When the original Willys MB (more popularly known as the Jeep) entered production in 1941, it revolutionized off-roading as the world’s first mass-produced four-wheel drive light vehicle. Today, Jeep is again raising the bar by launching the first real off-road EV from a mainstream brand—the all-new 2026 Jeep Recon.
With standard four-wheel drive, stock 33-inch all-terrain tires, plenty of ground clearance, and even a removable roof, windows, and doors, the Recon looks the part of a serious off-road machine. But rather than a gasoline engine or even a plug-in hybrid system like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, this is a pure battery electric vehicle with an estimated range of 250 miles.
If you like cutting-edge, high-performance, adventure-ready vehicles, the Recon might just be the EV you didn’t know you wanted.
A Long Road Getting Here
It’s no secret that the EV market is changing rapidly, with manufacturers announcing and cancelling models left and right depending on how the political winds are blowing. The Recon was originally announced back in September 2022, when EV fever was at an all-time high and brands were tripping over themselves to roll out more battery electric models. However, the Recon then vanished from the spotlight as EV excitement faded and brands refocused on traditional gas and diesel engines. There was even some question as to whether Jeep would simply cancel the model entirely.
However, more than three years later, the production model has now been revealed and is set to hit Jeep dealerships in early 2026. While the end of the EV tax credit means that it may not be the high-volume hit that Jeep originally envisioned, the production version of the Recon has some impressive features and will surely excite drivers who want a true off-road SUV that has real Jeep spirit and can outrun muscle cars on the street. Yes, you read that last part right.
Built to Perform, On Road or Off
The 2026 Recon is powered by a pair of electric motors delivering 650 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, putting it within spitting distance of the legendary (and now discontinued) Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with its supercharged Hellcat V8. In fact, the Recon is the second most powerful Jeep ever built, beating out the Wagoneer S (600 hp) and the Wrangler Rubicon 392 (470 hp). And because it benefits from the instant torque and superior traction control of electric motors, it has an estimated zero to 60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, putting it neck and neck with the Trackhawk.
But lightning-quick EVs are a dime a dozen these days, and taking 3.5 seconds to hit 60 mph looks downright slow when you have cars like the Tesla Model S Plaid, Lucid Air Sapphire, and Porsche Taycan hitting the same speed in two seconds flat. However, unlike those performance EVs, the Recon’s quick acceleration is just a sideshow compared to its off-road capability.
Earning the Trail Rated Badge
With dual-motor four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and a five-mode version of Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, the Recon has plenty of traction on any surface. Plus, it comes with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, a 33.8-degree approach angle, a 23.3-degree breakover angle, and a 33.1-degree departure angle. To put that into perspective, those are better breakover and departure angles than a base two-door Ford Bronco!
While Wrangler fans might be saddened to know the Recon does not have solid axles, instead using a more street-friendly multilink suspension front and rear, it does come with plenty of off-road features. The first trim available at launch is the Moab (which appears to be Jeep’s new high-performance off-road trim, since the Moab 392 was recently revealed for the 2026 Wrangler), which comes with 33-inch tires, tow hooks, steel skid plates, and more. It can even splash through 24 inches of water without difficulty.
Is the Recon for You?
If you like the idea of an electric off-road machine, then the biggest drawback of the Recon is likely going to be the price. Starting at $65,000, it isn’t cheap—and with the demise of the EV tax credit, you aren’t getting a big discount either. However, when you compare it to other high-performance off-road machines, that price isn’t that unreasonable. The new Wrangler Moab 392 starts at $81,000 for less power, and if you want an off-road EV, your only alternatives are the Rivian R1S at $76,990 ($85,990 with the Performance Upgrade to match the Recon’s power) or the GMC Hummer EV at $96,600.
While it might have taken a while to finally enter production, the Recon is pushing boundaries in true Jeep fashion. In the future, we may well look back on it being nearly as much of a revolution in off-roading as the original Willys MB, showing that EVs are compatible with off-road adventures in a way that no other brand has yet managed. If that’s something you want to be a part of, then you might want to reach out to your Jeep dealer to reserve a Recon.
