2026 Jeep Recon is a Wrangler-inspired electric off-Roader
Jeep has unveiled the 2026 Recon, its second fully electric model and the clearest sign yet that the brand intends to take its off-road heritage into the EV era. Inspired by the Wrangler, the Recon blends open-air adventure with electric performance and arrives in the US in early 2026.
Electric muscle: 485kW and 841Nm
The Recon uses two electric motors producing a combined 485kW and 841Nm of torque, delivered to all four wheels. That’s significantly more grunt than the Wrangler Rubicon 392’s V8, and Jeep claims the EV will sprint from 0–100 km/h in around 3.6 seconds. Top speed is capped at 180 km/h.
The Recon rides on Stellantis’ new STLA Large platform and uses a 94kWh battery pack, sealed and waterproof for off-road use. Jeep estimates up to 402 km of range for the Moab launch model.
Charging tech hasn’t been fully disclosed, but Jeep says the Recon:
- Charges from 5–80% in around 28 minutes on a DC fast charger
- Adds roughly 160 km of range in 10 minutes of rapid charging
- Charges 5–80% in under seven hours on a Level 2 home charger
Built to Explore: How It Compares to the Wrangler
Although inspired by the Wrangler, the Recon is structurally quite different. It uses unibody construction, not the Wrangler’s traditional body-on-frame setup. Still, Jeep insists the Recon offers “legitimate off-road capability,” backed by:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- An electronically locking rear differential
- Off-road-focused gear ratios (15:1 rear axle)
- Standard 33-inch all-terrain tyres
- Steel underbody skid plates
- Optional rock rails
- A full-size spare mounted on the rear gate
The Recon Moab will launch first and includes 33-inch Nexen Roadian ATX tyres (265/70R18). Jeep wouldn’t say whether the Recon can accept 35-inch tyres without modification—a key question for off-road purists.
Off-Road Numbers
| Attribute | Recon | Wrangler (varies) |
| Water fording | 610 mm | 762 mm minimum |
| Ground clearance | 231 mm | 246–328 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,868 mm | 3,007 mm (4-door) |
The Wrangler still leads in extreme situations thanks to its solid axles, locking front and rear diffs, two-speed transfer case and higher clearances. But the Recon should be far more comfortable on-road, with:
- Independent front suspension
- Multilink rear
- A more compliant ride for daily use
Towing capacity is 1,497 kg, only slightly below the Wrangler’s 1,588 kg rating.
Dimensions and Design
The Recon is sized roughly between a Wrangler and a Grand Cherokee.
- Length: 4,910 mm
- Width: 1,900 mm
- Height: approx. 1,880 mm
It’s longer, wider and taller than the Wrangler Unlimited, and rides on a shorter wheelbase.
Styling is instantly Jeep but with EV twists:
- Boxy bodywork
- Square LED headlights
- Illuminated seven-slot grille
- Chunky wheel arches
- Removable doors and rear glass
- Optional power-retractable roof with no cross-member
Interior: Familiar Jeep, Modern Tech
Inside, Jeep says the Recon “feels like a Jeep but looks more futuristic.” The dashboard design nods to the Wrangler with its horizontal layout and passenger grab handle, but tech gets a major upgrade:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen running Uconnect 5
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Over-the-air software updates
- Minimal physical climate controls (some may miss the hard buttons)
Storage is generous, too:
- Spacious door pockets with straps
- Under-console storage
- Front trunk (85 litres)
- Cargo space of 850–1870 litres
Doors and the rear window can be removed without tools, a feature Jeep is keen to emphasise as it positions the Recon as the “electric adventure alternative” to the Wrangler.
