Off Road Performance

[Knifeman]

When I turned 16, I was handed the keys to a copper-colored '79 Scout II Traveler. It had a 345 V8 engine and felt like a tank on wheels. With its incredible four-wheel-drive capabilities, all my high school buddies were envious. No one wanted to challenge me in a pull-off in the senior lot; I would simply put the Scout in Low Low and effortlessly pull anyone across the yard.

Now, my main concern with this new version from Volkswagen is whether it will be the off-road king it once was or just a glorified nostalgic revival of an amazing machine. While I appreciate the modernized classic design and love the refined new look, I also welcome the nicer creature comforts. I want both comfort and extras, but I also want the off-road toughness that no one can compete with. The transition into the EV world raises questions about its off-road capabilities. What is the goal of this rebirth? Is it simply to profit from nostalgia, or is it a genuine effort to remake and honor what a true Scout represents?

 

[oldgeeksguide]

I want both comfort and extras, but I also want the off-road toughness that no one can compete with. … is it a genuine effort to remake and honor what a true Scout represents?

Welcome!

I’m no off road expert, but from everything we’ve seen it sounds like the new scout will be right up your alley. They’ve shown a lot of respect for scout history and culture, and definitely seem to be aiming for that combination of toughness, off-road and work truck capability, with a good amount of comfort and tech thrown in.

 

[R1TVT]

When I turned 16, I was handed the keys to a copper-colored '79 Scout II Traveler. It had a 345 V8 engine and felt like a tank on wheels. With its incredible four-wheel-drive capabilities, all my high school buddies were envious. No one wanted to challenge me in a pull-off in the senior lot; I would simply put the Scout in Low Low and effortlessly pull anyone across the yard.

Now, my main concern with this new version from Volkswagen is whether it will be the off-road king it once was or just a glorified nostalgic revival of an amazing machine. While I appreciate the modernized classic design and love the refined new look, I also welcome the nicer creature comforts. I want both comfort and extras, but I also want the off-road toughness that no one can compete with. The transition into the EV world raises questions about its off-road capabilities. What is the goal of this rebirth? Is it simply to profit from nostalgia, or is it a genuine effort to remake and honor what a true Scout represents?

Scout is an independent company, so the new version is not from VW. While VW has an ownership stake, this is not a VW. In terms of toughness and off-road capability, I would point to the Rivian R1T, as there a tons of videos of the truck doing incredible things like Hells Gate, Rubicon, TransAmerica Trail, Rebelle Ralleye, Long Way Up, etc... Almost more impressive is how fast and smooth and powerful an EV truck can be. A quad motor R1T can climb Pike's Peak in under 11 minutes and still do all that off-road stuff. The new Scout will be an impressive vehicle with some features that the Rivian does not provide today. I love that the Terra will have a longer bed and roll-down rear-window, with a potentially different suspension system and the possibility of a bench seat. Other people love that it will have more physical controls (toggles and switches) than the Rivian. Others love the nod to the old Scout and Scout's legacy and off-Road capability. It is clear that it is being designed from the ground up with wide-ranging capabilities in mind, and they will benefit from Rivian's zonal architecture and SW partnership. Smart move on Scout's part.

 

[cyure]

I am on episode 3 of Long Way Up. Great show. Highly recommend. Long Way Down is great too just nothing to do with anything electric. Just a good show.

 

[BartMan Terra Total EV]

When I turned 16, I was handed the keys to a copper-colored '79 Scout II Traveler. It had a 345 V8 engine and felt like a tank on wheels. With its incredible four-wheel-drive capabilities, all my high school buddies were envious. No one wanted to challenge me in a pull-off in the senior lot; I would simply put the Scout in Low Low and effortlessly pull anyone across the yard.

Now, my main concern with this new version from Volkswagen is whether it will be the off-road king it once was or just a glorified nostalgic revival of an amazing machine. While I appreciate the modernized classic design and love the refined new look, I also welcome the nicer creature comforts. I want both comfort and extras, but I also want the off-road toughness that no one can compete with. The transition into the EV world raises questions about its off-road capabilities. What is the goal of this rebirth? Is it simply to profit from nostalgia, or is it a genuine effort to remake and honor what a true Scout represents?

Trust funder. Just kidding I am jealous as I was given the keys to a 1976 VW rabbit on my 16th birthday. Not quite as manly to say the least. Not to sound like a fan boy but the whole rebirth thing is part off road but off road on new electric vehicle technology. I feel like Scout should not go to crazy with off road prowess as it just kills aerodynamics. God knows we don't want it to look like a Hummer EV. I know boomers like us long for the old days but this whole experiment is based on the performance of EV systems and of course the environment impacts of ICE engines. During winter invertions Salt Lake City has the worst air quality in the world. I feel Scout is striking the perfect balance of off road capability and EV technology.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

I took my Lighting on some minor off-road trails near Moab a couple of months ago. The off-road capabilities of the full-size, all-stock F-150 Lightning were surprising given its girth, length, and low clearance. If the Scout could lose a bit of its width, maybe 6 inches, IMO it will be a better off-roader than any other stock production vehicle available in the US. If Scout offers a "sport" version of the Scout, it would be absolutely fantastic.

I feel like Scout should not go to crazy with off road prowess as it just kills aerodynamics. God knows we don't want it to look like a Hummer EV.

Many of the "off-road" modifications made in the hobby/sport of off-roading are not nearly as useful for actual off-roading as often believed. Wide tires, for example aren't as useful for meaningful traction on the trail as skinny tires of the same make/model/diameter. There's a myth that they provide better floatation, but at best they provide the same contact patch area at the same pressure, and in the end they provide less traction than their skinny variants (in part because the skinny tires flex forward and backward toward the obstacles to be driven over). I could go on an on about the myths prevalent in the off-roading community, but this isn't the place for it.

 

[Jamie@ScoutMotors]

When I turned 16, I was handed the keys to a copper-colored '79 Scout II Traveler. It had a 345 V8 engine and felt like a tank on wheels. With its incredible four-wheel-drive capabilities, all my high school buddies were envious. No one wanted to challenge me in a pull-off in the senior lot; I would simply put the Scout in Low Low and effortlessly pull anyone across the yard.

Now, my main concern with this new version from Volkswagen is whether it will be the off-road king it once was or just a glorified nostalgic revival of an amazing machine. While I appreciate the modernized classic design and love the refined new look, I also welcome the nicer creature comforts. I want both comfort and extras, but I also want the off-road toughness that no one can compete with. The transition into the EV world raises questions about its off-road capabilities. What is the goal of this rebirth? Is it simply to profit from nostalgia, or is it a genuine effort to remake and honor what a true Scout represents?

Unless you are asking a rhetorical question, I assume you haven't looked at the specs we have published so far.

- Clean sheet of paper design
- Body on frame chassis
- Locking front and rear differentials
- Solid rear axle
- Swaybar disconnect will be offered
- Both standard and air suspension options
- 35" inch tires with the offroad package and capable of larger
- Removable front and rear bumpers
- Rock sliders can be installed

And on and on. So yes, very capable.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Unless you are asking a rhetorical question, I assume you haven't looked at the specs we have published so far.

- Clean sheet of paper design
- Body on frame chassis
- Locking front and rear differentials
- Solid rear axle
- Swaybar disconnect will be offered
- Both standard and air suspension options
- 35" inch tires with the offroad package and capable of larger
- Removable front and rear bumpers
- Rock sliders can be installed

And on and on. So yes, very capable.

Please sell me a skinnier Scout so I can safely take it on the Elephant Hill loop in Canyonlands!
A 70-inch or even 74 inch wide (including mirrors) Scout would just blow away the competition.

 

[dreamweaver]

When I turned 16, I was handed the keys to a copper-colored '79 Scout II Traveler. It had a 345 V8 engine and felt like a tank on wheels. With its incredible four-wheel-drive capabilities, all my high school buddies were envious. No one wanted to challenge me in a pull-off in the senior lot; I would simply put the Scout in Low Low and effortlessly pull anyone across the yard.

Now, my main concern with this new version from Volkswagen is whether it will be the off-road king it once was or just a glorified nostalgic revival of an amazing machine. While I appreciate the modernized classic design and love the refined new look, I also welcome the nicer creature comforts. I want both comfort and extras, but I also want the off-road toughness that no one can compete with. The transition into the EV world raises questions about its off-road capabilities. What is the goal of this rebirth? Is it simply to profit from nostalgia, or is it a genuine effort to remake and honor what a true Scout represents?

Scout. “People. Connections. Community. Authenticity." Welcome to the Scout community. Enjoy the ride.

 

[Jamie@ScoutMotors]

Please sell me a skinnier Scout so I can safely take it on the Elephant Hill loop in Canyonlands!
A 70-inch or even 74 inch wide (including mirrors) Scout would just blow away the competition.

Not on the launch platform. But future models could fit this category.

 

[Knifeman]

Trust funder. Just kidding I am jealous as I was given the keys to a 1976 VW rabbit on my 16th birthday. Not quite as manly to say the least. Not to sound like a fan boy but the whole rebirth thing is part off road but off road on new electric vehicle technology. I feel like Scout should not go to crazy with off road prowess as it just kills aerodynamics. God knows we don't want it to look like a Hummer EV. I know boomers like us long for the old days but this whole experiment is based on the performance of EV systems and of course the environment impacts of ICE engines. During winter invertions Salt Lake City has the worst air quality in the world. I feel Scout is striking the perfect balance of off road capability and EV technology.

Haha! No I was born in 75. No trust fund. Basically it was to drive for one year until I could buy my own car. My dad just knew it was a tank and I would be safe. He 100% wanted it back as his hunting vehicle.

 

[Knifeman]

Unless you are asking a rhetorical question, I assume you haven't looked at the specs we have published so far.

- Clean sheet of paper design
- Body on frame chassis
- Locking front and rear differentials
- Solid rear axle
- Swaybar disconnect will be offered
- Both standard and air suspension options
- 35" inch tires with the offroad package and capable of larger
- Removable front and rear bumpers
- Rock sliders can be installed

And on and on. So yes, very capable.

No I haven’t seen the specs. I had tried to locate information on it but had not seen any. I was asking the question to get these answers. Thank you and I am excited for all that is coming with this resurrection of an iconic machine.

 

[Chavannigans]

For what it’s worth I am a founder of the local Toyota offroad club and Scouts specs drew me away from the Toyota/Lexus brand.

My last 8 vehicles were either Toyotas or Lexus’s that I purchased stock and modified for crawling the trails at Barnwell Mountain OHV Park and overlanding with my family. Tacomas, Tundras, 4Runners, Land Cruisers, and GX’s. I loved them all but don’t like the direction Toyota has been heading.

It cost thousands in mods, regearing, and suspension to get 35”s to work and Scout is offering an affordable turnkey solution. With a factory warranty to boot!

The only Toyota you can buy with a front locker now is the $115k Lexus LX700h Overtrail. It has an abysmal 17.9 gallon fuel tank and cargo storage is basically non-existent with a 3rd row.

I’m all in on the Scout if they can actually bring what they have promised to market.

The front and rear lockers will be game changers, but features like a front swap bar disconnect and being able to disable traction control sets it worlds apart from the Rivians that still neuter the drivetrain when you need it most in the lowest stability control mode.

 

[Knifeman]

For what it’s worth I am a founder of the local Toyota offroad club and Scouts specs drew me away from the Toyota/Lexus brand.

My last 8 vehicles were either Toyotas or Lexus’s that I purchased stock and modified for crawling the trails at Barnwell Mountain OHV Park and overlanding with my family. Tacomas, Tundras, 4Runners, Land Cruisers, and GX’s. I loved them all but don’t like the direction Toyota has been heading.

It cost thousands in mods, regearing, and suspension to get 35”s to work and Scout is offering an affordable turnkey solution. With a factory warranty to boot!

The only Toyota you can buy with a front locker now is the $115k Lexus LX700h Overtrail. It has an abysmal 17.9 gallon fuel tank and cargo storage is basically non-existent with a 3rd row.

I’m all in on the Scout if they can actually bring what they have promised to market.

The front and rear lockers will be game changers, but features like a front swap bar disconnect and being able to disable traction control sets it worlds apart from the Rivians that still neuter the drivetrain when you need it most in the lowest stability control mode.

Wow, thanks for the insight and I myself have a 2008 FJ Cruiser I absolutely love. Please don’t make fun of the pics this is not
Modified for extreme off road I use my 79’ Jeep CJ-7 for that after the Scout. I live the FJ and it is honestly one of the most versatile off road with snow and terrain I have ever driven. So good to hear about the Scout. To be clear I am not interested in it for off roading extreme it is more for when needed in daily life in the mountains where I live. It’s more the security. I am not really a huge electric vehicle person. I mean let’s be realistic I drove a 345 V8 Scout that was lucky to get 15 miles to the gallon. lol!

Appreciate your explanation and feed back and being a Toyota lover appreciate the feedback.

 

[Chavannigans]

Thats a great looking FJ. Well done.

Id be nervous if it was slow rollin in my hood though

This was my last Land Cruiser. It didnt look like much but it was a good time.

 

[cyure]

Wow, thanks for the insight and I myself have a 2008 FJ Cruiser I absolutely love. Please don’t make fun of the pics this is not
Modified for extreme off road I use my 79’ Jeep CJ-7 for that after the Scout. I live the FJ and it is honestly one of the most versatile off road with snow and terrain I have ever driven. So good to hear about the Scout. To be clear I am not interested in it for off roading extreme it is more for when needed in daily life in the mountains where I live. It’s more the security. I am not really a huge electric vehicle person. I mean let’s be realistic I drove a 345 V8 Scout that was lucky to get 15 miles to the gallon. lol!

Appreciate your explanation and feed back and being a Toyota lover appreciate the feedback. View attachment 6643View attachment 6644

I wish Toyota still made the FJ. I think they are amazing.

 

[Knifeman]

Hell Yeah! When in college at Appalachian I used to take my Jeep through some gnarly mud holes like this. Miss those days. But your recovery was the best. I love it, “Hit It!!!” Good times.

Also to be clear I will not be purposefully taking the new Scout through anything like this. I will pass that along to the Jeep or the FJ if I end up with the Traveler!

 

[Knifeman]

I wish Toyota still made the FJ. I think they are amazing.

Agreed but as @Chavannigans said only if they stuck to the originals. There are some engines and transmissions you just don’t “F” with. Mine is also a 6 speed. Pretty rare and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

[Chuckles]

I wish Toyota still made the FJ. I think they are amazing.

FJ production ended only 3 years ago. I have no doubt people will be importing them 20 years from now.

 

[Chavannigans]

FJ production ended only 3 years ago. I have no doubt people will be importing them 20 years from now.

2043 Bring A Trailer ad:

2018 FJ Cruiser TRD Trail Team Edition

137k Kilometers

Left hand drive

Never been to Saudi Arabia

Stock aside from 2” Old Man Emu Lift

$243k Reserve

“Don’t try to lowball me. I know what I have!!”