The 2026 all-electric and off-road ready Jeep Recon arrives with 650 HP

Jeep just unveiled the 2026 Recon, its second battery-powered vehicle destined for the United States. The new model is the brand's first fully electric, "Trail Rated" machine, combining the kind of raw acceleration usually reserved for sports cars with the serious off-road capability expected from a Jeep.

This follows Jeep's first US electric model, the Wagoneer S, which struggles to gain traction. The question is whether the off-road skills of the new $65,000 Jeep Recon are enough to overcome current market headwinds.

The Recon launches with a single trim, the dirt-loving Moab, which gets a powerful dual-motor setup. This configuration delivers 650 horsepower (659 PS) and 620 lb-ft of torque. That's 50 hp and 3 lb-ft more than the pricier version of the road-focused Wagoneer S, even though both electric cars use the same underlying STLA Large platform with a 9.42 ft wheelbase.

The Recon rockets from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds - almost unheard of in a trail machine. Power comes from a 100 kWh battery pack, which gives the vehicle an estimated driving range of 250 miles.

This range figure is significantly lower than the 294 miles promised by the Wagoneer S. That difference highlights the trade-off for true off-road performance. Only the Jeep Recon earns the coveted "Trail Rated" badge, proving it can conquer tough terrain.

To achieve this, the Moab trim features standard 33-inch tires and serious mechanical components, including a specialized 15:1 final drive ratio at the rear for massive torque multiplication when the trails get muddy. The driver can also take advantage of selectable locking differentials and Selec-Terrain driving modes, including a "Rock" mode exclusive to the Moab, along with Selec-Speed Control for navigating steep climbs or rocky ground with ease.

To handle the abuse of the trail, the vehicle's 100 kWh battery pack is protected by a full suite of steel skid plates. Essential suspension parts like the large CV joints and half shafts are beefed up to handle the instant, high torque that modern EVs provide. Unlike its older gas-powered cousins, the Recon uses an independent suspension setup, with short-long arms in the front and an integral link in the back, paired with modern rack and pinion steering.

This configuration promises way better on-road comfort than the classic Wrangler. The Recon rides relatively high, with 9.1 inches of ground clearance. While that beats most standard SUVs, it does fall short of the Wrangler's trail figures, which can reach up to 12.9 inches on specialized trims.

When it comes to design, the new Jeep Recon stays faithful to the brand's heritage. It gets a classic, boxy stance and upright grille, and yet, it adds modern touches like flush door handles and an optional Sky One-Touch power top. In a nod to hardcore adventure lovers, the vehicle includes removable doors, swing gate glass, and quarter windows, all of which come off without needing special tools.

Inside the cabin, Jeep pairs durable materials with cutting-edge technology. The driver faces a massive 26-inch digital display area that includes a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system - the largest screen ever found in a Jeep vehicle. This large screen helps display crucial pitch and roll mapping information on the automaker's Trails App and gives easy access to camera views.

The 2026 Jeep Recon EV will go into production at Jeep's Toluca Assembly Plant starting early next year. The powerful, range-topping Moab trim launches with a $65,000 price tag, and we can expect lower-priced trims with less aggressive motor setups to arrive later.

It'll be interesting to see if the Recon proves as difficult to move as the Wagoneer S. If it is the case, the brand might resort to discounts to entice buyers. Regardless of the market's current volatility, Jeep is making a brave statement that the future of off-roading includes silent, powerful electric cars. Let's see how the public responds.

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