Jeep Brings the Electric Recon and an Indoor Off-Road Course to the State Fair

Jeep showed up at the State Fair of Texas media day with the all-new 2026 Recon parked outside, doors off, looking every bit the proper off-roader. It’s the brand’s first fully electric Trail Rated SUV, and they built it to handle the trails without giving up the open-air experience Jeep owners expect.

I’ve already spent time in a Wrangler 4xe off-road in pure EV mode and came away impressed with how capable it felt, so seeing the Recon take that idea further made sense. They quoted 670 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, with 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. Jeep says range is up to 240 miles. They said the design pays more homage to the old XJ Cherokee than a Wrangler, down to the seven-slot LED grille.

Right now you’ll need an adapter to use Tesla chargers, but 2027 models get the Tesla-style charging port standard. The Recon starts at $65,000, and it keeps the removable doors, swing-gate glass, and rear quarter glass that define the brand’s open-air freedom.

The display also featured a Wrangler 4xe Rubicon Sunchaser concept decked out as a true overlander, complete with side tool kit and roof tent. Inside the auto show was the Captain America Jeep, part of Jeep’s America250 tie-in with Marvel, and outside sat another Jeep decked out in American flags. I like that Jeep and the other Stellantis brands are leaning into America 250.

Fairgoers can actually try the off-road stuff themselves. Jeep set up Camp Jeep, a big indoor off-road course that takes up one end of one of the two auto show buildings.

The Texas Auto Show runs alongside the fair from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas, with the buildings open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fair estimates more than 90 percent of visitors walk through it. This is one of a few pieces we’re posting from media day. Check out our full State Fair game plan and our look at what Ram brought to the same event. We’ll have more State Fair coverage coming as the fair gets rolling.