Summary
- VW’s Scout developing an off-road electric SUV to challenge Rivian’s R1S
- Scout Traveler SUV to be a direct rival of Rivian R1S in 2027
- Scout Traveler will cost less than $60,000, Rivian R1S priced at $77,700
- Rivian R1S has more range than Scout Traveler
- Rivian R1S is quicker than Scout Traveler with more power and seating capacity for seven passengers
Article
In the world of electric off-road SUVs, the competition is heating up with VW’s Scout Traveler aiming to take on Rivian’s R1S. The introduction of the Scout Traveler, set to arrive in 2027, marks the first true challenger to the Rivian R1S. The Scout Traveler is said to be 85% production intent, making it a serious contender in the market. With a focus on off-road capabilities, the Scout Traveler is positioned to rival the Rivian R1S in performance and features.
When it comes to pricing, the Rivian R1S comes in at $77,700 with options taking it up to $110,000, increasing to $120,000 for quad-motor models. On the other hand, the Scout Traveler is expected to be priced at less than $60,000, making it a more affordable option compared to the Rivian R1S. Originally projected to start in the $40,000s, the Scout Traveler offers a competitive price point in the market.
In terms of range, the Rivian R1S offers between 270 and 410 miles of EPA-rated range, while the Scout Traveler is projected to provide up to 350 miles of range. The Scout Traveler also offers an optional range-extender called the Harvester, which increases the driving range to 500 miles by acting as a generator. With these range options, both vehicles are well-equipped to handle long drives and off-road adventures.
The Scout Traveler will feature an 800-volt electrical architecture with a peak charge rate of 350 kw, offering faster charging capabilities compared to the Rivian R1S’s 220 kw max charge rate. Both vehicles will have bidirectional charging capabilities, with the Scouts launching with Tesla’s NACS charge port and Rivians currently having CCS charge ports. Additionally, the Rivians already have access to Tesla Superchargers via an adapter.
When it comes to performance, the Rivian R1S offers various powertrain options, ranging from dual-motor to quad-motor setups with up to 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Scout Traveler will have two motors, one per axle, with nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque. While the Rivian R1S is faster, the Scout Traveler aims to do 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, making it a strong contender in the performance category.
Both the Scout Traveler and Rivian R1S offer seating for multiple passengers, with the Scout Traveler being longer than the Rivian R1S at 207.9 inches. The Rivian R1S features seating for seven passengers, while the Scout Traveler offers seating for five or six passengers. Each vehicle provides a range of seating configurations to accommodate passenger needs and preferences.
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