What’s New in the Jeep Recon: A Detailed Overview

Stellantis North America announced back in 2022, its plans to launch multiple electrified Jeep SUVs by 2030. These would comprise fully electric EVs – the all-new Jeep Recon being one of the most anticipated. Jeep’s 4x4 models have seen success in the Middle East, with models like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee being really popular.

Where the Wrangler is offered as a plug-in hybrid, the Recon was designed from the ground up as an EV. The midsize SUV is based on the Stellantis Group’s STLA Large platform, similar to the all-new Jeep Wagoneer S. The Jeep Recon EV could take on the likes of the Kia EV5 and BMW iX1, among others in the UAE.

Variants & Price

Stellantis hasn’t revealed any details regarding the variants or pricing of the all-new Jeep Recon for the U.S. This means that eager (prospective) customers in the UAE will need to play the waiting game. The Recon EV occupies a segment below the Wagoneer S. Once launched, its estimated starting price in the UAE could easily be upwards of AED 200,000.

Exterior

Trying to follow the time-tested & rugged charm of its traditional 4x4s, Jeep’s intent with the Recon EV is clear. The general styling leans heavily towards the adoption of a boxy silhouette and squared-off facades. There are Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender vibes here, with flashes of the Wrangler’s adventure spirit. The latter showcased by way of the Recon’s removable doors.

Protruding from the front and rear of the Jeep Recon are chunky and rugged-looking bumpers. They even come with tow hooks that are painted in Jeep’s trademark ‘EV’ blue. The square face, sides, and rear of the Recon make a good first impression – especially if you love old-school designs. The short front and rear overhangs are typical traits of serious 4x4s.

This also visually extends the distance between the front and rear wheels, which enhances the stance of the Recon EV. Considering its flared wheel arches, serious-looking all-terrain tires, prominent roof rails and lower-body protection, the Jeep Recon projects confidence. If the production model is anything like the concept car, it would wear Jeep’s seven-slot grille meant for their new EVs.

The all-new Recon will also feature squared LED headlamps & taillamps with signature LED running lights. A spare tire is mounted to the tailgate, adding to the Recon’s ‘tough & ready’ trail-tackling ambitions. The Jeep Recon should be around 4.5 meters in length and weigh about 2.3 to 2.4 tons.

Interior

In order to provide a more intimate off-roading experience, the Jeep Recon gets something cool. Just like in the Wrangler, customers will be able to remove the doors and rear windows of the all-new Recon. The concept featured a retractable cloth-type roof cover (like in the Wrangler) – Jeep could bring this to the production model.

What Jeep is unlikely to borrow from the Wrangler is its retro interior design and layout. The all-new Recon’s interior would have a more modern and minimalist setup, with the intention being user-friendliness and better comfort. Being an EV means that in-cabin vibration and harshness will be better controlled, offering a more relaxed environment in general.

Unlike the Wrangler, the quality of materials and the general build of the Recon EV’s interior will be superior. Customers can expect soft leather plus aluminum and piano black trim in the cabin, alongside several squidgy bits. The cabin floor of the Recon should be relatively flat and thus offer good legroom, with the boxy shape providing generous headroom.

Jeep could carry over some of the concept’s interior design and features to the production model. The center console integrates a lockable storage box, along with cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and a rotary gear selector. Next to that is a red panel with toggle switches, possibly for the Selec-Terrain traction management system and an electrically-locking axle.

Some of the all-new Recon’s expected features include powered front seats, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, and adaptive suspension. A Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto will be available. The list should grow with a premium audio system, ventilated seats, multi-zone climate control, plus a digital driver’s display.

Engine and performance

Stellantis has remained tight-lipped regarding the all-new Recon’s technical specifications. Instead, the Recon can traverse the challenging Rubicon Trail and still have “enough range remaining to head back to town and recharge”. The brand’s claim doesn’t mean a whole lot when considering the trail itself is just 22 miles (35 km) long.

The Wagoneer S is equipped with a 100-kWh battery pack, giving it an estimated range of 300 miles (483 km). Given the Recon’s smaller size and lower weight, a similar-sized battery pack could manage an equivalent range (if not more). It’s unclear if the Recon too will run on a 400-volt architecture, like the Wagoneer S.

The all-new Jeep Recon will be powered by two electric motors, enabling four-wheel drive. Whether these motors will be linked to electric drive modules (EDMs) as in the Wagoneer S remains to be seen. In the latter, they produce up to 600 hp and 837 Nm of torque. Regardless, the boxy Recon will be slower on-road than its sleeker sibling.

Safety

Jeep should equip the all-new Recon with forward collision detection, auto-emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Recon’s safety list will have parking sensors, surround-view cameras, hill-hold assist, hill-descent control, electronic stability program, plus several airbags. There will also be ISOFIX anchors, TPMS, and an electric parking brake with Auto Hold.

Conclusion

Once launched, the all-new Recon will add to the brand’s EV portfolio, which currently only has the Wagoneer S. Jeep will have to carefully plan its pricing strategy for the Recon in fossil-fuel-addicted markets like the UAE. In a region that admires old-school breeds like the Wrangler and Land Cruiser, attracting customers to this new-age Jeep EV won’t be easy.