A month ago, Jeep announced its ambitions to electrify its whole lineup over the following half-decade or so, which included adding plug-in hybrid 4xe versions to the current Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. The centerpiece of the event, however, was the introduction of two new all-electric SUVs: the Jeep Wagoneer S and, of course, the brand-new Jeep Recon.
Inspired by the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, the Jeep Recon is a fully electric mid-size SUV designed for intrepid people who love to travel beyond the open road. The Recon is an interesting piece of automotive architecture, combining the Wrangler's appearance and full-time 4X4 capability with a zero-emissions powerplant.
The new Recon will square up boldly against the likes of the Bronco, the new Hummer EV, and the Bollinger B1. The options of the Recon seem to be a little more in line with the TrailHawk trims of mainstream Jeeps than they are with the hardcore Wrangler, based on the more traditional crossover footprint and the automatic driving modes.
The Jeep Recon and the Wagoneer S will be one of the first two all-new electric SUVs to enter the market in North America, with reservations opening in 2023 and the first deliveries due in 2024. The brand will disclose the pricing and range closer to the launch date. Jeep will add another undisclosed fully electric model to its North American lineup by 2025, as well as sell the Avenger EV overseas.
The retro-styled 2024 Jeep Recon is the next step for the 4xe and an all-electric alternative to the Jeep Wrangler. Based on what we’ve seen from Jeep thus far, the Recon is worth the wait. We'll go through some of the upcoming SUV's best features and what we currently know about it.
The Jeep Recon Is A Tough Off-Road SUV
To set the record straight, the Recon is not an electrified version of the Wrangler, nor is it going to replace the icon off-roader. Of course, Jeep did design the Recon in the same design studio as the Wrangler and gave it the same dimensions and proportions. But, instead of simply throwing an electric motor on the Wrangler 4xe, Jeep wanted to create something distinctive - and something that would take on its own moniker. As the brand claims, it was still influenced by the Wrangler.
The photographs depict the concept form of the impending EV, which noticeably borrows certain aesthetic cues from the Wrangler to appeal to die-hard Jeep aficionados. Its beautiful appearance includes chunky bumpers, underbody skid pads, and dialed-back fenders. And due to the flat, underfloor battery pack, the Recon has a lower beltline. The front end has a unique interpretation of Jeep's seven-slat grille with LED lighting around each rectangular section, square headlight signatures, and blue tow hooks, as seen on other 4xe models.
It will also have a powertop with a single touch and removable doors and windows. According to Stellantis' chief design guy, Ralph Gilles, the Recon has the most greenhouse glass the firm has ever utilized in a car, thanks to the massaged proportions and upright roof and windshield. The SUV also has a one-touch power-sliding roof and Wrangler-style detachable doors with exposed hinges, giving the inside an even more open, airy vibe.
Speaking of which, we haven't seen inside the upcoming Recon, yet. However, we anticipate a cabin appearance that is more reminiscent of the Wrangler than the premium-focused Wagoneer S.
The Jeep Recon Will Have Impressive Performance Features
The long-travel suspension, extreme approach, departure, and break-over angles, as well as the Wrangler's distinctive two-box shape, are all carried over from the Wrangler. However, the manufacturer is keeping most other facts about the electric engine under wraps until closer to launch. We don't know if it will have one or two motors, what size battery it will have, or how much range it will have for each charge. The Jeep Recon has a target range of 400 miles, albeit the EPA test results may be lower.
In any case, the Jeep Wagoneer will have 600 horsepower and reach 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, which means the Recon might churn out strong numbers too. Thanks to its Selec-Terrain traction management and electronically locking axles, the Recon will dominate the performance SUV territory and have a little more ability off the beaten track. We also know that it will have the latest-generation Uconnect infotainment system, which thorough trip itineraries for the most popular off-road paths.
Jeep also claims that the Recon will be able to take on the renowned Rubicon Trail. Like the powertrain, the battery capacity also remains a mystery at this point. But, since the brand is building the Recon on the future EV-specific STLA Large architecture, a battery pack capacity of more than 100kW is possible.