Jeep Considering Gas-Powered Recon and Wagoneer S Models as it Aims for 1 Million Sales This Year

Jeep Pondering Gas-Powered Recon And Wagoneer S As It Seeks 1M Sales This Year

Enthusiasts of Electric vehicles and off-roading, myself included, were pleasantly surprised by Jeep’s announcement of their first-ever all-electric off-roader, the Recon, set to debut in 2022. This battery-powered alternative to the iconic Wrangler will feature removable doors for that classic open-air Jeep experience. But what if the Recon and its platform-sharing Wagoneer S sibling were also offered with a combustion engine option?

Jeep has set a goal to sell one million cars in the United States this year, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2018. To reach this target, CEO Antonio Filosa believes that the upcoming Wagoneer S and Recon EVs will play a crucial role. These mid-size electric SUVs will enter a highly competitive market currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y.

Unlike Tesla, Jeep is utilizing the STLA large platform developed by parent company Stellantis, which can accommodate both electric and combustion powertrains. Filosa expressed the importance of seizing opportunities for combustion engine versions of the Recon and Wagoneer S, as competition in the market continues to grow.

The STLA Large platform also underpins the upcoming 2024 Dodge Charger, which will be offered initially as an all-electric model before adding gasoline options. If the Recon were to receive a gasoline variant, it may face challenges given the existing Wrangler lineup, including a plug-in hybrid option. Similarly, a gasoline Wagoneer S would compete with the Cherokee in Jeep’s lineup.

Reflecting on Stellantis’ strategy with the Ram 1500 pickup, which saw the introduction of an all-electric model followed by a plug-in hybrid variant, it remains to be seen if a similar approach will be successful for Jeep. The possibility of gasoline-powered versions of the Recon and Wagoneer S adds an intriguing layer to Jeep’s sales plan for the year.