Meant to accompany but not replace the Wrangler, the Jeep Recon was aimed directly at the Ford Bronco but, possibly, with less offroad capability. The concept car shown uses battery-electric power and the STLA Large platform. It’s larger than it looks.
The Recon, like the Wagoneer S, was originally confirmed for 2024 production, but is now expected to wait until late 2025 at best while a gasoline powertrain is fitted in.
Offroad gear was to include locking axles, skid plates, tow hooks, off-road tires, and removable doors and glass. Its large size and independent suspension differentiate it from the Wrangler. No worries about the independent suspension; it’s likely to do quite well off-road, but won’t allow for the kind of easy modifications the Wrangler is known for.
The concept Recon ran from the nearest town to the Rubicon Trail and through the Rubicon Trail on a single charge, with enough battery remaining to get back into town, according to Jeep. A BEV gets quite good range when going slowly, as one would on a tough trail.
Whether the BEV version survives today’s anti-BEV FCA US leaders is something of a question. The Recon was slated for the Toluca, Mexico factory which used to make the PT Cruiser, Neon, Journey, and Fiat 500 (among others). However, that means it will be slammed with a 15%-to-30% import tax. Some would think it would be relocated to production in the Detroit Complex, where the Grand Cherokee and Durango are made. Whether this plant is flexible enough, is unknown; the Mack portion can make the two and three row Grand Cherokee but has never made anything else, while the Jefferson Avenue portion is flexible but has never made an STLA Large or battery-electric product.Stellantis suffering, EVs doing well in Europe
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