Jeep Launches 2026 Recon EV with Removable Doors and Trail-Rated Badge
Jeep officially debuted the production version of the 2026 Recon at the Los Angeles Auto Show, confirming that its first North American electric SUV will retain the rugged, open-air functionality of the concept vehicle shown last year. Built on the STLA Large platform, the Recon is positioned not as a replacement for the Wrangler, but as an electric alternative for off-road enthusiasts who demand silence on the trail. Antonio Filosa, Jeep Brand CEO, announced that the Recon has successfully completed the Rubicon Trail, earning the brand’s “Trail Rated” badge—a first for a fully electric vehicle in the automaker’s portfolio without a combustion engine backup.
Technical specifications reveal that the Recon will launch exclusively with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, generating a combined output of approximately 600 horsepower and 635 lb-ft of torque in the top-tier “Moab” trim. This powertrain allows the boxy SUV to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, a figure that bests the V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392. Energy is stored in a 98-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which Jeep estimates will deliver 315 miles of range on the EPA cycle. The vehicle utilizes an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling DC fast charging rates of up to 350 kW, sufficient to add 100 miles of range in roughly 10 minutes.
The Recon’s hardware is explicitly designed for technical terrain, featuring the new “Selec-Terrain e-Locker” system, which simulates mechanical locking differentials by virtually locking the front and rear electric motors to maintain equal wheel speed. The SUV rides on 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires and features aggressive approach and departure angles aided by steel bumpers and skid plates protecting the battery array. Unlike many modern EVs that prioritize aerodynamics over utility, the Recon includes exposed tow hooks and a frunk equipped with drain plugs, allowing it to be used as a cooler or for storing muddy gear.
A key differentiator for the Recon is its convertible nature; executives confirmed the production model features removable doors and a power-retractable roof, maintaining the open-air experience central to the Jeep identity. The doors feature exposed hinges for easy removal, and the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system includes a “Trail Guides” feature that functions offline, providing mapped trails directly on the 14.5-inch central touchscreen. To address range anxiety on the trail, the navigation system incorporates “radius monitoring,” which calculates the point of no return based on real-time energy consumption and elevation changes.
Reservations for the 2026 Jeep Recon opened immediately following the press conference, with production slated to begin at the Toluca Assembly Plant in early 2026. The base Sport trim is expected to start at an MSRP of $58,500, while the fully equipped Moab edition will likely surpass $70,000. This pricing strategy places the Recon in direct competition with the Rivian R2 and the upcoming electric version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, offering a legacy off-road capability at a price point that undercuts the luxury segment.
