Jeep's new 2026 Recon Moab electric SUV and Rivian's 2027 R2 Performance take opposite approaches to the family EV market, one prioritizing off-road capability and the other efficiency and design simplicity.
The Recon Moab carries a $73,345 as-tested price. It packs a 94-kWh battery, 670 horsepower, and 620 pound-feet of torque. It hits 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, tied with the R2, but manages only 260 miles of range at 75 mph highway speeds and 222 miles EPA-estimated. Its 0.404 coefficient of drag reflects its squared-off, aerodynamically unfriendly design. Doors and rear windows are removable without tools, though each door weighs about 70 pounds. Standard equipment includes skid plates, an electronically locking rear differential, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The $1,995 Comfort package adds ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The Jeep's interior uses traditional hard buttons, knobs, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support via the Uconnect 5 system.
The R2 Performance with Launch package costs $61,485 as tested, with a 2,000-dollar Launch Green paint option. Its 88-kWh battery delivers 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque. It achieved 260 miles of range in the 75-mph highway test, 100 miles more than the Recon. The R2 charged from 10 to 90 percent in 39 minutes versus the Jeep's 43 minutes. EPA-estimated range tops 330 miles on standard wheels, dropping to 307 miles with all-terrain tires. On the skidpad, the R2 gripped at 0.81 g versus the Recon's 0.74 g. From 70 mph, it stopped in 178 feet against the Jeep's 201 feet. A power roll-down hatch glass comes standard. The interior minimizes physical controls using haptic scroll wheels that require menu navigation for adjustments like steering wheel or mirror positioning. The R2 does not support phone mirroring.