Scout! Hear me out!

[CRobin]

Hello!!
We are all very excited for the Terra and Traveler vehicles!

Hear me out though! Just want to suggest a couple things just to see what the universe will have happen!

1. Scout could still offer the EV's; HOWEVER, since they are owned by Volkswagen group they could use one of their hybrid engines or a turbo charged engine that is in the Volkswagen portfolio.
For example, with these being 2 big/beefy off road vehicles they need to have pretty good power. Now that the EV mandates are changing they could use some engines from the Porsche catalog in my opinion.

IE: 2.9 L V6 Turbo (348 Hp 368LB-Ft TQ , 2.9L Turbo Hybrid V6 (463HP 479LB-FT TQ) This would be my build option personally. And they could even throw the 4.0L Turbo V8 (493HP 486LB-FT TQ) in there for those who want a V8 option.

I am just making a suggestion. Not only would it make the launch faster I think, but it would give them more choices and customization for consumers which is what people want. They want to be able to choose and customize a vehicle how they want it to fit them personally. All while still giving them the choice if they want to have an EV. I doubt they will slide any of an actual ICE engine over but I definitely think they should!!!

2. Scout should definitely put the gear shifter in the middle of the vehicle. Or at least have an option for the console shifter. I personally like these shifters better than the little electronic steering wheel mounted shifter. Give people the option to have either. If Scout is about choice and personalization then give it to the consumer. I should not be forced to have the same type of shifter that the Rivians do.

I don't know anything. These are just my thoughts and I am a nobody. I really like both of these vehicles and I think they will sell great for them. I think they just could build them faster and give those who will never adopt an EV an option to have an ICE motor.
Who knows! Looking forward to when these arrive though so I can be even more part of the Scout community!!

Cheers and Blessings to all!!

 

[J Alynn]

Hello!!
We are all very excited for the Terra and Traveler vehicles!

Hear me out though! Just want to suggest a couple things just to see what the universe will have happen!

1. Scout could still offer the EV's; HOWEVER, since they are owned by Volkswagen group they could use one of their hybrid engines or a turbo charged engine that is in the Volkswagen portfolio.
For example, with these being 2 big/beefy off road vehicles they need to have pretty good power. Now that the EV mandates are changing they could use some engines from the Porsche catalog in my opinion.

IE: 2.9 L V6 Turbo (348 Hp 368LB-Ft TQ , 2.9L Turbo Hybrid V6 (463HP 479LB-FT TQ) This would be my build option personally. And they could even throw the 4.0L Turbo V8 (493HP 486LB-FT TQ) in there for those who want a V8 option.

I am just making a suggestion. Not only would it make the launch faster I think, but it would give them more choices and customization for consumers which is what people want. They want to be able to choose and customize a vehicle how they want it to fit them personally. All while still giving them the choice if they want to have an EV. I doubt they will slide any of an actual ICE engine over but I definitely think they should!!!

2. Scout should definitely put the gear shifter in the middle of the vehicle. Or at least have an option for the console shifter. I personally like these shifters better than the little electronic steering wheel mounted shifter. Give people the option to have either. If Scout is about choice and personalization then give it to the consumer. I should not be forced to have the same type of shifter that the Rivians do.

I don't know anything. These are just my thoughts and I am a nobody. I really like both of these vehicles and I think they will sell great for them. I think they just could build them faster and give those who will never adopt an EV an option to have an ICE motor.
Who knows! Looking forward to when these arrive though so I can be even more part of the Scout community!!

Cheers and Blessings to all!!

So you are saying you won’t adapt to EV? Or others won’t?

 

[Logan]

To be honest, given the development cycle timeline of vehicles (usually 4-5 years at least) I think at this particular point, any change in drivetrain that large (going from EV/EREV, to Hybrid or normal combustion vehicle), would likely slow things down (later release/purchase availability date).

But yes, the library of engines available to Scout is impressive . I'm still curious to see exactly what the Harvester engine is, and how all of that is implemented.

 

[Scoutsie]

1. Scout could still offer the EV's; HOWEVER, since they are owned by Volkswagen group they could use one of their hybrid engines or a turbo charged engine that is in the Volkswagen portfolio.
For example, with these being 2 big/beefy off road vehicles they need to have pretty good power. Now that the EV mandates are changing they could use some engines from the Porsche catalog in my opinion.

IE: 2.9 L V6 Turbo (348 Hp 368LB-Ft TQ , 2.9L Turbo Hybrid V6 (463HP 479LB-FT TQ) This would be my build option personally. And they could even throw the 4.0L Turbo V8 (493HP 486LB-FT TQ) in there for those who want a V8 option.

…

I don't know anything. These are just my thoughts and I am a nobody.

Regarding the bold text (emphasis mine): People with far less humility feel perfectly empowered to express their opinions. What should stop you?

I say, take it all with a bit of…

… and remember that every suggestion might not be a home run, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t share them or feel like you can’t offer feedback, either. These aren’t life or death stakes! People here are generally pretty nice and unlike the real world, you can walk away and do something else for 12 hours during an active conversation and nobody will be the wiser. What have you got to lose?

Welcome to the forum!

 

[cyure]

Hello!!
We are all very excited for the Terra and Traveler vehicles!

Hear me out though! Just want to suggest a couple things just to see what the universe will have happen!

1. Scout could still offer the EV's; HOWEVER, since they are owned by Volkswagen group they could use one of their hybrid engines or a turbo charged engine that is in the Volkswagen portfolio.
For example, with these being 2 big/beefy off road vehicles they need to have pretty good power. Now that the EV mandates are changing they could use some engines from the Porsche catalog in my opinion.

IE: 2.9 L V6 Turbo (348 Hp 368LB-Ft TQ , 2.9L Turbo Hybrid V6 (463HP 479LB-FT TQ) This would be my build option personally. And they could even throw the 4.0L Turbo V8 (493HP 486LB-FT TQ) in there for those who want a V8 option.

I am just making a suggestion. Not only would it make the launch faster I think, but it would give them more choices and customization for consumers which is what people want. They want to be able to choose and customize a vehicle how they want it to fit them personally. All while still giving them the choice if they want to have an EV. I doubt they will slide any of an actual ICE engine over but I definitely think they should!!!

2. Scout should definitely put the gear shifter in the middle of the vehicle. Or at least have an option for the console shifter. I personally like these shifters better than the little electronic steering wheel mounted shifter. Give people the option to have either. If Scout is about choice and personalization then give it to the consumer. I should not be forced to have the same type of shifter that the Rivians do.

I don't know anything. These are just my thoughts and I am a nobody. I really like both of these vehicles and I think they will sell great for them. I think they just could build them faster and give those who will never adopt an EV an option to have an ICE motor.
Who knows! Looking forward to when these arrive though so I can be even more part of the Scout community!!

Cheers and Blessings to all!!

Welcome to the community! Thanks for jumping into the pool and posting! We are all very excited too!

I went to Nationals in June and the SM employee I spoke with stated the concepts are 85% of what the production vehicles are going to be.

I started a thread where we can post what changes we want before production. If you are so inclined, add your idea about where you would like the shifter.

Thread 'What one thing would you like to see changed from concept to production?'

Jul 13, 2025

When I went to Nationals in June to see the concepts I spoke with the SM staff there. I apologize but I don’t remember which person told me, I spoke with all of them, but I asked how much could change between the concepts and a production model. I was informed the concepts are 85% of what the production model is going to look like. I know everyone has been posting what things they would like added, deleted or changed but I thought it might be nice to narrow it down and see if there is a consensus.

So what’s the one thing you would like either added, deleted or changed?

For me it’s...

• cyure

• 

I do have a question, just curious, if the Scouts stay an EV/EREV and the shifter stays where it is, will you still be as excited about purchasing one or would that make you change your mind?

A great follow is @Jamie@ScoutMotors he keeps us updated from the manufacturer side.

Welcome again!

 

[R1TVT]

I don't know anything.

Sometimes it's best to just settle these things all on your own

 

[Chuckles]

It's hard to imagine that configuring the Scout platform for a front engine would be a quick or easy process. New axles and a transmission would be needed. The VW Group does have amazing engines, but they would likely come from the EU and be subject to high tariffs.
I have no objections to future Scouts being designed for electric, hybrid, and ICE powertrains. I do prefer a column-mounted shifter, though. It frees up console space. Where would you put it on the bench versions? Rotary and button shifters can be goofy. Two shifter locations seem like an unnecessary way to complicate the manufacturing process. But we're all entitled to our opinions.

 

[dreamweaver]

Hello!!
We are all very excited for the Terra and Traveler vehicles!

Hear me out though! Just want to suggest a couple things just to see what the universe will have happen!

1. Scout could still offer the EV's; HOWEVER, since they are owned by Volkswagen group they could use one of their hybrid engines or a turbo charged engine that is in the Volkswagen portfolio.
For example, with these being 2 big/beefy off road vehicles they need to have pretty good power. Now that the EV mandates are changing they could use some engines from the Porsche catalog in my opinion.

IE: 2.9 L V6 Turbo (348 Hp 368LB-Ft TQ , 2.9L Turbo Hybrid V6 (463HP 479LB-FT TQ) This would be my build option personally. And they could even throw the 4.0L Turbo V8 (493HP 486LB-FT TQ) in there for those who want a V8 option.

I am just making a suggestion. Not only would it make the launch faster I think, but it would give them more choices and customization for consumers which is what people want. They want to be able to choose and customize a vehicle how they want it to fit them personally. All while still giving them the choice if they want to have an EV. I doubt they will slide any of an actual ICE engine over but I definitely think they should!!!

2. Scout should definitely put the gear shifter in the middle of the vehicle. Or at least have an option for the console shifter. I personally like these shifters better than the little electronic steering wheel mounted shifter. Give people the option to have either. If Scout is about choice and personalization then give it to the consumer. I should not be forced to have the same type of shifter that the Rivians do.

I don't know anything. These are just my thoughts and I am a nobody. I really like both of these vehicles and I think they will sell great for them. I think they just could build them faster and give those who will never adopt an EV an option to have an ICE motor.
Who knows! Looking forward to when these arrive though so I can be even more part of the Scout community!!

Cheers and Blessings to all!!

Scout. “People. Connections. Community. Authenticity." Welcome to the Scout community. Enjoy the ride.
Remember the built in search on the forums is a great place to start getting answers to your many questions.

 

[CRobin]

So you are saying you won’t adapt to EV? Or others won’t?

Others won't. I don't mind the EREV concept. I put one down for the Traveler. I am just saying having options never hurt anybody. Right now I have a hybrid F150 and get about 650-735 miles on one tank of gas. I cannot afford to the little range that EV vehicles offer.

 

[CRobin]

Regarding the bold text (emphasis mine): People with far less humility feel perfectly empowered to express their opinions. What should stop you?

I say, take it all with a bit of…
View attachment 7903
… and remember that every suggestion might not be a home run, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t share them or feel like you can’t offer feedback, either. These aren’t life or death stakes! People here are generally pretty nice and unlike the real world, you can walk away and do something else for 12 hours during an active conversation and nobody will be the wiser. What have you got to lose?

Welcome to the forum!

Thank you for that!!

 

[CRobin]

Welcome to the community! Thanks for jumping into the pool and posting! We are all very excited too!

I went to Nationals in June and the SM employee I spoke with stated the concepts are 85% of what the production vehicles are going to be.

I started a thread where we can post what changes we want before production. If you are so inclined, add your idea about where you would like the shifter.

Thread 'What one thing would you like to see changed from concept to production?'

Jul 13, 2025

When I went to Nationals in June to see the concepts I spoke with the SM staff there. I apologize but I don’t remember which person told me, I spoke with all of them, but I asked how much could change between the concepts and a production model. I was informed the concepts are 85% of what the production model is going to look like. I know everyone has been posting what things they would like added, deleted or changed but I thought it might be nice to narrow it down and see if there is a consensus.

So what’s the one thing you would like either added, deleted or changed?

For me it’s...

• cyure

• 

I do have a question, just curious, if the Scouts stay an EV/EREV and the shifter stays where it is, will you still be as excited about purchasing one or would that make you change your mind?

A great follow is @Jamie@ScoutMotors he keeps us updated from the manufacturer side.

Welcome again!

It would not change my mind if they leave the shifter where it is! Just something to get used to!

 

[cyure]

It would not change my mind if they leave the shifter where it is! Just something to get used to!

Thanks for the response!

 

[J Alynn]

Thanks for the response!

I agree with the other comment that the bench seat has had a phenomenal response so I just do t see the shifter moving to the center due to the bench option

 

[R1TVT]

Right now I have a hybrid F150 and get about 650-735 miles on one tank of gas. I cannot afford to the little range that EV vehicles offer.

Comparing range as a metric is not a great measure of efficiency (or affordability in this case) - range will be based on MPG and the size of a gas tank. When looking at TCO, you need to account for MPGE for EV's and MPG for Hybrids (not to mention reduced maintenance costs).

By way of comparison, consider that even an EV Hummer (the least efficient EV truck) is still way more efficient than a Hybrid F-150.

Efficiency Leaders:

• Tesla Cybertruck leads with 79 MPGe combined
• Rivian R1T achieves 85-93 MPGe city and 72-80 MPGe highway
• All electric trucks show 117-252% better efficiency than the F-150 Hybrid's 23 MPG

Additionally:

• GMC Hummer EV shows the lowest efficiency among EVs at 50-53 MPGe due to its focus on extreme performance
• Even the least efficient electric truck (Hummer EV) still outperforms the F-150 Hybrid by over 100%

 

[Chaz26]

Others won't. I don't mind the EREV concept. I put one down for the Traveler. I am just saying having options never hurt anybody. Right now I have a hybrid F150 and get about 650-735 miles on one tank of gas. I cannot afford to the little range that EV vehicles offer.

This is where the Harvester should be good for people like this. That still has 500 miles range. Even if we say it's lower at 420 miles doing 70 mph then that's still 6 hours of driving without stopping. Since we don't fully know how just topping the gas up will work, even if we say you only get 275 miles after filling up with gas and not charging, that's still nearly another 4 hours of driving at 70 mph. This would be 10 hours driving for a 5 minute gas stop. I don't know many people who could drive that long and not need at least a couple of stops at gas stations for rest breaks anyways.

 

[Logan]

This is where the Harvester should be good for people like this. That still has 500 miles range. Even if we say it's lower at 420 miles doing 70 mph then that's still 6 hours of driving without stopping. Since we don't fully know how just topping the gas up will work, even if we say you only get 275 miles after filling up with gas and not charging, that's still nearly another 4 hours of driving at 70 mph. This would be 10 hours driving for a 5 minute gas stop. I don't know many people who could drive that long and not need at least a couple of stops at gas stations for rest breaks anyways.

I just did a ~840 mile road trip on Sunday, and have been curious about this, so I was actually counting, and timing our stops.

Keep in mind this is a single day, one way trip (ie, just the return leg of a road trip to visit family). Also, keep in mind the below is all averaging about 75-80mph (we drove WA to UT, and this leg was from UT to WA. Most of Idaho and northern UT are 80mph speed limits, with people going way faster than tha)t.

Also, our vehicle has a tiny fuel tank (11gal, because its a PHEV), and I have a mountain bike on the back on a rack. All these things together (high speeds, tiny tank, bad aero because of bike). And not once was the range the main limiting factor. Although it was very close on the first stop.

Stop 1: 258 miles, over3 hours of drive time, and a ~15-20 min stop (I forgot to time this one exactly). There were lines at the fuel pumps (every pump was full, and there were at least 5-6 vehicles towing, with the line out almost to the street).

This had the highest avg speed of the trip.

This was the closest to an actual fuel range limit. We had under 1/8 tank left, the fuel light was on, and it showed an estimated 9 miles of range remaining when we pulled up to the pump. But the kids had been clamoring for a bathroom break for 20 miles before then, and I was pushing the range a bit, wanting to get to a better place to stop. Ended up putting 9.998 gal into the 11 gal tank.

Also, FWIW, I still had ~90% battery charge here, so if we were really in a bad spot, I could have turned off the gas engine, and had ~20-30 miles more range to get us to another pump if something went wrong getting fuel somehow. So while I was pushing it, I wasn't totally crazy .

Stop 2: 207 miles. 11 minute stop, timed with a stopwatch.

limited by kids bladders. Still had like 1/4 tank or so.

Stop 3: 221 miles, 9 minute stop, also actually timed from moment we drove in, to moment we were pulling out of the gas station.

Same as above, about the kid bladder limit.

Keep in mind we're averaging ~80mph or so on these. And even at those speeds, thats 2hrs 45min of driving, which isn't bad.

That... was it. The last leg home fit under the kids bladder timer limit, and we made it home with like half a tank of gas. ~830 miles with 3 stops, and ~35min of stoppage time.

We didn't stop for anything but what you see above. We have all our food in the car (wayyy easier with kids, who are often hungry RIGHT NOW, and have a hard time waiting for a fast food place, we just get a bunch of good food/snacks in a cooler, and we graze as we go, because eliminating food stops chops a bunch of time off the trip (its easy to spend ~30min or more at a fast food place).

I didn't think to get the data on the way there, at least not the specific mileage/times. But I do know that we stopped 5 times on the way there, and at least one of the stops had a HUGE line at the bathroom (when we were only an hour from home... of course), and we were likely there at least 20-30minutes. I'd say that leg of the trip we had a combined total of at least ~1hr - 1hr 15min of stoppage time, and we were limited entirely by bladders, rather than fuel.

Sorry, huge rambling post.

TLDR: I think for non-towing use cases, ~350 miles of range is totally fine for families with kids, even at high speeds

For towing, the range changes considerably. Also, 350 miles of range could not be enough for those with super bladders, diapers (children or adult), or really low average speeds (350 miles on a ~50mph highway is about an hr more drive time than at ~85mph)

 

[J Alynn]

I just did a ~840 mile road trip on Sunday, and have been curious about this, so I was actually counting, and timing our stops.

Keep in mind this is a single day, one way trip (ie, just the return leg of a road trip to visit family). Also, keep in mind the below is all averaging about 75-80mph (we drove WA to UT, and this leg was from UT to WA. Most of Idaho and northern UT are 80mph speed limits, with people going way faster than tha)t.

Also, our vehicle has a tiny fuel tank (11gal, because its a PHEV), and I have a mountain bike on the back on a rack. All these things together (high speeds, tiny tank, bad aero because of bike). And not once was the range the main limiting factor. Although it was very close on the first stop.

Stop 1: 258 miles, over3 hours of drive time, and a ~15-20 min stop (I forgot to time this one exactly). There were lines at the fuel pumps (every pump was full, and there were at least 5-6 vehicles towing, with the line out almost to the street).

This had the highest avg speed of the trip.

This was the closest to an actual fuel range limit. We had under 1/8 tank left, the fuel light was on, and it showed an estimated 9 miles of range remaining when we pulled up to the pump. But the kids had been clamoring for a bathroom break for 20 miles before then, and I was pushing the range a bit, wanting to get to a better place to stop. Ended up putting 9.998 gal into the 11 gal tank.

Also, FWIW, I still had ~90% battery charge here, so if we were really in a bad spot, I could have turned off the gas engine, and had ~20-30 miles more range to get us to another pump if something went wrong getting fuel somehow. So while I was pushing it, I wasn't totally crazy .

Stop 2: 207 miles. 11 minute stop, timed with a stopwatch.

limited by kids bladders. Still had like 1/4 tank or so.

Stop 3: 221 miles, 9 minute stop, also actually timed from moment we drove in, to moment we were pulling out of the gas station.

Same as above, about the kid bladder limit.

Keep in mind we're averaging ~80mph or so on these. And even at those speeds, thats 2hrs 45min of driving, which isn't bad.

That... was it. The last leg home fit under the kids bladder timer limit, and we made it home with like half a tank of gas. ~830 miles with 3 stops, and ~35min of stoppage time.

We didn't stop for anything but what you see above. We have all our food in the car (wayyy easier with kids, who are often hungry RIGHT NOW, and have a hard time waiting for a fast food place, we just get a bunch of good food/snacks in a cooler, and we graze as we go, because eliminating food stops chops a bunch of time off the trip (its easy to spend ~30min or more at a fast food place).

I didn't think to get the data on the way there, at least not the specific mileage/times. But I do know that we stopped 5 times on the way there, and at least one of the stops had a HUGE line at the bathroom (when we were only an hour from home... of course), and we were likely there at least 20-30minutes. I'd say that leg of the trip we had a combined total of at least ~1hr - 1hr 15min of stoppage time, and we were limited entirely by bladders, rather than fuel.

Sorry, huge rambling post.

TLDR: I think for non-towing use cases, ~350 miles of range is totally fine for families with kids, even at high speeds

For towing, the range changes considerably. Also, 350 miles of range could not be enough for those with super bladders, diapers (children or adult), or really low average speeds (350 miles on a ~50mph highway is about an hr more drive time than at ~85mph)

This was very insightful-thanks for sharing this. And if charging on a 350 mile BEV would have been 25 minutes or so for your 850 mile trip wouldn’t really have added that much more time. Good to see a hybrid review like this.

 

[Logan]

This was very insightful-thanks for sharing this. And if charging on a 350 mile BEV would have been 25 minutes or so for your 850 mile trip wouldn’t really have added that much more time. Good to see a hybrid review like this.

Thanks J. Sorry it was a bit rambly, but, I thought it might be helpful. Especially as it was real world range/stoppage time for someone just trying to get home as fast as possible.

As I said, I've been considering a larger family vehicle, that is all electric (Ioniq 9, it has some crazy discounts right now, and my wife is interested in an EV family car). Primarily we are thinking for around town/etc, but I was getting curious about "if" it could do our larger road trips as well. So this topic was very much on the brain, even if maybe its a bit orthogonal to the OP (SORRY!!).

So I've been spending a lot of time on Abetterrouteplanner. And depending on the exact settings you put into it about speed/weight/temperature, I've been getting 4-5 charging stops for the same trip, with between ~1hr 15min of charging time, to ~2hr of charging time. With stops generally being between 7-25min or so.

So, that is more than our PHEV, but, depending on the specific day/kids bladders, it is in the same approximate ballpark (which was ~35min - 1hr 15min on this trip). So it would be doable, but would require some adjustments to how we drive/handle the trip.

 

[J Alynn]

Thanks J. Sorry it was a bit rambly, but, I thought it might be helpful. Especially as it was real world range/stoppage time for someone just trying to get home as fast as possible.

As I said, I've been considering a larger family vehicle, that is all electric (Ioniq 9, it has some crazy discounts right now, and my wife is interested in an EV family car). Primarily we are thinking for around town/etc, but I was getting curious about "if" it could do our larger road trips as well. So this topic was very much on the brain, even if maybe its a bit orthogonal to the OP (SORRY!!).

So I've been spending a lot of time on Abetterrouteplanner. And depending on the exact settings you put into it about speed/weight/temperature, I've been getting 4-5 charging stops for the same trip, with between ~1hr 15min of charging time, to ~2hr of charging time. With stops generally being between 7-25min or so.

So, that is more than our PHEV, but, depending on the specific day/kids bladders, it is in the same approximate ballpark (which was ~35min - 1hr 15min on this trip). So it would be doable, but would require some adjustments to how we drive/handle the trip.

I think that is the key word -adjustments. I think the world is so freakin fast paced anymore that people are looking for reasons to slow down a bit and maybe a change of travel planning would be good for all of us