The 2026 Jeep Recon EV Is Here. Is It a Proper Off-Road Wrangler?

Like the latest Wrangler and Gladiator, the Recon requires no tools to remove its removables — you just open the doors past 90 degrees and lift (presumably after disconnecting the wire harnesses) and flip a couple of latches before pulling the windows. Jeep also showed side mirrors that attach to the front door hinges and dash when the doors are absent, keeping the vehicle legal for on-road use. Expect those to be available as accessories.

A dash of Cherokee style

Jeep’s designers point to the XJ-generation Cherokee as inspiration for the blocky, rugged-looking Recon. Its seven-slot grille is more of a seven-square mask, here illuminated for the first time on a Jeep. Red recovery hooks at both ends and 33-inch tires up the visible trail-readiness, while an electronic locking rear differential operated at the push of a button works alongside multiple drive modes to aid in all types of terrain. Rock mode, for instance, is set up for two-pedal driving over technical obstacles.

There are hard controls for the off-roading features on the center console, while the rest of the dash is pretty screen-heavy. A 14.5-inch center touchscreen always shows HVAC controls on the bottom, with the upper portion displaying dynamic content, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge display sits behind the chunky, squared-off steering wheel.