Jeep has whipped the wraps off three all-new electric SUVs as it bids to transform itself into the “leading electrified SUV brand in the world”. Let’s take a look at the new Avenger, Recon and Wagoneer S…

Like many automakers, Stellantis subsidiary Jeep has big plans when it comes to electrification. Those plans have been laid bare with the unveiling of three all-new battery-powered SUVs called the Avenger, Recon and Wagoneer S.

With these fully electric newcomers – as well as one more that has yet to break cover – the American marque plans to become what it terms “the leading electrified SUV brand in the world”.

The four SUVs are scheduled to hit the North American and European markets by the end of 2025. Once the curtains come down on 2030, Jeep wants half of its sales in the United States to comprise electric SUVs and all of its registrations in Europe to be battery-powered vehicles. Wondering where that leaves South Africa? Well, the company says “specific plans for other regions will be announced at a later date”.

“Driven by the success of our electrified 4xe portfolio in North America and Europe, we are designing and developing the most capable and sustainable Jeep SUVs to date, on our path to becoming the leading zero-emission SUV brand in the world,” says Christian Meunier, Jeep’s CEO.

“This is a forward-thinking strategy to help ensure millions of Jeep fans around the world continue to have a planet to explore, embrace and protect. Electrification is great for our brand, making it even more capable, exciting, sustainable and fun.”

A quick look at the new Jeep Recon

Described as a rugged “global SUV” that will be sold in “major markets around the world”, the Reco is set to go into production in 2024. Jeep says it is aimed at “those who love to explore extreme adventures in near silence”.

Designed from the ground up as a battery-powered 4×4, the Recon will feature Jeep’s terrain management system, e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, tow hooks and “aggressive” off-road tyres. Like the Wrangler, the Recon will ship with removable doors and glass, along with the latest-generation Uconnect infotainment system.

Meunier promises the Recon will have the capability to “cross the mighty Rubicon Trail, one of the most challenging off-road trails in the US, and reach the end of the trail with enough range to drive back to town and recharge”.

What about the new Jeep Avenger?

Then there’s the more compact Avenger, which is slated to arrive in Europe in 2023, before being rolled out to “other markets, such as Japan and South Korea”. It will be positioned below the Renegade and will be produced in Poland. From what we understand, it will be based on the same Stellantis platform as the Opel Mokka.

Jeep is targeting an electric range of 400 km as well as “impressive” ground clearance, breakover and approach angles for the segment. The Avenger is scheduled to officially debut at the 2022 Paris Motor Show in October, with reservations for customers in Europe opening immediately thereafter.

Antonella Bruno, head of Jeep Europe, says the Avenger will offer “Jeep brand capability that is right-sized for the European market”.

Early details on the new Jeep Wagoneer S

Finally, Jeep showed off a new electric version of the Wagoneer. Codenamed “Wagoneer S”, it’s described as another “global SUV” that will be “sold in major markets around the world, including Europe”.

Target specifications include a single-charge range of about 645 km, a peak power output of around 450 kW and a 0-100 kph time in the region of 3.5 seconds. The battery-powered Wagoneer will go into production in 2024 in North America, with reservations for US customers opening in early 2023.

“We’ll delight our customers with a premium, highly efficient SUV that is loaded with technology and high-quality craftmanship, offering 4×4 capability, high performance, rapid acceleration and a target range of 400 miles [around 645 km] on a single charge,” adds Meunier.

Of course, we’ll have to wait to find out whether any one of these new electric SUVs is on the cards for South Africa…