The 2026 Jeep Recon EV Makes its Big Debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show

I reported just last month that Jeep said its long-awaited Jeep Recon BEV was still coming. Auto writers had begun to doubt that the Recon would go into production because the automaker has tabled so many of its EV projects. Now, the 2026 Jeep Recon is taking center stage at the LA Auto Show. The LA show is the perfect place to showcase the first-ever Trail Rated EV, the LA show typically focuses on electric vehicles. 

“The 2026 Jeep Recon is a bold step forward for the brand, an all-electric SUV that stays true to our core values of freedom, adventure and capability. It’s trail-rated, purpose-built and ready to take Jeep enthusiasts into the future without compromising the legendary performance they expect,” said Bob Broderdorf, CEO of the Jeep brand. “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.”

2026 Jeep Recon EV

During an event in 2022, called Jeep 4xe Day, Jeep promised that it would build a pure EV based on the iconic Wrangler called the Recon. As I reported back then, Ralph Gilles said the Recon was a brother to the Wrangler. It was designed to bring the popular Wrangler attributes like removable doors and open-air roof to the all-electric market. The Recon SUV would be offered exclusively as a BEV. It was supposed to be available starting in 2024.

The 2026 Recon is electrified, powerful and trail ready. The Jeep Recon delivers 650 horsepower, 620 lb.-ft. of instant torque and an estimated all-electric range of up to 250 miles, plus 0-60 mph acceleration in as low as 3.6 seconds. The Recon looks similar to the Wrangler but its design is modern enough to immediately signal that it is an EV. The Recon is the only fully electric SUV designed with removable doors.

Electric Range Could be Disappointing

The range of only 250 miles might be viewed by some as a setback. Other EVs are routinely getting more than 300 miles of range. The Jeep Recon has both front and rear Stellantis-designed electric drive modules (EDMs), each rated at 250 kilowatts. The EDMs give the Recon electric 4x4 propulsion and instant torque on demand. Each EDM combines an electric motor, gearing and power electronics into a single, compact unit for enhanced efficiency.

The electric propulsion system is rated at 620 lb.-ft. of torque, and the driver can access all of it almost instantly, without having to wait for a conventional engine to rev up. To increase capability, the Moab trim’s rear EDM uses a 15:1 final drive ratio that delivers a high level of torque to help the driver power through challenging off-road conditions. An electronic locking differential makes sure that torque goes to both rear wheels when engaged. The driver can go from an open differential to fully locked just by throwing one switch.

The suspension and standard 33-inch tires on the Moab trim provide 9.1 inches of ground clearance. Off-road specifications include 33.8-degree approach angle, 33.1-degree departure angle and 23.3-degree breakover angle.

2026 Jeep Recon Maintains the Jeep Legacy

Jeep has built its reputation on enjoying the great outdoors and the Recon carries on that tradition. The Jeep Recon offers a standard dual-pane sunroof or an available Sky One-Touch powertop. Flush-mounted e-release handles provide effortless access, and the Jeep Recon is the only fully electric vehicle designed with removable doors, rear quarter glass and swing gate glass. No tools are required. The swing gate holds the full-size, rear-mounted spare tire, which is a segment-exclusive feature.

Interior Built for Comfort and Durability

The designers know that off-roaders often carry plenty of gear. The Jeep Recon has expanded storage and plenty of usable space. A two-tiered pass-through center console offers generous room for gear, featuring an available wireless charger on the upper level and a cord pass-through to a lower compartment. The lower area is large enough to hold tablets, purses or larger items. Modular door panels with removable elastic straps and interchangeable cargo solutions provide flexible storage. There is 65.9 cu. ft. of rear cargo space (with the second row folded) plus the front trunk (3.0 cu. ft.) can fit a carry-on suitcase.

The Jeep Recon is Loaded with Technology

The Jeep Recon has more than 26 inches of high-definition, sculpted screen space. The Recon comes with an all-new, standard, 12.3-inch driver cluster featuring customizable menu options and modern graphics. There is also a huge 14.5-inch horizontal touchscreen radio/center display, the largest singular usable digital screen space ever offered in a Jeep vehicle.

The new Jeep Trails Offroad app offers a guide to trails across the U.S. and Canada. The app now even has pitch and roll mapping, good to know when a driver is exploring unfamiliar territory. The BEV pages provide real-time insights into the vehicle’s battery charge. The Recon also has Dynamic Range Mapping to help plan trips, indicating when and where to charge.

When the 2026 Jeep Recon Will be Available

The 2026 Jeep Recon has a starting price of $65,000, plus $1,995 destination fee. Production of the 2026 Jeep Recon will begin early next year at the Toluca Assembly Plant. The Recon will be available first in the U.S. and Canada, but will eventually go global.

LA Auto Show Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories