2026 Jeep Recon: The Only Electric Trail Rated SUV Built for New Brunswick's Backcountry
December 26 2025,
New Brunswick's backcountry terrain presents unique challenges. Provincial parks, forestry roads, and remote ATV trails require capability that extends beyond paved highways. The 2026 Jeep Recon addresses these demands as the industry's first fully electric Trail Rated SUV.
With production beginning early 2026 at Stellantis' Toluca Assembly Plant, the Recon launches in Canada and the United States simultaneously. This electric SUV delivers Trail Rated certification while maintaining the open-air experience that defines Jeep's heritage.
Electric Power Meets Off-Road Engineering
The Recon uses dual 250-kilowatt electric drive modules to generate 650 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque. Unlike internal combustion engines that require rpm buildup, electric motors deliver full torque instantly from a standstill.
This instant torque delivery enhances trail performance in several ways. Crawling over rocks requires precise throttle control at low speeds—electric motors provide smoother power modulation than gasoline engines. Climbing steep inclines benefits from immediate torque response without turbo lag or throttle delay. Navigating mud or sand demands consistent power delivery, which electric propulsion maintains across varying terrain.
The Moab trim uses a 15:1 final drive ratio in the rear electric drive module, multiplying torque for challenging conditions. An electronic locking rear differential ensures both rear wheels receive equal power when engaged, preventing wheel spin on uneven surfaces.
Trail Rated Capability Specifications
Trail Rated certification requires meeting Jeep's standards across five categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. The Recon achieves these benchmarks with the following specifications:
|
Specification |
Measurement |
|---|---|
|
Ground Clearance |
231 mm (9.1 inches) on 33-inch tires |
|
Approach Angle |
33.8 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
33.1 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
23.3 degrees |
These angles determine obstacle clearance. Approach angle measures the steepest incline the Recon can climb without the front bumper contacting the ground. Departure angle measures the steepest decline it can descend without rear contact. Breakover angle indicates the largest obstacle the vehicle can straddle without high-centering.
Selec-Terrain and Rock Mode Operation
The Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system offers five drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock. Each mode adjusts throttle response, traction control, and torque distribution for specific conditions.
Rock mode tailors throttle pedal response for precise low-speed control. This two-pedal driving technique allows drivers to manage progress over uneven terrain using throttle and brake inputs alone. Hill hold prevents rollback when transitioning from brake to throttle on steep grades.
Selec-Speed Control maintains set speeds on challenging inclines and declines, freeing the driver to focus on steering. This feature proves valuable when navigating steep forestry roads or rocky trails where maintaining constant speed manually becomes difficult.
Open-Air Design Without Tools
The Recon allows removal of doors, rear quarter glass, and swing gate glass without tools. Flush-mounted e-release handles provide quick access. A standard dual-pane sunroof or available Sky One-Touch powertop extends the open-air capability.
This design addresses a practical consideration for Maritime summers. When exploring provincial parks like Mount Carleton or backcountry trails around Grand Falls, removing doors and glass enhances ventilation and visibility. The rear-mounted full-size spare tire—a segment-exclusive feature—provides backup for remote trail situations.
The repositioned Alpine audio system places speakers beneath seats rather than in doors, maintaining sound quality when doors are removed. This thoughtful engineering ensures audio performance remains consistent regardless of configuration.
Range and Charging for New Brunswick Use
The 100.5-kilowatt-hour battery provides up to 370 kilometres of all-electric range on the Moab trim. For context, this covers the 275-kilometre distance from Edmundston to Moncton with reserve capacity.
DC fast charging delivers 100 miles (160 kilometres) in 10 minutes via public charging networks. Level 2 charging at 240 volts completes 5-80% charge in approximately 6.8 hours. Level 1 charging at 120 volts requires approximately 52 hours for the same charge range.
For New Brunswick drivers, charging infrastructure considerations differ between urban and rural areas. Edmundston, Fredericton, and Saint John offer public charging stations. Remote trail access requires planning around available charging points or ensuring sufficient range for round-trip distances.
Interior Storage and Cargo Capacity
The Recon provides 1,866 litres (65.9 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the first row when the second row folds. A front trunk adds 85 litres (3.0 cubic feet), sized for a carry-on suitcase. The two-tiered centre console offers upper and lower storage compartments with cord pass-through for device charging.
Modular door panels feature removable elastic straps and interchangeable cargo solutions. This flexibility accommodates varying gear loads, from fishing equipment to camping supplies to winter recovery gear.
Technology and Safety Features
A 12.3-inch digital cluster and 14.5-inch horizontal touchscreen provide 26 inches of combined display area. The Uconnect 5 system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Trails Offroad app offers trail guides across Canada and the United States with pitch and roll mapping.
More than 170 standard safety and security features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and lane departure warning. Dynamic Range Mapping powered by TomTom assists with trip planning by indicating charging locations along routes.
Visit Rendez-Vous Chrysler in Edmundston
The 2026 Jeep Recon represents a new direction for electric off-road capability. Our team at Rendez-Vous Chrysler in Edmundston can provide detailed information on specifications, arrival timing, and how the Recon's Trail Rated engineering serves northwestern New Brunswick's backcountry terrain.
