An explosive TikTok video is igniting social media: influencers dissecting the interior of a brand new JEEP RECON during the LA Auto Show 2025. With over 1.1 million views, the clip reignited the debate about pre-production prototypes and the boldness of automotive content creators.
The Viral Video That Took Everyone By Surprise
In the heart of the Los Angeles Auto Show, two influencers from the The Middle Lane channel, based in LA, decided to test the limits of Jeep’s new fully off-road electric SUV. Filmed on November 22, the video shows them removing plastic panels around the center console, above the digital cluster, and on the doors. They shake the infotainment screen and the passenger handle, claiming to simulate “severe off-road use.”
“We expected more from a $65,000 car. Look at these irregular gaps and parts that come off easily!”, says one of the creators in the clip, which quickly went viral on TikTok with over 2,300 comments. The video also popped up on YouTube and Instagram but was removed from these platforms after the controversy.
The demonstration highlighted alleged assembly flaws, such as uneven gaps between materials and loose clips that allowed manual removal without tools. For the influencers, it was an honest critique of the build quality of a premium vehicle. But what seemed like a technical analysis turned into a storm when Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, entered the scene.
This type of content isn’t new in the automotive world. Influencers love exposing weaknesses to boost engagement, but here the target was an unreleased prototype: the JEEP RECON, scheduled for 2026 with production in Mexico and versions starting from Moab at $65,000. If you want to know if this electric can handle trails like the legendary Wrangler, check out this exclusive comparison review.
Stellantis’ Sharp Response and the Context of Prototypes
The automaker didn’t let it slide. In an official statement, Stellantis clarified: “The vehicle is a pre-production show car, assembled by hand exclusively for events and unveilings to highlight the design inspiration for the final product. These prototypes are not intended to demonstrate final quality, durability, or material integrity.”
Kaileen Connelly, senior vice president of North American communications, was even more direct in an email to the Detroit Free Press: “The actions to dismantle the new JEEP RECON were destructive and unprofessional.” The company emphasized that pre-production models are fragile by nature, built by teams on benches with drills and screws, far from the precision of a robotic assembly line.
| Aspect | Pre-Production Prototype | Production Version |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Manual labor | Automated line |
| Finishing | Focus on visual design | Rigorous durability testing |
| Intended Use | Shows and photos | Real off-road and daily use |
This table summarizes the crucial difference. An anonymous internal engineering specialist on Reddit explained: “Pre-production is like a mock-up: prioritizes appearance, not resistance.” Stellantis is right to defend its show car, but the incident raises questions about unrestricted access to prototypes at crowded shows across the USA.
While Jeep advances into the EV world, rivals like the JEEP WRANGLER Moab 392 2026 maintain the V8 DNA for hardcore fans. The RECON, with its electric 4×4 traction and off-road capability, arrives in 2026 at the Toluca factory in Mexico, with initial deliveries expected in North America.
@themiddlelanes Jeep Recon Moab build quality… #laautoshow #tiktokcartalkcontest #electriccar #buildquality ♬ original sound – The Middle Lane
Mixed Public Reaction, Influencers’ Defense, and the Future of the JEEP RECON
Luke Miani, founder of The Middle Lane, responded to the Detroit Free Press: “We were surprised by the reach, but our focus is on sharing opinions about cars. The video shows loose clips that come off without damage – nothing destructive.” He expects improvements in the final production and praised the potential of the RECON.
- Criticism of influencers: Many on Reddit and TikTok called them “irresponsible,” arguing that prototypes are not toys.
- Stellantis’ defense: Users understood the context, citing the lack of barriers at shows across the US automotive circuit.
- Questions to Jeep: Some demand transparency about build quality in premium EVs, citing gaps as a sign of hastened electric transition.
The viral debate touches on real concerns: with EVs costing a fortune, buyers expect excellence. The initial Moab RECON aims for affordable electric off-road, with cheaper variants later. Globally, it arrives at the end of 2026. Stellantis bets big on this SUV with two electric motors, 600 hp potential, and radical attack angles for the North American market.
Meanwhile, the Jeep ecosystem evolves. Think about the debate about hybrid transition in Lamborghini Temerario, or how EV battery reliability destroys myths. For the RECON, this incident can be a lesson: more protections at shows and clear communication about prototypes.
In the end, the video generated free buzz for the JEEP RECON, proving that controversy sells. Fans await the final version – will the quality silence the critics? With production looming, 2026 promises answers in real mud, not in showroom carpets.
Other Jeep highlights include limited editions like the Wrangler Commando 392, maintaining the off-road legacy while the RECON paves the way for the electric future. And you, do you approve of the influencers’ boldness or do you support Stellantis?
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