The electric Jeep Recon Moab achieved a range of only 160 miles in a real-world highway driving test conducted by
Car and Driver, more than 60 miles less than the up-to-222-mile range estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, for the same model. The test places the vehicle among the least efficient electric vehicles out of more than 100 models tested by the magazine.
A Clear Gap Between the Official Figure and Actual Use
The electric Jeep Recon starts at $66,995 and uses a 94-kilowatt-hour battery. However, its efficiency in the test did not exceed 1.7 miles per kilowatt-hour. The vehicle offers an all-wheel-drive system with two motors producing a combined 650 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, while Jeep cites a combined output of 670 horsepower in its marketing description of the model.
Comparisons with other vehicles illustrate the size of the gap. The 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 covered 290 miles in the same test, despite weighing 9,640 pounds and achieving efficiency of approximately 1.4 miles per kilowatt-hour. The Wagoneer S, which uses the same STLA Large platform and a 94-kilowatt-hour battery, covered 280 miles, with efficiency of approximately 3 miles per kilowatt-hour.
What Explains the High Consumption?
The difference is related more to the nature of the Recon's design than to battery capacity alone. The vehicle was designed for driving off paved roads, with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, 33-inch tires, and an all-wheel-drive system, in addition to a less aerodynamic body and greater height than vehicles intended for urban and highway use. By contrast, the Wagoneer S was designed for driving in cities and on highways, with lower ground clearance and a more aerodynamic shape.
The Recon Moab version also adds an upgraded rear system with an electric motor and a 15:1 final reduction ratio to help distribute torque precisely. It also features removable doors, removable rear side glass, and a rear door window that opens sideways. These characteristics reflect a priority on off-road capability at the expense of some elements of efficiency.
Why Does This News Matter?
The difference between the EPA estimate of 222 miles and the 160 miles recorded in the highway test does not automatically mean that the vehicle will cover the same distance on off-road trails. Lower speeds reduce the effect of aerodynamic drag, and the result may vary depending on the terrain and driving style. Nevertheless, it remains an important indicator for buyers who will use the Recon for daily commuting, as an electric vehicle with off-road capabilities may be less suitable for long highway trips than the official figure suggests.
Open questions remain connected to the vehicle's off-road performance, as the source did not provide a comparable test result for driving on rugged trails. Therefore, the available test establishes the limits of fast use on paved roads, not the vehicle's range under all driving conditions.