MotorTrend tested the 670-hp electric Jeep Recon Moab
MotorTrend evaluated the all-new 2026 Jeep Recon Moab as part of its 2027 SUV of the Year testing program. Riding on the STLA Large platform shared with the Cherokee, Wagoneer S, and Dodge Charger, the Recon carries a 93.9-kWh NMC lithium-ion battery pack and a dual-motor electric all-wheel-drive powertrain delivering 670 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Each permanent-magnet motor produces 335 hp and 310 lb-ft, backed by a driver-selectable electronic locking rear differential.
Visually, the Recon successfully embraces classic Jeep DNA with an XJ-Cherokee-inspired front end, an upright boxy silhouette, exposed door hinges, and a vestigial seven-slot grille. The cabin provides generous passenger space, rugged grab handles, intuitive physical controls, and durable pebble-grained plastics designed to withstand outdoor abuse. The standout feature is its open-air capability, courtesy of easily removable doors and rear quarter windows alongside an available power-sliding canvas top, though the doors are notably heavy to lift.
Despite an impressive 0-60 mph acceleration sprint of 3.6 seconds and a 11.9-second quarter-mile time at 111.4 mph, the chassis tuning leaves much to be desired. The 6,352-pound SUV suffers from underdamped shock valving that induces severe vertical bouncing over highway joints and excessive body roll when cornering. Off-road, the aggressive throttle calibration makes smooth low-speed crawling difficult, while the traction software struggled to manage wheelspin during frame-twisting articulation obstacles without manual intervention.
Efficiency and charging tests proved equally underwhelming. Against an EPA-rated range of 222 miles, the Recon achieved just 166 miles in a 70-mph highway range evaluation. Fast-charging performance was sluggish, adding only 71 miles of range in 15 minutes and 119 miles in 30 minutes. While the Recon oozes authentic character and charm, its unfinished dynamics and limited touring capability prevented it from taking home the SUV of the Year award.
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