Jeep CEO: We're still all-in on Recon. It's legit and fun; people love it.

[Administrator]

https://www.autoblog.com/news/jeep-doubles-down-on-the-all-electric-recon-as-ev-sales-slide

When Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf was asked in a recent interview whether the current market conditions and recent developments would affect the launch of its all-electric off-roader, the Recon, this is what he had to say:

Broderdorf quickly and unequivocally responded by saying, “If the car wasn’t cool, or I didn’t love it, maybe I would be thinking about [canceling] it. But I can’t wait to get you in a Recon. It’s legit. You’ll like it. It’s fun. I can sell that car, the brand; people love the car. We’re all-in on Recon. So no, it’s not going anywhere.” Bob’s enthusiasm for the Recon seems to stem from the fact that it is a true Jeep, built for enthusiasts, with the benefits of EV technology.​

 

[dhonkaz]

I’m starting to get annoyed. They said early 2026. I know I’ve waited 4 .5 years for it, but I’d just like some info. Tell me June? May?
I get it, the Toluca plant has limited capacity and is banging out Cherokees like crazy and they’re selling like hot cakes. But at this point if I get a notice that my R2 pre-order from Oct 2024 can be fulfilled before the Recon is available, I’ll go for it. I know I was far down the R2 list, but sounds like lots would prefer skipping the Launch Edition. At least that would buy us time to wait for the Recon Overland since we don’t really off-road and need the skid-plates.

 

[MattM]

Jeep was probably waiting to unveil more Recon info until the R2 reveal.
Rivian's put Jeep in a tough spot. What is the Recon going to do better than the R2? And for $20,000 more?
My hopes are Jeep drops the starting MSRP to $45k and tries to do some actual volume with the Recon.

 

[dhonkaz]

Jeep was probably waiting to unveil more Recon info until the R2 reveal.
Rivian's put Jeep in a tough spot. What is the Recon going to do better than the R2? And for $20,000 more?
My hopes are Jeep drops the starting MSRP to $45k and tries to do some actual volume with the Recon.

I think there's a common misunderstanding that you're subscribing to. People kept saying that the Recon was starting at $65,000 and the R2 at $45,000. But that's not the case. We don't know what the lowest trim on the Recon will be. The trim somewhat comparable to the initial Recon Moab is the R2 Performance.

Recon Moab--$65,000
dual motor
650hp
skid plates
230 miles estimated range

R2 Performance--$57,990
dual motor
656hp
330 miles estimated range
light off-roading

That's still a large price difference of $7k. But it won't be as off-road capable, so it's not a full apples to apples comparison. The Recon is a larger vehicle in length and height. But what about the Overland editions we saw in the auto show videos? I'm assuming no skid plate and slightly less off-road chops, along with a $5-7k price drop. Perhaps another trim below that.

I'm not trying to argue that there's a price difference. I don't anticipate Jeep coming out with a single motor version with really stripped down experience to get the price down to $45k. I also don't expect many people to purchase the stripped down $45k single motor R2 when it's available at the end of '27. I'm just saying there's more of a gray area between these two vehicle prices than most people claim when they just throw out $45k and $65k.

 

[MattM]

It says on Jeeps webpage for the Recon "Starting at $65,000". Typically thats the entry level price and goes up from there.

It's still very vague, and I think it's because of the R2.
Us here on the Recon forum can see the merits of the Recon over the R2. I've been excited about the Recon since its first announcement.

Just hoping the competition ups Jeeps game.

 

[dhonkaz]

Yeah, they’re saying the initial vehicle will start at $65k, but they’ve stated that the Overland and possibly other trims will be cheaper. They have a few options that can raise the Recon price by a couple thousand.
I think the biggest “oh crap” moments for Jeep engineers we’re hearing Rivian would be advertising basically the same HP out of their initial top trim (likely a tri-motor down the road) AND getting an advertised 100 miles more.

Jeep has said less rugged models will get 250 miles of range, but they’ve stated have to be wondering what they can strip out of this thing to reach the equivalent of a Sport or Sahara for both pricing and weight purposes. No skid plate, more aerodynamic tires and wheels, slightly less ground clearance, less heavy duty suspension, etc. could that shave 400+ lbs and make it aerodynamic enough to push towards 280 miles? Or is it better to push an EREV (as they’ve alluded to) that gets to 500+ miles. And you could be right, they’re saying could have been waiting on Rivian.

I want a Recon, and have a preorder for an R2 that likely won’t be fulfilled until late 2027 at the earliest. But