The long-awaited fully electric Jeep Recon has not even reached dealer showrooms yet, and already the brand is changing course. Originally unveiled in 2022 as a fully electric off-roader meant to bridge the gap between the Wrangler and Jeep’s electric future, Stellantis’ long-term roadmap confirms Recon will now also receive an internal combustion version for the North American market.
The announcement came during Stellantis Investor Day 2026, where executives confirmed that the Recon lineup would expand beyond its original EV-only mission. That is a major shift for one of the company’s most important upcoming products, and it reflects the rapidly changing reality facing the auto industry, as enthusiasm for full EV adoption continues to cool in many markets.
The Recon was supposed to represent Jeep’s next big leap into electrification. With removable doors, aggressive off road tires, locking differentials, and unmistakable Wrangler inspired styling, it was designed to prove that EVs could still deliver authentic trail capability. Jeep even positioned it as the stepping stone toward an eventual fully electric Wrangler that seemed inevitable later this decade.
But timing has not been on Jeep’s side.
After multiple delays, the fully electric version is now expected to go on sale sometime in 2026, with production reportedly beginning in Mexico during the first half of the year. The newly confirmed gasoline powered version will likely arrive later, potentially in 2027, although Jeep has not officially confirmed a launch date.
A question of power
Exactly what engine will power the ICE Recon remains unclear, but there are several strong possibilities. Because the Recon rides on Stellantis’ flexible STLA Large platform, the architecture can support traditional gasoline engines, hybrids, plug in hybrids, and full EV drivetrains.
Jeep Hurricane 4-cylinder engine
One possibility is Jeep’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder currently found in the Wrangler. Another option could be the Hurricane inline six, although packaging, cost, and positioning within the Jeep lineup may make that less likely. A plug-in hybrid or extended range electric setup also remains possible, especially as adventure-focused buyers continue to show strong interest in vehicles that combine electric driving with gasoline backup for remote travel.
The future is a compromise
The addition of an ICE variant to what was previously the flagship “Full EV” says a great deal about where the industry stands in 2026. Just a few years ago, manufacturers were racing toward EV-only futures with aggressive deadlines and ambitious product plans. Today, many companies are quietly recalibrating. Ram and Ford respectively delayed and cancelled their fully electric pickups in favor of extended range models and now Jeep appears to be hedging its bets on one of its flagship electric products.
For overland travelers and off-road enthusiasts, the addition of an ICE Recon may actually make the vehicle far more appealing. Concerns over charging infrastructure, cold weather performance, towing range, and remote travel have all limited enthusiasm for electric adventure vehicles. Offering multiple powertrain choices gives Jeep far more flexibility while allowing buyers to decide what works best for their style of travel.
Ironically, the Recon may end up becoming more important because it is no longer EV-only. Instead of representing a single vision of the future, it now reflects the industry’s growing realization that the road to electrification may take far longer and look far different than automakers once expected.
Read more: 2026 Jeep Recon: A 650-Horsepower All-Electric SUV Designed for Trail Rated Capability
Images: Jeep
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