center console with upper wireless charger and lower pass-through for larger items, modular door panels with removable elastic straps and interchangeable cargo solutions and boasts 65.9 cu. ft. of rear cargo space with the second row folded.

Other interesting features include cabin surfaces that use Capri, a refined non-leather synthetic material, as well as headliner, carpets, and other trim pieces utilizing recycled materials.

A standard Alpine premium audio system routes speakers under the seats instead of in the removable doors, so your soundtrack stays consistent even when the doors are off.

Tech & Screens: Big, Bright, and Built for the Trail

Jeep designers gave the Recon one of the brand’s most advanced digital cockpits to date, with more than 26 inches of total screen space. It features a fully reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital driver cluster and 14.5-inch horizontal infotainment display, which the brand says is the largest single screen ever in a Jeep.

According to Jeep, its latest Uconnect 5 system powers both screens with sharper graphics, fast response, and a minimalist interface. Climate controls are now integrated into the display with large, trail-friendly touch targets, but physical knobs remain for volume and tuning.

For those into off-roading, Jeep has included a Trails Offroad app directly into the system, which includes curated trail guides for the U.S. and Canada, enhanced with pitch and roll data so you can see exactly what your Jeep is doing as the terrain gets technical.

Additionally, EV-specific pages display real-time state of charge, power distribution and Dynamic Range Mapping (via TomTom) that helps plan charging stops and route efficiency. Alexa integration and an upgraded Jeep smartphone app add features like maintenance scheduling, roadside assistance, accident support, and real-time safety and recall notifications

Price, Production, and Availability

Per Jeep’s release, the 2026 Recon will carry a starting MSRP of $65,000 (plus $1,995 destination). Production is scheduled to begin early next year, with potential availability by March.

What the Recon Means for Jeep Fans

With its Recon, Jeep has repeatedly said it isn’t trying to replace the Wrangler. It just wants to expand the family. This SUV is designed for enthusiasts who want real off-road capability, open-air fun and a quieter, more efficient powertrain that still feels every bit like a Jeep.

Backed by proven Trail Rating badging, fully electric powerplant, removable doors, 33-inch tires, locking differential, huge horsepower and torque, as well as a cabin full of storage and tech: the 2026 Jeep Recon EV appears to be Jeep’s clearest statement yet that the brand’s future on and off the trail will still be powerful.

Only a lot more silent.