Steel Shields and Rock Mode: Why the Jeep Recon is More Than Just an EV
The all-new 2026 Jeep Recon is Jeep’s first totally electric Trail Rated SUV. Off-road EVs are still very rare, and Jeep’s entry into the space is very significant. Their goal is to combine adventure capability with full electrification without having to change the whole brand’s identity.
The drivetrain is a dual electric drive module that has instant torque and the Jeep 4x4 capability. It gets an amazing 650 horsepower, 840 Nm of torque, a pretty short 250-mile range, and a fast 0-62 mph in about 3.7s depending on the trim. Most EVs are either built for efficiency or speed, but the new Recon is built for terrain performance. Some features show this with ones like Selec-Terran with multiple drive modes, Rock mode on the Moab trim, locking differentials, and a high ground clearance and approach angles.
For extra durability, this EV platform is reinforced for off-road environments, with a protected battery, steel underbody shields, large CV joints, and torque-focused gearing. Jeep said that they tuned the throttle behavior for slow, controlled off-road driving, which is very different from most other EVs! The suspension design and Moab-specific upgrades reinforce Jeep’s off-road reputation and also make this EV very unique and ready to go off-roading!
Some unique exterior features that keep the Jeep identity include the upright design, LED grille rings, removable doors, and large visibility, which are all very rare for an EV. It remains the only EV to have removable doors and swing-gate glass, keeping Jeep’s traditional style of open-air cabins. The Moab styling and the color options are specifically targeted at Jeep enthusiasts, which makes sense if they want to get more people into this vehicle. The interior approach is: rugged material, customizable layouts, and recycled materials. All of this makes it feel so different, especially since they even added a new Joshua Tree color.
As for tech, there is a 12.3-inch cluster paired with a 14.5-inch touchscreen. There is Uconnect 5, the Trails Offroad app for navigation, EV-specific range tools, and mobile app support, making this SUV not only made for off-roading, but also smart. This launch shows how Jeep believes that in the future, some EVs will be trail-ready and adventure-focused, not just focused on urban or highway driving.
The production of the new vehicle will start next year, with vehicles first arriving in the U.S. and Canada. The Moab trim will be limited only to North America, so it should be interesting to see how popular this new Jeep Off-Road vehicle is!
What do you think of going off-roading in an electric SUV? Do you think heritage brands like Jeep should go all-electric? What features do you think will appeal to off-road drivers? Let us know in the comments!
Source and Images: Stellantis