There’s no way to avoid thinking about the Jeep Wrangler when the brand is mentioned. However, Stellantis might want to come in with the new and out with the old. The Jeep Recon is being referred to as the modern Wrangler. 

The Jeep Recon enhances the Jeep Wrangler

As of right now, the Jeep Wrangler remains the brand’s flagship SUV despite declining sales. But Stellantis is a bit of a wild card and is putting a lot of emphasis on the Jeep Recon. 

Jeep UK Managing Director, Kris Cholmondeley shared that the Recon will take everything that’s enduring about the Wrangler and modernize it. He continued to compare it to the Land Rover Defender. 

The Defender and Wrangler both have a body-on-frame build with solid axles and a four-wheel independent suspension. Plus, the Recon will have these features. 

However, the Defender isn’t exactly a hit among American buyers and the Recon EV feels limited without a gas-powered powertrain. The Recon isn’t replacing the Wrangler, but builds upon it with modern luxuries for dominating the wild in silence.

A PHEV version of the Recon is being considered. However, the  Wrangler 4xe already provides Americans with hybrid Jeep power. 

According to CarBuzz, the Jeep Recon EV will have removable doors and roof panels, like the Wrangler. It’s predicted to start around $52,690, making it more expensive than the Wrangler 4xe. 

You can still opt for the rugged Wrangler. The next-generation Wrangler, known as the J70 is expected to drop in 2028. Current rumors suggest that it will only have electric and PHEV powertrains. Hopefully, it will remain an affordable rugged off-roader.