If you’re ready to hit the trails without worrying about gas prices or oil changes, Jeep’s new Recon and Ford’s Bronco are both worth a serious look in 2025.
They bring electric power, real off-road gear, and the spirit of adventure — but depending on what you need, one might fit your life way better than the other.
Let’s dive into what we know so far and which SUV could be the smarter pick for your next adventure.
The 2025 Jeep Recon isn’t trying to hide what it is.
It’s boxy, rugged, and built to look like a Wrangler with an electric twist. The Recon keeps the upright windshield, the strong fenders, and even the open-air feel with removable doors and a power-folding roof.
The Ford Bronco, on the other hand, leans into its retro roots. Big round headlights, slab sides, and a no-nonsense vibe that feels ready to tackle anything.
For now, the Bronco is still gas-powered, but Ford’s working on electric versions behind the scenes.
Bottom line: If you want pure electric adventure right away, Jeep’s ready first. If you want that classic gas-powered off-road look, the Bronco still nails it.
Jeep is going fully electric with the Recon.
Expect a big battery pack giving somewhere between 250 and 300 miles of real-world range, depending on options. Four-wheel drive is standard, and Jeep promises serious off-road gear like locking differentials, skid plates, and big all-terrain tires.
The Ford Bronco, for now, sticks with gas engines — turbo four-cylinders and V6s — and real four-wheel drive. It’s proven tough on trails. Ford has teased an electric version of the Bronco for the future, but it’s not here yet.
Bottom line: If you want electric off-road fun now, the Recon is ready. If you want proven gas power and can wait for Ford’s EV plans, the Bronco holds strong.
Off-road gear is where both brands show off.
The Jeep Recon comes with serious trail tech. It has locking front and rear differentials, a traction management system, underbody protection, and even a Jeep Selec-Terrain system to help you crawl over rocks, mud, or sand.
You’ll even be able to pop the doors off and fold the roof back without needing a wrench. It’s true open-air adventure — with no engine noise.
The Ford Bronco is a proven trail machine. Sasquatch package models offer locking differentials, big tires, beadlock-capable wheels, and Bilstein shocks. The Bronco’s Terrain Management System is one of the best in the business.
Bottom line: Both are real off-roaders. The Recon gives you electric quietness; the Bronco gives you that classic gas roar.
Both SUVs pack modern tech inside, but their approaches are a little different.
The Jeep Recon gets a wide digital dash, a big central touchscreen with Jeep’s latest Uconnect system, and tons of trail maps built right into the software. Jeep says you’ll even be able to plan trail routes and find EV charging stations on the fly.
The Ford Bronco keeps things rugged but connected. Big touchscreen, real buttons you can use with gloves on, and smart trail tech like Trail Turn Assist and front camera views for tricky climbs.
Bottom line: The Recon leans into digital adventure tools. The Bronco mixes rugged charm with smart driving helpers.
Pricing will separate these two even more.
The Jeep Recon is expected to start around $60,000 when it launches. Fully loaded versions will easily climb closer to $70,000. Going electric — especially off-road electric — isn’t cheap.
The Ford Bronco covers a wide range. Base models start around $40,000, but loaded Badlands and Wildtrak versions easily top $60,000 too. If Ford launches a full EV Bronco, expect it to be priced right alongside the Recon.
Bottom line: If you want an electric adventure SUV right now, you’ll pay more. Gas Broncos are cheaper today — but the electric version won’t be a bargain when it arrives either.
Quick snapshot if you’re trying to choose:
Jeep Recon
- Fully electric, 250–300 miles range
- Removable doors and folding roof
- Locking differentials and serious off-road parts
- Big screens, trail maps, EV tech
- Starting around $60,000
Ford Bronco
- Gas engines (for now), full EV coming later
- Proven off-road toughness
- Rugged interior with big physical controls
- Starting around $40,000, high trims over $60,000
- Tons of aftermarket support already available
Final verdict:
If you’re ready to jump into electric off-roading right now, the 2025 Jeep Recon is a bold choice. It’s purpose-built, packed with serious trail gear, and ready to tackle tough trails with no gas needed.
But if you want a proven adventure SUV today, and you’re not ready to go full electric yet, the Ford Bronco is still one of the best ways to have fun far off the pavement — and you’ll save some money too.
Personally, I’d lean Recon if I lived somewhere with good EV charging and loved the idea of silent trail driving. But if I needed to get serious work done in the middle of nowhere, I’d stick with the Bronco’s proven toughness — at least until Ford’s EV version is ready.
Either way, 2025 looks like the start of an awesome new era for off-roaders who want a little less gas and a lot more go-anywhere freedom.
