Summary
This document offers a comparison of the RIVIAN and Scout vehicles. RIVIAN offers a truck (R1T) and SUV (R1S). In 2027, Scout will offer the Terra Truck and Traveler SUV.
Volkswagen purchased the Scout brand and also has invested billions in RIVIAN, so VW has significant influence on both brands.
Pictured above is a newer model Ford Bronco which is the inspiration for many current rugged off-road capable trucks and vehicles. The other brands of vehicles today offer different interpretations of what a Jeep-like rugged all terrain vehicle might be. Today, companies are attempting to create a modern EV version of vintage trucks and vehicles from 40 – 60 years ago.
The RIVIAN vehicles are available now. The Scout vehicles are expected in 2027.
Topics are listed below in alphabetical order.
Door Handles
The Scout vehicles have traditional door handles. Some people will prefer stationary traditional door handles to avoid potential issues with automatic handles being iced over and stuck.
The RIVIAN has the sleek modern design of retracting handles that extend out when needed and hide when not needed. This may be preferred by some people.
Grill
Some people will find the RIVIAN front grill to be more welcoming, friendly, and distinctive.
The Scout front grill seems to be an attempt to offer a modernized “impressionist version” of what the old Scout looked like. The front lights and rear turn signals have a narrow rectangular design that, while stylish, may not be as effective as what is offered on the RIVIAN.
Open Top
The Scout offers the ability to open the top by retracting a canvas-like accordion top cover (Cabana Top) similar to what VW had in their vans from the 1960s.
Physical Buttons and Knobs
The RIVIAN has roller knobs on the steering wheel, but many other controls and settings are accessible through the large touch display on the console. The turn signal and shifting control are provided as stalks near the steering wheel.
The Scout has many buttons, knobs, and other tactile controls. These may help drivers keep their eyes on the road when driving and changing settings, like climate or fan buttons.
Price
The RIVIAN vehicles are currently priced at $70,000 to $100,000. The Scout vehicles are said to be priced between $50,000 to $60,000 for the base models.
Range
RIVIAN is available in a long range version that offers about 410 miles of range. The Scout vehicles can be ordered with a gas generator range extender called Harvester for those who want the longer range of about 500 miles.
Reference Design
The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport have a traditional Jeep appearance with round headlights and distinctive front grill. [View] The original Toyota FJ evolved to have a similar Jeep appearance. [View] It seems that the RIVIAN and Scout are an attempt to offer a similar rugged outdoorsy design in an EV.
Seating
All of the Scout and RIVIAN vehicles have the ability to accommodate four adult passengers. The Scout vehicles have an optional front bench seat for three passengers in the front.
The RIVIAN R1S is a three row design that can accommodate seven adults.
Because the Scout Traveler SUV is a two row vehicle, the rear storage area is very large. It is a much cleaner flat space.
Service Centers
RIVIAN already has established service centers in many metropolitan areas, as well as near some popular parks and off-road destinations. Building up a national network of service centers takes time and money.
It’s possible that Scout could use existing VW service centers, which could give the brand a head start on providing support across the country.
Spare Tire
The Scout Traveler SUV has a full-size spare tire on the rear gate-hatch. Some people will welcome the redundancy of having an extra tire for overlanding and other situations where an extra tire will be useful.
The RIVIAN models and Scout Terra Truck could accommodate a spare tire if it were mounted in the truck bed or stored securely in the back of the RIVIAN R1S.
Or, for those traveling close to cities or urban areas, a spare tire may not be necessary to keep on board if roadside service can be relied on in the rare cases that a tire goes flat.
Towing
The Scout Terra truck is rated at 10,000 pounds of towing capacity. The RIVIAN R1T is rated at 11,000 pounds of towing capacity.
As you might imagine, when towing at maximum capacity, the range is considerably diminished.
Truck Bed
The RIVIAN R1T offers a truck bed of 54 inches. The Scout truck bed is a little bit longer, measuring about 71 inches from the rear of the cab to the back bumper.