Earlier this year the Jeep brand unveiled the newest member of its family, the upcoming 2026 Jeep Recon, which will be an all-electric midsize traditional SUV. This marks the second electrified traditional SUV on the lineup, but there are some pretty big differences between the new nameplate and the iconic 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
While both will obviously deliver trail-ready capabilities and rugged style, one is a true battery electric vehicle while the other is a plug-in hybrid. Both have their advantages and disadvantages in different aspects, so it’s important to consider which EV SUV fits your lifestyle better. We’re going to break down some of the key differences between these two off-road electric SUVs to help you make a decision.
Powertrain: Plug-In vs. Fully Electric
We’ll start by analyzing the most obvious and fundamental difference between the two EV SUVs, what lies under the hood — or, in this case, under the floorboards. The increasingly popular Wrangler 4xe is, as mentioned, a plug-in hybrid. That means it combines a 2.0L I4 engine with a pair of electric motors, which altogether are capable of generating up to 375 horsepower alongside 470 pound-feet of torque. As for electric driving, it delivers roughly 21 miles on a full charge.
The brand-new 2026 Jeep Recon, on the other hand, will be a fully electric SUV built from the ground up on the new STLA Large platform. Unfortunately, technical specifications haven’t yet been released for the upcoming vehicle, but early estimates and predictions suggest that the Recon will feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, incredible torque and more than 350 miles of electric driving range.
A plug-in hybrid like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe offers the convenience of an all-electric vehicle without many of its drawbacks, while the Jeep Recon will deliver pure electric power and zero tailpipe emissions.
Off-Road Capabilities
Naturally, off-road capabilities are going to be of paramount importance in both EVs. The Jeep Wrangler is the quintessential off-road SUV, and the 4xe trim level introduced a bit of electrification to the trails. Now, the Recon looks to kick the door all the way open, but how will their Trail Rated off-road capabilities truly compare?
We don’t need to analyze the Wrangler 4xe too much, as modifying its powertrain didn’t really touch its body-on-frame construction, solid axles or decades of off-road heritage. That means it remains the gold standard in all things trail dominance, from rock crawling to mudding and everything in between. Plus, it’s one of the easiest vehicles to modify with aftermarket upgrades thanks to its traditional frame design.
But how will the Recon compare? There are two things that will immediately make it slightly less appealing to true off-road purists, and they’re the facts that it has swapped out its solid axles for an independent suspension system and that it rides on a unibody chassis. While this translates to smoother on-road handling and a lighter curb weight, it can also potentially lead to less articulation on extreme terrain.
The Recon might not be the go-to choice for hardcord enthusiasts, but weekend adventurers who would like all the benefits of an electric vehicle while still being able to tackle the trails every once in a while might find it to be the perfect option.
Match Your Lifestyle at Jim Glover CDJRF
So, which EV SUV option truly fits your lifestyle better? The decision comes down to you, but we’ve laid out some breadcrumbs to help you come to it. The Wrangler 4xe will remain the off-road champion but offer the convenience of electric driving for short trips to the grocery store or your day job. The Recon, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for shoppers ready to make the jump to electrification but who don’t want to give up their ability to tackle the trails completely. If you know which option you’d like, you can get in touch with us right here at Jim Glover CDJRF to inquire about availability.