The Recon will pave the way for more off-road-capable electric SUVs from Jeep, but it’s still nowhere near as competent as the Wrangler.
The US automotive market will see many spectacular entries from Jeep soon; the automaker focuses on EVs as it hopes to turn 100% all-electric in Europe and 50% in the US by the end of the decade. The new entries, Recon, Wagoneer S, and Avenger, will arrive in the coming years. Recon, a purely-electric model likely to rival the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV, is perhaps the most important of the three.
Jeep is frank with us — the Recon takes its physical cues from the Wrangler. While there are a few design changes in Recon, including the upright posture of the EV, the performance specs are similar too. But the automaker is clear on one thing — the Recon will not be replacing the Wrangler, despite the clear similarities. Put simply, the electric SUV won’t be as off-road capable or as tough.
Still, like the Wrangler, the Recon has removable doors and glass and inherits the boxy shape along with the spare tire mounted in the back. We know that the new EV is slightly smaller than the Wrangler; we can gather a few hints of what to expect from the pictures, but Jeep is yet to reveal crucial information about the powertrain or the exterior dimensions.
Like all Jeeps, the Recon will be a four-wheel drive affair. Moreover, as the EV sits on the STLA large platform, the battery pack might even be larger than 100kW. Jeep has also taken utmost care in crafting the Recon as a thorough off-roader, so it has many specs that emphasize the effort. Special features include the bulky off-road tires, e-locker axle tech, and the Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system.
Jeep should start producing the Recon in 2024 in the US, though reservations will open as soon as early 2023. At launch, the EV will surely flaunt a wide range of accessories and upgrades, making it a more attractive option for adventurers.
But Jeep isn’t only focusing on its off-road models — it’s also launching the Wagoneer S electric SUV, which is more geared toward families wanting more practicality. While it shares a name with the ICE-driven Wagoneer, the EV is smaller, making it more of a mid-size model. It has a sleek exterior with a muscular seven-slot grille and a stylish rear spoiler.
Jeep promises a 400-mile range on the Wagoneer S, and a dual-motor 600-hp setup, bringing the SUV to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. However, we reckon that would be the top model — lower-end versions will surely get smaller batteries and less-powerful motors.
Like the Recon, the Wagoneer S will also be manufactured in the US, and production should begin in 2024. Registrations will open early next year, but the prices of both models are not known yet. Jeep also plans to introduce these EVs to other markets, especially in Europe, in 2025.
Lastly, the Avenger will be a small electric crossover, providing a 250-mile range and coming at a much lower price than the other two. Unfortunately, Jeep has no plans to bring this EV to North America since they deem it too small — it’s even smaller than the Renegade!
Gallery: Jeep Recon, Wagoneer S, and Avenger
