Jeep’s off-road electric SUV managed just 160 miles in a real-world highway range test

The Jeep Recon EV has removable doors and packs 670 horsepower combined, but it’s less efficient than advertised.

Jeep Recon EV falls short on range in the real world

Jeep launched the Recon EV this summer, starting at $66,995. According to Jeep, the Recon is the “first and only fully electric Trail Rated SUV” and the only 670-horsepower SUV you can buy for under $70,000.

While the electric SUV is built for off-roading, it’s not as efficient as advertised. During Car and Driver’s recent highway range test, the Recon drove just 160 miles on a single charge.

According to the EPA, the 2026 Jeep Recon Moab has an estimated range of up to 222 miles from a 94 kWh battery pack. That’s over 60 miles more than the electric SUV managed in the real-world test.

With an efficiency of just 1.7 miles per kWh, the Recon was one of the least efficient EVs Car and Driver put through the highway range test. And they’ve tested over 100 models.

In comparison, the 9,640-lb 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 achieved 290 miles during the same test using a massive 205 kWh battery, with an efficiency of around 1.4 miles per kWh.

The Recon weighs 6,190 lbs, or nearly 3,500 lbs less than the electric Hummer. Even compared to the Wagoneer S, which is underpinned by the same STLA Large Platform, the Recon seems unusually inefficient.

Using the same 94 kWh battery, the Wagoneer S managed 280 miles during the test, equating to about 3 miles per kWh, or nearly twice as efficient as the Recon EV.

Why such a difference? The Wagoneer S is designed for highway and city driving, with lower ground clearance and a more aerodynamic design.

Jeep designed the Recon for off-roading, not as much for everyday driving, similar to the Wrangler. As such, the electric SUV has a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, delivering a combined 650 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque.

The first model to go on sale, the Recon Moab, gains an upgraded rear EDM with a 15:1 final drive ratio for precise torque distribution. It also rides on 33″ tires, providing 9.1″ of ground clearance.

In the spirit of its off-road Wrangler sibling, Jeep said the Recon is the only pure-electric vehicle with removable doors, rear quarter glass, and swing-gate glass.

Is 222 miles, or 160 miles, enough range for trail driving? Share your thoughts in the comments.

If you want to take a closer look at one, we can help you get started. You can use our link to find available 2026 Jeep Recon models in your area.