The Jeep Recon EV surfaces ahead of its official debut

For a while now, Jeep has been adamant that its upcoming electric SUV, the Recon, is "inspired by the legendary Wrangler." But the latest sightings of a nearly undisguised model on a transport carrier tell a different story. The boxy silhouette, rugged stance, and familiar proportions suggest that Jeep's inspiration might have come from a different stable altogether. In what feels less like a nod to its own heritage and more like a direct challenge, the all-electric Jeep Recon looks remarkably similar to the Ford Bronco.

The new electric SUV from Jeep is a critical part of the company's ambitious plan to become a dominant force in the world of zero-emission utility vehicles. The strategy began in Europe with the compact Avenger and is now rolling out globally with the more luxurious Wagoneer S. The Recon is the next piece of the puzzle, designed from the ground up to be a true off-roader that just happens to be electric. It will share the open-air freedom of the Wrangler, with removable doors and roof panels, but its visual identity clearly targets a specific rival.

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And Jeep is far from being subtle about its target. The company even ran a Super Bowl ad last year that showed a Recon breezing past a Ford Bronco on a trail, capped off with a joke from Harrison Ford about his name. Recent spy videos confirm the aggressive posture seen in that commercial. The Recon's design appears to be a direct answer to the Bronco's immense popularity, offering consumers a similar aesthetic powered entirely by electricity.

Of course, a Jeep is defined by more than just its looks. Former CEO Christian Meunier made a bold claim, stating the Recon will have the ability to "cross the mighty Rubicon Trail, one of the most challenging off-road trails in the US." He added that the electric SUV would complete the trail with enough battery range left to drive back to the nearest town to recharge. This is a big promise, addressing the range anxiety that often accompanies discussions about off-road EVs.

The all-new Recon is built on the same STLA Large platform used for the new Wagoneer S. This advanced architecture is expected to provide the Recon with a driving range of at least 300 miles on a full charge. To support its off-road credentials, the Recon might also debut a unique piece of technology. Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, recently filed a patent for a three-speed gearbox designed specifically for electric vehicles. Such a transmission could provide superior torque control at low speeds for rock crawling without compromising efficiency during highway driving.

The latest electric Jeep will go on sale later in 2025 as a 2026 model year vehicle. The starting price is expected to be around $60,000. Like the Wrangler, it will be offered in several trim levels to suit different budgets and needs, with potential names like Willys, Overland, and a top-tier Moab model that could push the price tag north of $80,000.

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