DETROIT — Jeep showed off two electric SUVs this week that it plans to launch in North America in the next two years, one “inspired by the Wrangler” and the other representing an expansion of the upscale Wagoneer line.
The Jeep Recon, which prompts visual comparisons to the Wrangler, and the Jeep Wagoneer S are slated for production in 2024, with customer orders beginning early next year, according to a news release from the Stellantis brand.
Both will be built on the same electric vehicle platform, known as STLA Large, which brand CEO Christian Meunier said showcases Stellantis’ ability to capitalize on shared resources.
The company didn’t provide pricing or say where either vehicle will be built, other than in North America. Both vehicles will also be sold in other markets as well, including in Europe.
Jeep is targeting a range of 400 miles on a charge, 600 horsepower and a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds for the Wagoneer S, according to the company. Similar details for the Recon weren’t provided.
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However, the Recon’s off-road credentials were highlighted, with Jeep’s “Selec-Terrain traction management system” as well as under-body protection, tow hooks and aggressive off-road tires as part of the package. Design Chief Ralph Gilles said the exposed door hinges make the doors easier to remove, and he noted that the vehicle has a frunk, a trunk in the front.
Comparing the Wrangler and the Recon, Meunier offered assurance that “the Wrangler stays the Wrangler, the icon of the brand.”
The vehicles were shown to journalists during an online preview Wednesday to highlight the latest on the brand’s electrification strategy, which calls for the introduction of four electric SUVs in North America and Europe by the end of 2025.
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The other two electric SUVs planned for North America were not shown. Journalists were told to stay tuned for details. Jeep plans for 50% of its U.S. vehicle sales and 100% of its sales in Europe to be all-electric by 2030, the release said. Electrified models will be offered for Jeep’s entire U.S. portfolio, which already includes plug-in hybrid electric vehicle versions of the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.
The long-rumored baby Jeep, which would slot below the compact Renegade, will not be coming to North America because company officials said they don’t believe there’s any market potential here. Instead, that vehicle, the Jeep Avenger, which was teased in March as part of the company’s Dare Forward 2030 business plan announcement, will be shown during the Paris Motor Show on Oct. 17, the same day customer orders are to begin, the release said.
The Avenger, which is expected to offer an electric charge range of about 249 miles, is slated to be in showrooms in Europe by early next year. It will be built at a plant in Tychy, Poland.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.
