The Stellantis-controlled Jeep brand has recently started testing lightly camouflaged Recon electric off-roaders in Michigan. Our spy photographers have captured three of them, with all rocking Nexen Roadian ATX tires on 17-inch wheels of the double-spoke variety.
Pictured in three distinct colors, the prototypes in question feature camo wrap on the front grille and their D pillars exclusively. Given the lack of camouflage, it appears that Jeep is getting close to revealing the production-intent model. However, it's not clear when the Recon will finally reach series production.
The Jeep website lists the Recon with no model year to its name, although it does mention that it's "expected in 2024." Tentatively a 2025 model, the Wrangler-inspired electric off-road sport utility vehicle will be made in Mexico at the Toluca assembly plant. No less than $1.6 billion was invested to adapt said facility for STLA Large-based vehicles, with STLA Large also underpinning the Wagoneer S and the Dodge Charger.
Speaking of which, STLA Large is a multi-energy platform, as demonstrated by the all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona and the upcoming 2025 Dodge Charger SIXPACK with its turbocharged inline-six engine. Jeep brand chief exec Antonio Filosa let it slip that both the Wagoneer S and Recon could be adapted for internal combustion. Future customer demand – or lack thereof - for battery-electric vehicles will dictate whether these models will feed on electrons only.
Despite adopting the boxy silhouette of the body-on-frame Wrangler, the Recon is noticeably softer around the corners. Gifted with removable doors and front door-mounted side mirrors, the Recon is unashamedly flat on all sides. All three prototypes feature Wrangler 4xe-inspired blue recovery hooks, with the Wrangler 4xe being a plug-in hybrid built around a transmission-integrated electric motor and the aging 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.
Photo: Baldauf
Thus far, Jeep has confirmed Selec-Terrain traction management and e-locker axle technology for the all-new Recon. Other than removable doors, prospective customers will also be presented with removable glass and open-air freedom by means of a one-touch powertop. Furthermore, the Uconnect infotainment system will include detailed travel guides of notable off-road trials.
At the time of the Recon's debut, chief executive officer was Christian Meunier. He said that production would start in 2024, with reservations to kick off in early 2023. Meunier, who stepped down amid declining sales back in November 2023, added that Recon would be sold outside of the United States of America, specifically mentioning Europe. It's not known if right-hand drive is on the menu, though.
Because it's all-wheel drive, Recon should feature at least a pair of electric motors. In the STLA Large-based Wagoneer S, the front and rear electric drive units total 600 horsepower and 617 pound-feet (or 837 Nm).
The Toluca-built 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S also sports a 400-volt architecture and 100.5 kilowatt hours of high-voltage battery cells, with the estimated range being 300 miles (483 kilometers) on a full charge. Due to the Recon's boxier aesthetic and Nexen-supplied ATs, the very same battery would offer less range in the long-awaited electric off-roader.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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