At the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, Jeep pulled the wraps off the all-new 2026 Jeep Recon, an electric SUV designed to combine the brand’s off-road heritage with full electrification. The second fully electric Jeep in the U.S. after the Wagoneer S, it arrives with a mix of clever packaging, open-air freedom, and the kind of modular interior that Jeep loyalists expect even as the brand moves into a more modern electric future.
- Base Trim Engine
-
Electric
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
400 hp
- Fuel Economy
-
TBC
- Make
-
Jeep
- Model
-
Recon
- Segment
-
Midsize SUV
To understand how Jeep approached the design of its new EV, I sat down with Ryan Nagode, Vice President of interior design for Stellantis North America. He walked me through how the design team balanced rugged utility with the elevated feel that EV buyers now expect while keeping the experience unmistakably Jeep.
Built For Real Adventure
The idea behind the Recon interior started with a clear mission. It needed to feel tough enough for off-road use yet functional and comfortable for everyday life. Nagode said the layout was driven by purpose from the start.
“Recon is a great interior, and it’s really function first. It’s built for adventure and built for toughness.”
– Ryan Nagode, Vice President of Interior Design, Stellantis North America
That mindset shows up in the wide, symmetrical instrument panel that takes inspiration from the Wrangler. A large passenger-side grab handle immediately signals that this is not a delicate EV that never leaves pavement. The surface textures were also chosen for durability with materials designed to hide scuffs and handle dirt without looking worn.
Modular Features That Encourage Customizing
Jeep customers love to personalize their vehicles, and the Recon leans into that passion with modular attachment points. These include a trail rail accessory mount that runs along the top of the instrument panel, along with a two-tier center console for extra storage. Owners who want a vehicle that they can make uniquely their own will appreciate the interior design choices. Instead of asking drivers to adapt to a predetermined layout, the Recon encourages modification.
“The doors have this really cool bungee strap type of design that is flexible, where you can remove those and reorient the straps.”
– Ryan Nagode, Vice President of Interior Design, Stellantis North America
10 SUVs With The Highest Ground Clearance For Off-Roading
The best SUVs for clambering over rocks and boulders.
Those removable straps create new ways to store gear, secure small items, or even integrate 3D printed accessories. According to Nagode, the team sees personalization as a natural extension of the Jeep lifestyle, which is why they made sure the Recon welcomes reconfiguration rather than forcing everyone into a preset mold.
Open-Air Freedom Without Complications
A defining part of the Jeep experience is getting open-air access to the world outside. While the Wrangler requires tools, the Recon makes it easier for anyone to remove panels and doors without relying on tools or a second set of hands. Nagode walked through how the team also engineered a simple mechanism that lets the three rear glass panels pop out with two quick turns of a small bracket. It transforms the vehicle from enclosed to wide open in minutes.
“The glass pops out. You undo a couple of little safety straps, and you can remove the doors with no tools.”
– Ryan Nagode, Vice President of Interior Design, Stellantis North America
The ease of use is intentional. Nagode noted that complicated features are often ignored by owners, so the team set out to build a process that was simple enough that people would actually use it. Even someone tackling this solo will have no problem turning the Recon into an open cabin for trails, camping, or a day at the beach.
Balancing Premium Expectations With Rugged Use
The Recon sits between the premium and off-road sides of the Jeep lineup, which means its interior must deliver refinement without losing durability. Jeep wanted buyers to enjoy a comfortable and upscale feel while still being able to get mud on the floor mats or scuff the doors without worry.
Every Jeep Hybrid And Plug-in Hybrid Available Today
These are all the gasoline-electric hybrid Jeep options currently available across the world.
Nagode explained that even texture selection played a large part in striking that balance. Surfaces in high-wear areas use rugged patterns while upper areas use a more traditional grain. Seats are finished in synthetic material that cleans easily, and standard all-weather mats come with every configuration.
“Picking the painted surfaces on the interior was important. It has a really nice grit to it and comes off like a little sophisticated, but still rugged.”
– Ryan Nagode, Vice President of Interior Design, Stellantis North America
The rear cargo area also includes a reversible floor with carpet on one side and a rubberized surface on the other. It lets owners easily switch from hauling luggage to hauling muddy camping gear.
Browse the CarBuzz Marketplace and find your new car today
Designed To Feel Like A Jeep
The design team moved into new territory with the Recon, but it was still important for long-time Jeep owners to recognize the brand’s DNA the moment they stepped inside. Nagode is confident they achieved that goal. He emphasized how elements like the grab handle, the upright cabin, the open roof system, and the rugged textures all reinforce that this new EV still belongs in the Jeep family.
“This Jeep is going to fit really nicely in the lineup. Undeniably, the aesthetics both exterior and interior, are Jeep brand.”
– Ryan Nagode, Vice President of Interior Design, Stellantis North America
The blend of familiar and new is clear. The Recon brings fresh ideas like tool-free door removal and flexible modular storage while carrying forward the sense of capability and open-air possibility that defines the brand. It’s another step toward electrification that remains a Jeep at heart.