Jeep Unveils All-Electric SUVs: Recon and Wagoneer S

The electric vehicle future is indeed underway, especially now that the automotive industry quickly transitions to electric vehicles. Automakers are racing to launch their EVs and reach their goal to lead and be the best-selling in the market.

One of the car manufacturers that decided to jump into EVs is Jeep. The brand has already released its 4xe platform. After making an electrified version of the trail-blazing Wrangler, Jeep unleashed two more all-electric SUVs—Wagoneer S and Recon. Let’s explore what makes them exciting and see if they’re worth buying.

Recon’s Wrangler-like characteristics

A few years ago, Jeep featured a battery-powered Wrangler concept called Magneto, as part of the Easter Safari concept lineup. The excitement simmered, but the enthusiasm builds up again when the news about Recon EV broke out. Jeep is offering a new SUV model with the Wrangler’s famous feature, open-air freedom.

The public will see Recon’s overall features in 2023. Some people have already been comparing it to the famous mid-size Wrangler. Both SUVs share some Jeep accessories and a few characteristics, such as the following:

• Removable doors and glass
• Designed with a boxy shape
• Made with spare tires are attached to the rear
• With impressive break-over angles, approach, and departure

The Recon is roughly the same size as the Wrangler Unlimited four-door. Although it remains classifiable and unquestionably a Jeep, the Recon’s profile vaguely resembles a cross between a Land Rover Defender and the Ford Bronco. Like the Wrangler, it has the same Sky one-touch sliding power roof, which is available on the current Wrangler four-door.

Recon lets you enjoy the outdoors

Wrangler and Recon may have differences and similarities, but they are meant to let drivers enjoy the outdoors. It has trail-rated cues, such as underbody protection, color tow hooks, and off-road-rated Jeep wheels and tires.

Rather than the old-school solid axles in the current Wrangler, the new electric mid-size Recon is both on and off-road-friendly due to its independent front and rear suspension. It is also made with electric axle locking to enhance traction. The driver-selectable modes allow you to dial in the capabilities for diverse environments. The EV has a smooth front and lavish styling. Moreover, its infotainment system included helps you traverse the unbeaten paths by guiding you to off-road trails.

You may notice some differences between Wrangler and Recon. Instead of the round lights we often see in Jeep Wrangler, Recon has square headlights. The metal fender flares are made with a conventional style in mind, but it is quite different to keep it looking more modern and in proportion to the all-electric powertrain. Also, the new EV's hood is wider compared to Wrangler. Jeep will show Recon to the public next year, and into production in 2024.

Once upon a Wagoneer

Jeep’s new electric SUV shares the nameplate with the fuel-powered Grand Wagoneer and the Wagoneer. The size of the new electric Wagoneer is smaller than the old gas version. Judging by the photos, it looks like the SUV will only have two-row seating. The brand says that they decided to make it a mid-size model since the dimensions are smaller. Some people say that it’s kind of like an electric Grand Cherokee.

Jeep is using the code name “Wagoneer S.” The S in the name of the electric SUV is only a placeholder until the automaker decides to change into a permanent name. Although some photos were shown to the public, a lot of specific details about the Wagoneer EV have not been divulged.

Wagoneer S features

The Wagoneer has been dormant for nearly 30 years, but Jeep decided that it is time to finally resurrect the model. It’s back with an all-electric powertrain and will be positioned in the premium market. This gives a hint that the automaker may be selling the electric Wagoneer at a hefty price.

The exterior styling is striking compared to the old Wagoneer. It has sleek bodywork and a rear spoiler integrated well into the design. It also has a slim, LED-illuminated seven-slot accented grille. The thin rear lighting and chrome accents add some modernity to its exterior. It has a sloped rear glass with a large integrated wing grants for a streamlined yet sophisticated appearance.

The styling and shape of the Wagoneer S appear more aerodynamic than the existing gas-powered Wagoneer. According to automotive news, the mid-size Wagoneer boasts 0-to-60-mph sprints in about 3.5 seconds. It also has an estimated range of 400 miles and outputs 600 horsepower. Jeep uses the STLA Large platform on the Wagoneer S. From the ground up, the automaker promises plenty of interior space for the upcoming mid-size electric SUV. Some fans are getting excited as it will be built in America and enter production in 2024.

4xe is now the new 4x4

Jeep aims to introduce four all-electric vehicles. The brand has rolled out the 4xe plug-in hybrid versions of its Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. The latter is Jeep’s best-selling plug-in hybrid in America. Before the brand released the 4xe version, Wrangler is the most popular vehicle in its roster.

The automaker plans to lead the global SUV electrification with its EV transformation towards its goal—zero emission freedom. Half of Jeep’s sales in the United States will be battery-electric vehicles by 2030. The company plans to offer plug-in models across the entire portfolio by that time. It also claims that by the end of 2025, it will have electrified versions of all models sold in most other markets.

By 2025, Jeep is planning to release new models that they will add to their lineup—the compact Recon and the mid-size Wagoneer S. These SUVs are built on the same styling and packaging for current models of the Wagoneer and Wrangler themes.

According to Jeep’s CEO Christian Meunier, the brand will offer zero-emission options. The company’s plan to create new electrified Jeeps does not stop in the U.S., they will also sell EVs in Europe that will run exclusively on electrons. Meunier said that “4xe is the new 4×4,” which emphasizes the brand’s aim to produce electric vehicles that deliver impressive Jeep performance.