While Stellantis retreats from many electric vehicle ambitions, one program has survived the culling: the 2026 Jeep Recon. Unveiled in final production form this week, the Recon is the first—and currently only—Trail Rated battery-electric SUV in the industry. Production begins in early 2026 with initial availability in the United States and Canada.
The Recon represents Jeep's answer to a question many enthusiasts have asked: Can an electric vehicle handle serious off-road duty? Based on the specifications, Jeep believes the answer is definitively yes.
The Numbers
The Recon delivers impressive specifications across the board:
- Power: 650 horsepower from dual electric motors
- Torque: 620 lb-ft of instant torque—available from 0 rpm
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds
- Range: Estimated 250 miles on a full charge
- Starting price: $65,000
The torque figure is particularly significant for off-road applications. Electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly, which translates to precise low-speed control when crawling over obstacles—a significant advantage over internal combustion engines that need to rev to produce peak power.
Trail Rated Capability
The Jeep Trail Rated badge is the industry's most recognized off-road certification. To earn it, the Recon had to demonstrate capability across five categories:
Traction: The Recon features all-wheel drive with electronic locking differentials that can send power precisely where it's needed.
Water fording: Sealed battery pack and electrical components enable water crossing capability, though Jeep hasn't specified depth ratings.
Articulation: Suspension travel allows wheels to maintain contact with uneven terrain.
Ground clearance: Elevated ride height with skid plates protecting the battery and critical components.
Maneuverability: Approach, departure, and breakover angles designed for technical terrain.
Selec-Terrain System
The Recon includes Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction management system with five distinct drive modes:
- Auto: Normal driving with automatic adjustments
- Snow: Optimized for low-traction winter conditions
- Sand: Calibrated for soft, loose surfaces
- Mud: Maximum traction settings for deep, slippery terrain
- Rock: Slow-speed crawl mode for technical off-roading
Each mode adjusts throttle response, stability control intervention, and power distribution between the front and rear axles.
Open-Air Design
Like the iconic Wrangler, the Recon offers open-air capability that's increasingly rare in the SUV market:
- Removable doors: The Recon is the only fully electric SUV with removable doors
- Removable swing gate glass: Rear window can be opened or removed entirely
- Removable rear quarter glass: Additional ventilation and access options
- Available soft top: Expected for open-air enthusiasts
These features connect the Recon to Jeep's heritage while offering something no competing EV provides.
Charging and Range
The 250-mile estimated range positions the Recon competitively within the EV SUV segment, though it falls short of some rivals:
Comparison:
- Jeep Recon: 250 miles estimated
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: Up to 312 miles
- Tesla Model Y: Up to 330 miles
- Rivian R1S: Up to 352 miles
However, the Recon's range should suffice for most trail adventures, and DC fast charging capability will enable longer trips with reasonable charging stops.
Pricing Context
At $65,000, the Recon occupies premium territory:
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: Starting around $60,000
- Ford Bronco Raptor: Starting around $70,000
- Rivian R1S: Starting at $75,000
- Land Rover Defender 110: Starting around $58,000
The pricing suggests Jeep is targeting enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for electric capability rather than competing on value. Given the unique Trail Rated EV positioning, that strategy may prove viable.
Why the Recon Survived Stellantis's EV Cuts
While Stellantis cancelled the battery-electric Ram 1500 REV and delayed the Dodge Charger SRT Banshee, the Recon moved forward. Several factors likely contributed:
Differentiated positioning: No competitor offers a Trail Rated EV. The Recon creates its own market rather than competing in crowded segments.
Jeep brand strength: Jeep's brand equity among adventure enthusiasts may translate to EV adoption more readily than pickup truck loyalists.
Appropriate use case: Off-road driving often involves shorter trips from a home base where overnight charging is possible—a better match for current EV limitations than long-haul trucking.
Premium margins: At $65,000, the Recon should generate healthier margins than mass-market EVs that struggle with profitability.
Competition and Market Position
The Recon enters a market with several capable competitors, though none match its specific positioning:
Rivian R1S: More expensive but offers impressive off-road capability and longer range. Targets a similar adventure-oriented demographic.
Ford Bronco: Gas-powered but offers the removable roof and doors that define the segment. An electric Bronco hasn't been announced.
GMC Hummer EV SUV: Larger, more expensive, and focused on extreme performance over trail capability.
Land Rover Defender: Available as a plug-in hybrid but not pure electric in North America.
Investment Angle
For Stellantis investors, the Recon represents a test case. If sales prove strong, it could validate continued investment in targeted EV applications even as mass-market electrification slows. Strong Recon performance might also support Jeep brand valuations if Stellantis ever considers spinning off or selling its most valuable franchise.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Jeep Recon is an authentically compelling product in a market full of compromises. It's the only Trail Rated electric SUV available anywhere. It offers the open-air experience Jeep is famous for. And it delivers performance numbers that would have seemed impossible for an off-roader a decade ago. At $65,000, it's not cheap—but for the buyer who wants electric power and genuine trail capability, it's currently the only option. That's a powerful market position, and Jeep appears ready to defend it.
