Jeep’s first serious off-road EV is one of the worst kept secrets in the whole automotive universe. Originally, the all-electric Jeep Recon was slated to be unveiled in 2023, with production starting in ’24. We’re currently in the tail end of 2025, but, you know what they say, good things take time.
So we’re pleased to report the 2026 Jeep Recon EV is finally here (and yes the doors come off Jeep Gang don’t get mad). The company took the wraps off its new EV today, and production is slated to begin early next year. A spokesperson for the company told us the Recon will land in Canada and the U.S. initially, before heading to other international markets.
What’s the Jeep Recon?
“With the Jeep Recon, we’re proving that electrification isn’t just compatible with off-road excellence, it can elevate it.”
Bob Broderdorf, chief executive of the Jeep brand.
In short, the 2026 Jeep Recon is a milestone, not just for Jeep but for 4x4s in general. It’s the first “Trail Rated” EV from Jeep, which means it’s the company’s first EV meant to go far off the beaten path. And, apart from the electric Mercedes G-Class — which is an order of magnitude more expensive — this is the first battery-powered true off-roader. So, yes, it’s breaking new ground here.
Think of it like an electric alternative to the legendary Jeep Wrangler, a machine that set the bar for 4x4s for decades. The Recon isn’t replacing the Wrangler though, both will be sold alongside each other here in Canada, which simply gives buyers more choice. The Wrangler family includes both gas and plug-in hybrid models, while the Recon is all-electric, all-the time.
“With the Jeep Recon, we’re proving that electrification isn’t just compatible with off-road excellence, it can elevate it, delivering instant torque, precision control and a quieter, more connected driving experience that’s uniquely Jeep,” explained Bob Broderdorf, chief executive of the Jeep brand.
So the Recon is Jeep’s First EV?
Just to clear things up, no, the Recon is not the first EV from Jeep in North America. That honour belongs to the Wagoneer S, which we’ve covered extensively. The Wagoneer S is a more pavement oriented SUV, built more for the occasional gravel road rather than the gnarly terrain the Recon can handle.
What Makes the Recon So Capable?
For starters, it’s not a standard EV fitted with a suspension lift and some knobbly tires. Jeep claims the Recon was designed from the ground up for adventure.
It’s powered by two Stellantis-designed electric motors, one for the front wheels and another for the rears, which means the Recon has four-wheel drive. Combined, the motors make a rather impressive 650 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the Jeep from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 3.6 seconds.
Because Jeep-heads will want to know, the suspension setup is a short-long arm (SLA) on the front and integral link at the rear. An electronic locking diff at the rear can be controlled by the driver with the flick of a switch, going from open to fully locked in an instant. The Recon was designed around beefy 33-inch tires, but we’re sure the aftermarket is already working on larger tires and lift kits. Even so, in stock trim it’ll clear a 33.8-degree approach angle, 33.1-degree departure angle and 23.3-degree breakover. (That’s good, in case you’re not familiar with off-road lingo.)
The company doesn’t put its Trail Rated badge on anything. Vehicles have to earn it by passing tests in five categories: traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation and ground clearance.
Of course, rock crawling capability is useless unless the battery can survive a thorough bashing, but Jeep’s engineers thought of that too. The huge 100 kWh battery is protected by high-strength steel underbody shields. It’s got literal armour.
What’s the Driving Range of the Jeep Recon?
Jeep estimates a driving range of “up to 250 miles,” which works out to 402 kilometres, all thanks to that aforementioned 100 kWh battery. It’s less than the Rivian R1S, but we’re assuming the Recon will be more affordable, and also a more capable off-roader.
But Wait! The Doors and Roof Come Off?
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Jeep off-roader unless the doors come off, and thankfully they do. Jeep boasts that the Recon is the only EV with removable doors, rear quarter glass and swing gate glass. Even better, you can strip all that stuff off the car without the use of tools. Clever stuff.
As for the roof, customers can opt for either the dual-pane sunroof, or (our preferred choice) the power-retractable soft top, also known in Jeep-speak as the Sky One-Touch Power Top.
As for what it’s like to drive off-road, well, we’re looking forward to finding out next year.
