Update: ‘Ineos Fusilier’ added and ‘Jeep Recon,’ ‘Scout Traveler,’ and ‘Lucid midsize SUV’ updated.
In keeping with the tradition of SUVs, a segment that is witnessing a spree of launches this decade, electric off-road vehicles seem to be an area of interest for manufacturers. According to our research, around a dozen off-road EVs or off-road-capable EVs are likely to be launched by 2029 in the U.S.
1. Jeep Recon (2026)
Set to be manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, the Jeep Recon is a trail-rated electric SUV offering a 34º approach angle, a 23.5º breakover angle, and a 34.5º departure angle. Jeep says it can complete the Rubicon Trail and return home on a single charge.
Key features include the Selec-Terrain system, low-speed Selec-Speed Control, one-touch power top, removable door glass, electronic locking axles, and the latest Uconnect infotainment with trail guides.
Two 335 hp motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear axle, power the Jeep Recon. Together, they deliver 650 horsepower and 620 lb.-ft. of torque, and the front unit disengages when not needed, improving efficiency. A 100 kWh battery pack operating at 400 volts supplies energy to these motors.
The Recon hits 0 to 60 mph as quickly as 3.6 seconds, and Jeep expects EPA to certify it for up to 250 miles of range.
Release Date: Mid-2026
Price: USD 65,000 (excluding USD 1,995 destination fee) onwards
2. Range Rover Electric (2026)
JLR is testing the Range Rover Electric in extreme conditions, from -40°C in the Arctic Circle to 50°C in the Middle East ahead of its retail launch in 2026.
According to a report from Auto Express, the Range Rover Electric has a dual-motor AWD setup with 542 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque. A 118 kWh battery pack operating at 800 volts enables these motors, and while the breakover angle is affected, the rating is still better than the Mercedes G 580 e’s 20.3º. The full-size SUV will have a water wading depth of up to 33.4 inches.
Instead of conventional ABS-based traction control, the EV uses an Intelligent Torque Management system that operates through individual drive units. Torque response time drops from about 100 ms to as little as 1 ms, giving the electric Range Rover more control in challenging conditions.
Release Date: 2026
Price: Estimated to start at around USD 130,000
3. Mercedes Little G (2027)
Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a smaller, all-electric sibling to the G-Class, which we expect in 2027. Informally called the “Little G,” the EV will target younger buyers with a lower entry price, broadening the G family’s reach.
Going by a recent Autocar UK report, the Little G is expected to ride on a bespoke ladder-frame platform developed specially for this vehicle.
Markus Schäfer, former CTO of Mercedes-Benz, says that while it is not at the same level as the regular G-Class, the company had to develop many unique components for this project, which would sport comparable suspension and wheel size to the larger sibling.
While specifications are under wraps, a twin-motor system with a two-speed gearbox on the rear unit is expected, producing about 500 hp. An 80-90 kWh net NMC battery is expected to provide a WLTP range of more than 400 miles, enough to support extended off-road use.
Release Date: 2027 (expected)
Price: USD 70,000 (expected)
4. Land Rover Defender Sport (2027)
JLR is developing a Defender model on its new EMA platform, with global appeal. Former CEO Adrian Mardell confirmed EMA at the company’s investor day on June 12, 2023, while former Industrial Operations head Barbara Bergmeier confirmed that Halewood, UK, will build EMA-based models.
The Defender Sport EV/Defender 80 is being designed from the ground up, improving space efficiency and reducing cost per mile. Smaller and less extreme than the main Defender, it will broaden the lineup.
Tech is expected to include an 800-volt system enabling 350 kW charging, higher-density batteries, and torque-dense motors.
Release Date: 2027 (expected)
Price: Could start at around USD 70,000.
5. Scout Traveler (2028)
Scout Motors, a new U.S.-focused subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, is developing a new midsize SUV called Traveler for off-road enthusiasts.
Scout Motors plans to equip the Traveler with two electric motors, one powering each axle. Packing nearly 1,000 lb.-ft. of system torque, the off-road SUV is officially expected to hit 0 to 60 mph as quickly as 3.5 seconds.
The pure-electric variant will support charging at up to 350 kW and should deliver a range of up to 350 miles. The Traveler EREV is projected to deliver a range of over 500 miles. The frame SUV will have a maximum payload capacity of nearly 2,000 lbs. and a maximum towing capacity of over 7,000 lbs.
The company expects the ground clearance to be more than 12 in. and the water fording depth to be almost 3 ft., and is planning to offer an option for an off-road suspension that includes a front sway bar disconnect. It will use a solid rear axle and offer mechanical lockers on both axles.
Release Date: 2028
Price: Under USD 60,000
6. Rivian R2X (2027/28)
About a year after launching the R2, Rivian could follow up with a more off-road-focused R2X. The potential R2X should feature more rugged styling with exclusive outdoor-inspired hues and contrasting highlights on tow hooks, calipers, and mirrors, unique alloy wheels wrapped in knobbier tires, revised bumpers, and a higher ground clearance.
It doesn’t take a huge amount of imagination to think of like what comes (after), like if there’s R2 what are the other R2 variants. We sort of hinted at that with R3, where we did an R3X. You could imagine X versions.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe (InsideEVs Podcast Episode via YouTube on August 22, 2025)
According to a MotorTrend report, the R2 will offer a 25-degree approach angle, a 27-degree departure angle, and 9.8 inches of ground clearance. The R2X could push those figures further with special bumpers and lifted suspension. Rivian may restrict the R2X to a tri-motor setup with the largest battery pack, ensuring maximum performance and an EPA-estimated range of around 275 miles.
Release Date: 2027 or 2028 (expected)
Price: Around USD 55,000 (expected)
7. Lucid midsize SUV (2027/28)
Derek Jenkins, SVP of Design & Brand, Lucid Motors, said at the company’s 2026 Investor Day that the third midsize model, which is likely to be an off-road SUV, will be target active explorers who are more outdoorsy and need more functionality and space.
Compared to the Cosmos and Earth, it will be a little bit more traditional, more spacious, and more geared towards an outdoors experience, Jenkins added.
While the platform will be shared with the Cosmos and Earth, we expect a raised, softer-tuned suspension, a wider track, unique off-road tires and wheels, more robust skid plates, and redesigned bumpers that provide modest improvements in approach and departure angles.
Inside, Lucid Motors may use more durable floor mats and seat covers as well as new trim materials inspired by outdoor environments.
Release Date: 2028 (expected)
Price: USD 60,000+ (expected)
8. Rivian R3X (2028)
The Rivian R3 is a crossover positioned below the R2, designed primarily for urban use. An X variant will add stronger off-road capability, possibly surpassing bigger rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT and the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally. The R3X is expected to feature a tri-motor system with two motors at the rear and one at the front, similar to the R2 and R1S.
Short overhangs should enable strong approach and departure angles, while a compact wheelbase will aid breakover performance. Protective cladding and fender flares will shield the body from debris. Rivian plans to use a structural battery pack and an NACS charging port. EPA-estimated range for the R3X is expected to be about 270 miles.
Release Date: 2028 (expected)
Price: Estimated to be around USD 40,000.
9. Ineos Fusilier (2028/29)
The Ineos Fusilier is a squarish electric 4×4 SUV strongly reminiscent of the Mercedes G-Class. According to a report from Autocar, Ineos Automotive could be exploring licensing Chery’s multi-energy platform that underpins iCaur EVs and EREVs. The final plan remains to be known.
With its short overhangs and wheelbase, the Ineos Fusilier clearly looks purpose-built for off-road adventures. It will be a dual-motor AWD model, and will be available in a range-extender variant as well.
In a conversation with CarExpert, Justin Hocevar, Ineos Automotive’s regional director for Australia, New Zealand, and APAC, suggested that the company will announce the timeline for the Fusilier or a similar model “in the not-too-distant future.”
Release Date: 2028 (expected)
Price: Could start at around USD 65,000.
10. BMW Rugged (2029)
Undeterred by the lukewarm response to the XM, BMW is developing a different halo model to top its SUV lineup. Internally codenamed BMW G74 and carrying “Rugged” as a working title, the model will target shoppers seeking off-road capability with a three-row layout, similar to the Rivian R1S.
BMW Blog reports the G74 will ride on the multi-energy CLAR platform and share powertrain technology with the next-generation X5 (G65). Likely variants include a plug-in hybrid with 500-550 hp and an all-electric version with about 600 hp.
Production is planned at the Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, with launch scheduled in 2029, marking BMW’s entry into the bespoke off-road SUV segment.
Release Date: 2029 (expected)
Price: USD 150,000+ (expected)
11. Mahindra Vision.SXT (2029)
The Mahindra Vision.SXT is a pickup-style derivative of the Vision.T compact SUV concept from the Indian auto major. With upright front and rear fascias, a flat windshield, large, squarish windows, high ground clearance, wide fender flares, and oversized mud-terrain tires, the concept is a rugged SUV built for hardcore off-roading.
Functional bumpers with steep approach and departure angles convey its off-road focus, while an open bed behind the cabin offers space for tires, gear, and equipment.
The concept uses Mahindra’s new NU_IQ modular platform, developed for internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains. A production version could arrive toward the end of the decade.
A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, I started out as an automotive editor of a regional magazine in 2011. In my 11 years of experience in creating automotive content, I’ve traveled around the world to review, analyze and report on the world’s top electrified cars.
