Sizing up the competition

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eringer

Member
Oct 28, 2024
23
99
Portland, OR
I can't wait to see the Terra in my driveway and my eyes are wandering toward the competition. I built this dimensional comparison for myself and thought some of y'all might like it as well.
Scorecard version@1x.png
 
Look at the ground clearance!
Looks good! But, also appears to have fine print and just be measuring "standard" clearances.

If you want or actually need ground clearance, a better comparison might be the max number across the fleet, or maybe comparing models with or without air?
 
Looks good! But, also appears to have fine print and just be measuring "standard" clearances.

If you want or actually need ground clearance, a better comparison might be the max number across the fleet, or maybe comparing models with or without air?
Standard specs are good enough for me right now. Just trying to get a feel for the size of truck.
 
Question for the off-roaders and overlanders in the forum: does the length of the wheelbase surprise you at all?

I don't do much off roading (poorly maintained forest roads are about as rough as I get), but I would think a shorter wheelbase would help with getting over obstacles. I get that it's a balance though, as it would make the approach and departure angles more difficult for the same overall length.
 
Question for the off-roaders and overlanders in the forum: does the length of the wheelbase surprise you at all?

I don't do much off roading (poorly maintained forest roads are about as rough as I get), but I would think a shorter wheelbase would help with getting over obstacles. I get that it's a balance though, as it would make the approach and departure angles more difficult for the same overall length.
Yes, the long wheelbase of the Terra did ultimately lead me to reserving the Traveler instead. I could be swayed to go back to Terra if the final break over angle and turning radius winds up surprising me, but even with those ground clearance numbers I don't think that will happen with the existing wheelbase. On the bright side, for those going Terra, a longer wheel base is great for highway comfort and towing!
 
Yes, the long wheelbase of the Terra did ultimately lead me to reserving the Traveler instead. I could be swayed to go back to Terra if the final break over angle and turning radius winds up surprising me, but even with those ground clearance numbers I don't think that will happen with the existing wheelbase. On the bright side, for those going Terra, a longer wheel base is great for highway comfort and towing!
I know turning radius has been mentioned a few times by @Jamie@ScoutMotors for accommodating the larger tires, but I'm curious what they're benchmarking for the numbers. We gonna have a pretty tight radius, or should I get used to 3-point turns?
 
I know turning radius has been mentioned a few times by @Jamie@ScoutMotors for accommodating the larger tires, but I'm curious what they're benchmarking for the numbers. We gonna have a pretty tight radius, or should I get used to 3-point turns?
That's an excellent point and one I haven't thought of in a long time. Thanks for raising the issue. It's one I haven't thought of recently but is important to me.

Before my Rivian, I had a '23 Silverado ZR2. One of the main reasons I went with the R1T was because the turning radius on the Silverado was so ridiculously awful. It was like turning a cruise ship. I basically had to do Austin Powers turns everywhere. Admittedly, I live in a city, but still. I'm hoping the Traveler, even with the 35's, has a turning radius no larger than the R1T. Even that isn't great, but it's zero radius when compared to that ZR2 I had.
 
I know turning radius has been mentioned a few times by @Jamie@ScoutMotors for accommodating the larger tires, but I'm curious what they're benchmarking for the numbers. We gonna have a pretty tight radius, or should I get used to 3-point turns?
If they can get anywhere near the Scout II I’ll be thrilled. That one turned almost as tight as the original Bronco.
 
So I know I’m comparing apples to oranges here, but I’m kind of excited about the Terra Size. Bigger than a mid size, but slightly smaller than a full size. Comparing it to my TRX, this would be a nice change!

IMG_0619.jpeg


Key Takeaways​

  • Stance & Width: The Ram TRX is famous for its aggressive, puffed-out widebody fenders designed to house its supercharged V8 powertrain and massive suspension travel, making it noticeably wider across the body (88.0 inches compared to the Scout Terra's 79.9 inches).
  • Height & Length: The TRX also stands taller (80.9 in vs. 77.7 in) and slightly longer (232.9 in vs. 229.2 in), giving it a massive traditional full-size heavy-duty footprint.
  • Wheelbase & Utility: Despite being slightly shorter overall, the Scout Terra utilizes a slightly longer wheelbase (148.6 inches) and packs a virtually identical 5.5-foot bed (66 inches), matching utility while maintaining a slightly tighter body width for trail navigation.
 
While I have not driven -0- radius (to me that is a long bed crew cab). I have noticed a huge difference between short bed crew cab and abbreviated bed crew cab/short bed extended cab. Current short bed crew is a lot less maneuverability than the abbreviated I had before it - but utility in the full short bed makes it worth it (especially since I no longer live or work in the city).

I think the Scout truck falls into the abbreviated crew cab length - which put it in a knee jerk 'no' because I am not giving up the utility of the full short bed. Meanwhile the SUV is shorter and with only 2 rows still meets my utility needs.
 
Question for the off-roaders and overlanders in the forum: does the length of the wheelbase surprise you at all?

I don't do much off roading (poorly maintained forest roads are about as rough as I get), but I would think a shorter wheelbase would help with getting over obstacles. I get that it's a balance though, as it would make the approach and departure angles more difficult for the same overall length.
I would think that the more serious off-roaders would be opting for a traveler. The Terra wheelbase isn’t a deal breaker for me, considering it’s only 3” longer than my current overlanding rig. I will say that functional rock slider side steps and decently thick skid plates would give me peace of mind regarding breakover angles. Maybe a g-wagen style tank turn feature is in order for those worried about multi-point turns!
 
I would think that the more serious off-roaders would be opting for a traveler. The Terra wheelbase isn’t a deal breaker for me, considering it’s only 3” longer than my current overlanding rig. I will say that functional rock slider side steps and decently thick skid plates would give me peace of mind regarding breakover angles. Maybe a g-wagen style tank turn feature is in order for those worried about multi-point turns!
Tank turns are another thing I don’t need, but think are so cool. Right up there with snorkels and ladders!
 
I would think that the more serious off-roaders would be opting for a traveler.
If define as "serious" as meaning optimized for rock crawling, then I would say yes. There will be a lot of serious off-roaders that will never rock-crawl, or be negatively impacted by a slightly longer wheelbase. I fit into the category that goes off-road only on dirt (backcountry settings that can get nasty with steeps, freeze / thaw, but not rocky) + some sand (ORV areas / outer beach / fishing or surfing access). The Terra will be great for this stuff.

If you are going to take a brand-spanking new Scout to a rock garden from the gates of hell, I would say that you are probably in the minority of owners, but yes, the Traveler would be better than the Terra (based on wheelbase alone). My guess is that the BEV Traveler will actually outperform the Harvester version in this setting, but all TBD.
 
If define as "serious" as meaning optimized for rock crawling, then I would say yes. There will be a lot of serious off-roaders that will never rock-crawl, or be negatively impacted by a slightly longer wheelbase. I fit into the category that goes off-road only on dirt (backcountry settings that can get nasty with steeps, freeze / thaw, but not rocky) + some sand (ORV areas / outer beach / fishing or surfing access). The Terra will be great for this stuff.

If you are going to take a brand-spanking new Scout to a rock garden from the gates of hell, I would say that you are probably in the minority of owners, but yes, the Traveler would be better than the Terra (based on wheelbase alone). My guess is that the BEV Traveler will actually outperform the Harvester version in this setting, but all TBD.
I just can’t imagine getting my brand new Traveler scratched up on a trail. The first scratch my Traveler gets is going to put me into a slight depression.
 
Question for the off-roaders and overlanders in the forum: does the length of the wheelbase surprise you at all?

I don't do much off roading (poorly maintained forest roads are about as rough as I get), but I would think a shorter wheelbase would help with getting over obstacles. I get that it's a balance though, as it would make the approach and departure angles more difficult for the same overall length.
While I love and can’t wait to get my Scout, I don’t think these will be used as a serious off road vehicle - it’s just too wide IMO
 
While I love and can’t wait to get my Scout, I don’t think these will be used as a serious off road vehicle - it’s just too wide IMO
I feel the same way. Good for a lot of areas but will struggle with some of the narrow passes. Also think 10 years from now more will be snatched up for lower cost and will be converting for serious rock climbing and overlanding
 
If define as "serious" as meaning optimized for rock crawling, then I would say yes. There will be a lot of serious off-roaders that will never rock-crawl, or be negatively impacted by a slightly longer wheelbase. I fit into the category that goes off-road only on dirt (backcountry settings that can get nasty with steeps, freeze / thaw, but not rocky) + some sand (ORV areas / outer beach / fishing or surfing access). The Terra will be great for this stuff.

If you are going to take a brand-spanking new Scout to a rock garden from the gates of hell, I would say that you are probably in the minority of owners, but yes, the Traveler would be better than the Terra (based on wheelbase alone). My guess is that the BEV Traveler will actually outperform the Harvester version in this setting, but all TBD.
Well I pen striped my Rivian 6 days after I got it and loved every minute of it lol! After being in a Model 3 for 3 years, the first thing I wanted to do, (and why I got a Rivian in the first place) was to go offroad and haven't stopped since. I plan on christening my Scout on the same trail and undoubtedly it will suffer the same fate 😅
 
Well I pen striped my Rivian 6 days after I got it and loved every minute of it lol! After being in a Model 3 for 3 years, the first thing I wanted to do, (and why I got a Rivian in the first place) was to go offroad and haven't stopped since. I plan on christening my Scout on the same trail and undoubtedly it will suffer the same fate 😅
I think I will be there with you but not in the first five years or so…
I have to let the honeymoon phase pass…
:)