5 hours ago
7
Sports car-slaying performance and serious off-road credibility combine in Jeep's new Recon electric SUV, but local arrival remains unclear.
Electric Cars
Jeep has revealed the Recon electric vehicle (EV) that is the first tailpipe emissions-free model to wear the brand’s coveted ‘Trail-Rated’ badging that denotes extreme off-road capability.
Sized similarly to the Wrangler large SUV, and also featuring removeable doors, the Recon – at least in the North America-exclusive Moab trim – promises to handle tricky terrain as well as any production Jeep before it, despite being an EV.
Featuring two electric motors to drive all four wheels, the Recon outputs 485kW/841Nm, which is claimed to accelerate it from 0-60mph (97km/h) in 3.6 seconds.
With a 100kWh, 400-volt battery, it's rated with a maximum driving range of 402km before the Recon needs recharging.
However, it is the Recon’s off-road-focused equipment that stands it apart from other large electric SUVs already in market, starting with a rear-locking differential and automatic front-axle disconnect.
The Moab trim – the only variant to be revealed so far – also sports 239mm of ground clearance and 33-inch all-terrain tyres to help it clamber over obstacles.
Also aiding this is the Recon’s approach, departure, and ramp breakover angles of 34, 34.5, and 23.5 degrees respectively, while various drives modes are also available to cover Snow, Sand, and Rock environments.
Inside, drivers are treated to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and passengers have access to a 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment touchscreen with recharging station information.
Underneath, the Recon is built on the STLA Large platform that underpins the latest Dodge Charger and upcoming new-generation Jeep Cherokee, and will be produced in Mexico.
As for whether the Jeep Recon will be offered in Australian showrooms, a local spokesperson told Drive there are “no further updates” on the new model.
Electric Cars Guide
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
