R2 Launch Watch

[speedrye]

How about the entry level being "Trail Head" and the top of the line being "Summit"?

I'd prefer no special names at all, just Terra and Traveler with whatever boxes checked for options. Save the names for special editions with little updates after initial sales slow down as the next model cycle approaches. Really lean in to the heritage with those special edition names!

 

[Jasco]

Lots of recent vehicles come to mind. Ford Maverick & Bronco, Toyota LandCruiser, most all Teslas, Rivian, Lucid, etc. You're definitely right though, launching the expensive vehicles first pisses people off and in my eyes is no different than dealers slapping on "market adjustments".

15-20 years ago, when I bought the first vehicles of a new model/brand, I preordered what I want and got what I want (trim level, options, packages, etc), nothing more, nothing less, no markups. I don't know why this is so complicated. People say the DTC sales model is great, but this whole launch model/pricing reeks of scummy dealership tactics that you see with the aforementioned Fords and Toyota.

As far as pricing and Scout finishes, they've gotta be competitive to stay alive. If I can get a new 4WD 4Runner or Tundra for $43k, I expect a lot of value and features out of a $60k Traveler/Terra.

I agree and my post was meant to be primarily about public perception towards a large price differential between announced and delivered. The R2's announced price of $45k and their delivered price $57,500 (without destination - apples to apples) is close enough ($12,500) with the bells and whistles added to avoid the public outcry and we have seen exactly that result. People were actually pleasantly surprised by the pricing. When the price differential jumps $25k, I believe people will be less forgiving. Percentages mask the actual price differentials. That jump prices many people out of the vehicle. The jump from $45 to $57K not as much. We've seen this happen before time and again. The other issue here is that Scout has been showing a fully kitted vehicle for several years while touting a $60k price point. It will be difficult to shift the public's perception of pricing/value if launched at $25k more. As I said in my previous post there certainly could be value at $85k and I hope Scout finds a market in that price range, but it certainly will not be large numbers. I'd rather they choose a launch trim in a similar manner to Rivian so we can all be pleasantly surprised. I'm not knocking Scout's approach here. I'm just pointing out that something they probably already know.

 

[speedrye]

I agree and my post was meant to be primarily about public perception towards a large price differential between announced and delivered. The R2's announced price of $45k and their delivered price $57,500 (without destination - apples to apples) is close enough ($12,500) with the bells and whistles added to avoid the public outcry and we have seen exactly that result. People were actually pleasantly surprised by the pricing. When the price differential jumps $25k, I believe people will be less forgiving. Percentages mask the actual price differentials. That jump prices many people out of the vehicle. The jump from $45 to $57K not as much. We've seen this happen before time and again. The other issue here is that Scout has been showing a fully kitted vehicle for several years while touting a $60k price point. It will be difficult to shift the public's perception of pricing/value if launched at $25k more. As I said in my previous post there certainly could be value at $85k and I hope Scout finds a market in that price range, but it certainly will not be large numbers. I'd rather they choose a launch trim in a similar manner to Rivian so we can all be pleasantly surprised. I'm not knocking Scout's approach here. I'm just pointing out that something they probably already know.

I'm still thinking they'll avoid higher price points so they don't step on the Audi version's toes. We need a name for the Audi version. I'm voting for Scaudi.

 

[Logan]

I agree and my post was meant to be primarily about public perception towards a large price differential between announced and delivered. The R2's announced price of $45k and their delivered price $57,500 (without destination - apples to apples) is close enough ($12,500) with the bells and whistles added to avoid the public outcry and we have seen exactly that result. People were actually pleasantly surprised by the pricing. When the price differential jumps $25k, I believe people will be less forgiving. Percentages mask the actual price differentials. That jump prices many people out of the vehicle. The jump from $45 to $57K not as much. We've seen this happen before time and again. The other issue here is that Scout has been showing a fully kitted vehicle for several years while touting a $60k price point. It will be difficult to shift the public's perception of pricing/value if launched at $25k more. As I said in my previous post there certainly could be value at $85k and I hope Scout finds a market in that price range, but it certainly will not be large numbers. I'd rather they choose a launch trim in a similar manner to Rivian so we can all be pleasantly surprised. I'm not knocking Scout's approach here. I'm just pointing out that something they probably already know.

I don’t know.

$12500 is still a lot of money. And in terms of percentage, it’s 27% over the $45k announced price.

That same percentage applied to a $60k scout puts us over $76k.

 

[Jasco]

I don’t know.

$12500 is still a lot of money. And in terms of percentage, it’s 27% over the $45k announced price.

That same percentage applied to a $60k scout puts us over $76k.

This is exactly the challenge Scout is facing. I hope they can pull off the launch without a majority of their fan base feeling dissappointed by pricing. For now I'm persoanlly channeling @cyure - Hope and faith and rooting for Scout at the same time. Great product, great people.

 

[cyure]

How about the entry level being "Trail Head" and the top of the line being "Summit"?

Now I have an idea….

 

[R1TVT]

I'm still thinking they'll avoid higher price points so they don't step on the Audi version's toes. We need a name for the Audi version. I'm voting for Scaudi.

What Audi version?

 

[Logan]

What Audi version?

Rumors are that Audi will be building an offroading vehicle based on the Scout Platform, built at the same plant.

I don't think I've heard anything confirmed. But I wouldn't be surprised. Audi doesn't have a G wagon equivalent. And the US overlanding/fancy offroading market is definitely there. And they've never had a platform available to them in the past.

 

[cyure]

What Audi version?

Exactly. So you mean an off road Audi? Because I don’t see the high end trim of the Scout looking anything like an Audi.

 

[chucchinchilla]

Just to be clear, you guys are aware Rivian is launching the $45K R2 right? Or is the argument about them holding back on base models until much later? That one I can understand and agree with.

IMO it's been hugely beneficial for Scout to enter the market slightly later allowing them time to pivot/adjust to changing market conditions. One of those things, I believe, is price sensitivity. I believe if Scout is to launch successfully they should kick the max profits via max trims first to the curb and focus on volume, get the cars out there even the base ones.

 

[cyure]

Just to be clear, you guys are aware Rivian is launching the $45K R2 right? Or is the argument about them holding back on base models until much later? That one I can understand and agree with.

IMO it's been hugely beneficial for Scout to enter the market slightly later allowing them time to pivot/adjust to changing market conditions. One of those things, I believe, is price sensitivity. I believe if Scout is to launch successfully they should kick the max profits via max trims first to the curb and focus on volume, get the cars out there even the base ones.

I hope there isn’t such a long time between trims. The R2 is what 9 months or a year until the $45K trim is available. I’m hoping all the trims are out in no more than 6 months. Truck, BEV, EREV. All of it.

 

[Chuckles]

From Jamie:

Post in thread 'EREV initial release only?'

Feb 3, 2026

I/We don't know the launch cadence yet as there are still a LOT of moving pieces.

I will say this to set expectations. This is a brand new factory that hasn't built any vehicles before. We have to bring everything online gradually to ensure we deliver a high-quality product. The initial ramp-up will be slower, then work its way toward full production capacity. That also means we won't launch every model and every trim at once. No manufacturer wants to spool up a brand-new factory and try to build two brand-new models for the first time. We have said Traveler is coming first, followed by...

• Jamie@ScoutMotors

• 
• 

 

[cyure]

From Jamie:

Post in thread 'EREV initial release only?'

Feb 3, 2026

I/We don't know the launch cadence yet as there are still a LOT of moving pieces.

I will say this to set expectations. This is a brand new factory that hasn't built any vehicles before. We have to bring everything online gradually to ensure we deliver a high-quality product. The initial ramp-up will be slower, then work its way toward full production capacity. That also means we won't launch every model and every trim at once. No manufacturer wants to spool up a brand-new factory and try to build two brand-new models for the first time. We have said Traveler is coming first, followed by...

• Jamie@ScoutMotors

• 
• 

I know, I know, but a girl can dream can’t she…

 

[maynard]

This is exactly the challenge Scout is facing. I hope they can pull off the launch without a majority of their fan base feeling dissappointed by pricing. For now I'm persoanlly channeling @cyure - Hope and faith and rooting for Scout at the same time. Great product, great people.

And *patience*

 

[cyure]

And *patience*

Fine…

 

[J Alynn]

I get launch edition pricing being elevated and there is certainly some value associated witht the added features, but advertising $60k and launching at $85k - 90k is a really bad look. The puiblic has seen this show before and people are upset almost everytime. The launch headline becomes Scout promises $60k and delivers an $80k vehicle. Promises unkept (50% price increase etc..). Rivian's launch edition is in and acceptable territory ($10k) given the perks that come with. A $25K - $30k gap is "false promises" territory; at least in terms of future headlines. Not to say there couldn't be value for certain configs, but I haven't seen the features that justify that price range shown yet. I too signed up for a roughly $60k - $70k vehicle and am happy to wait in hope they can deliver a compelling option in that price range. Hoping Scout doesn't go all Cybertruck on us with its launch pricing.

I hear you and agree but if the first round out the door is unique and special and commands a price many buyers will justify I can’t fault Scout. I get others (and maybe me) may have to wait but why not launch with a consistent build that draws in more cash flow for Scout. They never announced the first builds out the door would be $60K, just that it will be available at that price. That said I see both sides of it. I also wonder what the launch vehicle will be AND if EREV is first, will I go that direction or will I wait for BEV

I don’t know.

$12500 is still a lot of money. And in terms of percentage, it’s 27% over the $45k announced price.

That same percentage applied to a $60k scout puts us over $76k.

I’m also going to add there is no way (unless they go to knock off materials) that the interiors shown to date are part of the $60K price. Just for argument sake Bronco sold out of their launch edition which was pricier. Like everything in life it will be pay to play and those who can afford or want desperately enough to leverage themselves to the hilt will buy a launch and others will need to choose to wait or figure it out. They almost have to do a launch which allows them to spool up production in a consistent manner and some of those margins help to cover the sins of batch #1

 

[Logan]

I hear you and agree but if the first round out the door is unique and special and commands a price many buyers will justify I can’t fault Scout. I get others (and maybe me) may have to wait but why not launch with a consistent build that draws in more cash flow for Scout. They never announced the first builds out the door would be $60K, just that it will be available at that price. That said I see both sides of it. I also wonder what the launch vehicle will be AND if EREV is first, will I go that direction or will I wait for BEV
I’m also going to add there is no way (unless they go to knock off materials) that the interiors shown to date are part of the $60K price. Just for argument sake Bronco sold out of their launch edition which was pricier. Like everything in life it will be pay to play and those who can afford or want desperately enough to leverage themselves to the hilt will buy a launch and others will need to choose to wait or figure it out. They almost have to do a launch which allows them to spool up production in a consistent manner and some of those margins help to cover the sins of batch #1

100% agree. All of it. I understand why launch editions exist, and why that is often what is done for new models. They produce less of them, with more margin, while they are still ramping up production. When production pace ramps up, it makes more sense to produce the higher volume/cheaper models.

I just hope that if we cannot do the first launch edition, that something can be done for those of us here that have waited (maybe just on the forum??), beyond just waiting for the version that hits at our price point.

 

[cyure]

100% agree. All of it. I understand why launch editions exist, and why that is often was is done. They produce less of them, with more margin, while they are still ramping up production. When production pace ramps up, it makes more sense to produce the higher volume/cheaper models.

I just hope that if we cannot do the first launch edition, that something can be done for those of us here that have waited (maybe just on the forum??), beyond just waiting for the version that hits at our price point.

Oh like a Scout Forum badge that goes on the dash or something.

 

[Jasco]

I hear you and agree but if the first round out the door is unique and special and commands a price many buyers will justify I can’t fault Scout. I get others (and maybe me) may have to wait but why not launch with a consistent build that draws in more cash flow for Scout. They never announced the first builds out the door would be $60K, just that it will be available at that price. That said I see both sides of it. I also wonder what the launch vehicle will be AND if EREV is first, will I go that direction or will I wait for BEV
I’m also going to add there is no way (unless they go to knock off materials) that the interiors shown to date are part of the $60K price. Just for argument sake Bronco sold out of their launch edition which was pricier. Like everything in life it will be pay to play and those who can afford or want desperately enough to leverage themselves to the hilt will buy a launch and others will need to choose to wait or figure it out. They almost have to do a launch which allows them to spool up production in a consistent manner and some of those margins help to cover the sins of batch #1

I 100% agree and if Scout can pull off an $85k launch vehicle with a healthy uptake and a receptive response from the public and the media then I would actually be thrilled for them. I'm a patient buyer and can wait for a trim that meets my price/feature requirements and if it doesn't work out I can still be a fan. True, Scout has never promised a $60k price tag for the veihicles shown and those of us more familiar with the company understand this. That said, for many years now they have shown a highly configred vehicle alongside a $60k price point in their marketing and in most media stories. The two are likely associated in the minds of the general public to some extent. My concern is not for me. It is for Scout's success after launch. It needs to go well and a 2028 launch is not without its challenges.

I also agree with @Logan that it would be nice if Scout recognized its community at launch in some way and, selfishly, that they launch the BEV sooner rather than later with 18's and 33's and even in PBY (I would hate to see @cyure sad waiting on her config ) but I get that part of the equation as well.

 

[cyure]

I 100% agree and if Scout can pull off an $85k launch vehicle with a healthy uptake and a receptive response from the public and the media then I would actually be thrilled for them. I'm a patient buyer and can wait for a trim that meets my price/feature requirements and if it doesn't work out I can still be a fan. True, Scout has never promised a $60k price tag for the veihicles shown and those of us more familiar with the company understand this. That said, for many years now they have shown a highly configred vehicle alongside a $60k price point in their marketing and in most media stories. The two are likely associated in the minds of the general public to some extent. My concern is not for me. It is for Scout's success after launch. It needs to go well and a 2028 launch is not without its challenges.

I also agree with @Logan that it would be nice if Scout recognized its community at launch in some way and, selfishly, that they launch the BEV sooner rather than later with 18's and 33's and even in PBY (I would hate to see @cyure sad waiting on her config ) but I get that part of the equation as well.

Awh, first of all thanks for the shoutout. I appreciate it.

Second, I get it and I do expect the highest trim to be somewhere in the $80s, but I stand firm in my opinion that’s $85k is too high for a launch edition. The naysayers are going to come out of the woodwork saying see we told you so there was no way they could make a car for $60k.

Even if they could get a mid trim where the first number is a 6 that would be better, in my honest opinion, as a launch edition. Have the launch editions somewhere in the $65 to $69 range. Yes you can get it higher with options, but have it start there. Then have the base be $57k to $59k so SM can say see we came in under $60k. Then the top of the line with all the bells and whistles is over $80k.

And yes I agree what they have shown is certainly not $60k, as much as I wish it was.

Third, PBY!!!!

Signed, TBL (The Butter Lady)