Is it just me or should Scout have gone this route

[Stlscout]

I apologize if this has already been discussed. I've been following the new Scout Traveler closely and wanted to get everyone's thoughts.

For context, I currently own two International Scouts and have been a Scout fan for years. While I'm excited to see the brand return, I can't help but feel that Scout Motors may have missed an opportunity to lean harder into what made the original Scout special.

The new Traveler definitely looks good, but I keep wondering why they didn't offer a true open-air version with things like:

• Removable doors
• Canvas soft top option
• Exposed roll cage
• More modular configurations

To me, the original Scout was all about simplicity, utility, and freedom. You could configure it however you wanted and it felt purpose-built for adventure. Looking at the new design, I see a very capable SUV, but not necessarily the same rugged, customizable personality that made the Scout iconic.

I put together a quick concept showing what I think a modern Scout with removable doors, a canvas top, and a rear-mounted spare could look like, and honestly, it feels much closer to the spirit of the original Scouts I own.

Maybe there are engineering, safety, or production reasons they couldn't go this route, and I completely understand that. I just feel there was an opportunity to create something that stood apart from every other SUV on the market and really captured the heritage of the Scout name.

Am I alone on this, or do others feel the same way?

I'd love to hear what everyone likes and dislikes about the new design.

 

[maynard]

I apologize if this has already been discussed. I've been following the new Scout Traveler closely and wanted to get everyone's thoughts.

For context, I currently own two International Scouts and have been a Scout fan for years. While I'm excited to see the brand return, I can't help but feel that Scout Motors may have missed an opportunity to lean harder into what made the original Scout special.

The new Traveler definitely looks good, but I keep wondering why they didn't offer a true open-air version with things like:

• Removable doors
• Canvas soft top option
• Exposed roll cage
• More modular configurations

To me, the original Scout was all about simplicity, utility, and freedom. You could configure it however you wanted and it felt purpose-built for adventure. Looking at the new design, I see a very capable SUV, but not necessarily the same rugged, customizable personality that made the Scout iconic.

I put together a quick concept showing what I think a modern Scout with removable doors, a canvas top, and a rear-mounted spare could look like, and honestly, it feels much closer to the spirit of the original Scouts I own.

Maybe there are engineering, safety, or production reasons they couldn't go this route, and I completely understand that. I just feel there was an opportunity to create something that stood apart from every other SUV on the market and really captured the heritage of the Scout name.

Am I alone on this, or do others feel the same way?

I'd love to hear what everyone likes and dislikes about the new design.

View attachment 16521

First of all Welcome to the community!

I like your thinking but it looks like there would be extreme structural challenges with the design not to mention rollover safety issues...

Maybe when they get to the 2-door version down the road they can embrace something similar...

 

[Logan]

Welcome!

I think the 2 door version is much more likely to be a doors off/roof off sort of design. Or maybe a more dedicated offroad model/trim in the future. And if that is the case, I'd love a Solid front axle.

On the plus side, at least this is at least close-ish to the predecessors, not like the newer chevy Blazers...

 

[Scoutsie]

I apologize if this has already been discussed. I've been following the new Scout Traveler closely and wanted to get everyone's thoughts.

For context, I currently own two International Scouts and have been a Scout fan for years. While I'm excited to see the brand return, I can't help but feel that Scout Motors may have missed an opportunity to lean harder into what made the original Scout special.

The new Traveler definitely looks good, but I keep wondering why they didn't offer a true open-air version with things like:

• Removable doors
• Canvas soft top option
• Exposed roll cage
• More modular configurations

To me, the original Scout was all about simplicity, utility, and freedom. You could configure it however you wanted and it felt purpose-built for adventure. Looking at the new design, I see a very capable SUV, but not necessarily the same rugged, customizable personality that made the Scout iconic.

I put together a quick concept showing what I think a modern Scout with removable doors, a canvas top, and a rear-mounted spare could look like, and honestly, it feels much closer to the spirit of the original Scouts I own.

Maybe there are engineering, safety, or production reasons they couldn't go this route, and I completely understand that. I just feel there was an opportunity to create something that stood apart from every other SUV on the market and really captured the heritage of the Scout name.

Am I alone on this, or do others feel the same way?

I'd love to hear what everyone likes and dislikes about the new design.

View attachment 16522View attachment 16521

It definitely wasn’t just you who wanted these things, but it wasn’t doable. I’m pretty sure that these things were all asked for at some point and I’m pretty sure it’s been explained why these weren’t feasible with the first generation of new Scout. The cabana top was meant to be sort of a peace offering for the folks who wanted the removable cloth top roof. Removable doors just weren’t gonna happen this time out.

Later? It sounds like never say never. Nobody ever thought a relaunch would happen. The people remaking Scout aren’t haters by any stretch of the imagination. Stay optimistic!

 

[cyure]

I apologize if this has already been discussed. I've been following the new Scout Traveler closely and wanted to get everyone's thoughts.

For context, I currently own two International Scouts and have been a Scout fan for years. While I'm excited to see the brand return, I can't help but feel that Scout Motors may have missed an opportunity to lean harder into what made the original Scout special.

The new Traveler definitely looks good, but I keep wondering why they didn't offer a true open-air version with things like:

• Removable doors
• Canvas soft top option
• Exposed roll cage
• More modular configurations

To me, the original Scout was all about simplicity, utility, and freedom. You could configure it however you wanted and it felt purpose-built for adventure. Looking at the new design, I see a very capable SUV, but not necessarily the same rugged, customizable personality that made the Scout iconic.

I put together a quick concept showing what I think a modern Scout with removable doors, a canvas top, and a rear-mounted spare could look like, and honestly, it feels much closer to the spirit of the original Scouts I own.

Maybe there are engineering, safety, or production reasons they couldn't go this route, and I completely understand that. I just feel there was an opportunity to create something that stood apart from every other SUV on the market and really captured the heritage of the Scout name.

Am I alone on this, or do others feel the same way?

I'd love to hear what everyone likes and dislikes about the new design.

View attachment 16522View attachment 16521

Welcome to the community! I totally get the desire to have removable things. I have a Wrangler.

Have you seen the concepts in person yet? I have twice and I really think it’s a size issue. They are big. The Traveler is as wide as an F-150. Those would be some heavy doors and roof.

I agree with everyone else that has said wait for a 2 door to have removable doors and/or roofs. It may take a bit but I just have this feeling we will see something like that someday.

Great work on the design by the way!

 

[J Alynn]

I apologize if this has already been discussed. I've been following the new Scout Traveler closely and wanted to get everyone's thoughts.

For context, I currently own two International Scouts and have been a Scout fan for years. While I'm excited to see the brand return, I can't help but feel that Scout Motors may have missed an opportunity to lean harder into what made the original Scout special.

The new Traveler definitely looks good, but I keep wondering why they didn't offer a true open-air version with things like:

• Removable doors
• Canvas soft top option
• Exposed roll cage
• More modular configurations

To me, the original Scout was all about simplicity, utility, and freedom. You could configure it however you wanted and it felt purpose-built for adventure. Looking at the new design, I see a very capable SUV, but not necessarily the same rugged, customizable personality that made the Scout iconic.

I put together a quick concept showing what I think a modern Scout with removable doors, a canvas top, and a rear-mounted spare could look like, and honestly, it feels much closer to the spirit of the original Scouts I own.

Maybe there are engineering, safety, or production reasons they couldn't go this route, and I completely understand that. I just feel there was an opportunity to create something that stood apart from every other SUV on the market and really captured the heritage of the Scout name.

Am I alone on this, or do others feel the same way?

I'd love to hear what everyone likes and dislikes about the new design.

View attachment 16522View attachment 16521

Same comments, welcome, all comments valid. The big item was the weight of the roof. This was discussed directly with us at the reveal as I was an early champion of the removable roof and the size and weight were one of the biggest issues. Having to include a substructure, roll bars, etc… was the other killer. The first scouts have to appeal to the masses-both those who know and love Scout as well of those finding a new romance with Scout -kind of a blind date approach. I have no doubts if SM it’s the ground running, proves the vehicles are even better than we believe and they develop a following that will financially support them with vehicle purchases, we will see a scout with removable top and maybe even doors

 

[bb00799]

Another STL Scout!

 

[Scout_Lookout]

I think the cabana top is the best we could get at this point with the size of these vehicles. However, if a smaller version comes out later, I think it would be more than expected to have removable top and panels.

 

[SrfnFly227]

With a sawzall and the right amount of motivation, anything is possible

 

[J Alynn]

With a sawzall and the right amount of motivation, anything is possible

Sawzalls are for amateurs-use a circ saw and then the edges are a bit cleaner

 

[maynard]

Sawzalls are for amateurs-use a circ saw and then the edges are a bit cleaner

with a carbide tipped blade of course... pretty fireworks too!

 

[OleScout]

As a current Bronco owner with a modular top, I will say initially I was hoping for a similar idea with the future Scout model. After being an owner for nearly two years, I do remove the front two panels but really requires some muscle for the remaining removal for the second row and a lift for the entire back top. In addition, removing the doors, I've done it once but likely won't do this frequently as it's a pain to align and setting back on solo. After seeing the traveler in person, I'm glad they went with the cabana top as it offers the open air experience and would have been heavy if panels were removed. Now, if SM does a 2 door variant I could see more modularity.

 

[speedrye]

I think Scout made the right decision on what to market first, but I have my doubts about a future 2-door model or an open-air model. For every Wrangler I see, only 1 out of 10, or less are 2-door models. During beautiful stretches of weather, I might see 1 out of 20 Wranglers with a top down. I'm sure Scout is doing their research and seeing the same thing. Maybe, down the road, they'll have funding for niche models that'll sell 10k-15k units a year, but for now, keep selling mass market stuff. A bigger 3-row Traveler likely makes more sense before the others.

 

[Stlscout]

3rd row Traveler would be awesome. We added a 3rd row to our 77 Traveler, and it's great for a family of 6 to cruise around town.

 

[mrgold35]

3rd row Traveler would be awesome. We added a 3rd row to our 77 Traveler, and it's great for a family of 6 to cruise around town.

Scout "could" make a 3 row X-large SUV using the longer wheelbase of the Terra truck. That would be hard to pass up if you have 6-9 passenger seating, full traveler hatch area, and similar 350 mile BEV or 500 mile EREV. Plus, Scout could make a Colorado/Ranger/Tacoma size truck in single/extended cab versions using the Traveler's wheel base frame (I don't think the Terra would fit in my garage).

 

[Scoutsie]

with a carbide tipped blade of course... pretty fireworks too!

Can opener if you’re properly motivated.

 

[J Alynn]

Scout "could" make a 3 row X-large SUV using the longer wheelbase of the Terra truck. That would be hard to pass up if you have 6-9 passenger seating, full traveler hatch area, and similar 350 mile BEV or 500 mile EREV. Plus, Scout could make a Colorado/Ranger/Tacoma size truck in single/extended cab versions using the Traveler's wheel base frame (I don't think the Terra would fit in my garage).

General talk is the next model will be a 3-row so time will tell