As someone who grew up camping, overlanding and generally always having outdoor adventure dreams bigger than my gear budget, I‘m pumped to analyze these upcoming vehicles designed to deliver iconic heritage with high-tech eco- torque. You may have heard the rumors about new electrified SUVs from Ford and Volkswagen aiming to rekindle old-school off-road vibes – the Bronco hybrid and reborn Scout EV models.
Based on early details, both seem positioned to hit the sweet spot for weekend warriors and outdoor gearheads like us who want vintage personality and high-tech capability in a 4×4 package. Let‘s dig deeper into what drives interest in these nameplates, how the retro-future SUVs may compare based on available intel so far, and which one looks primed to win over drivers seeking rugged EVs.
I’ll level-set by exploring the storied histories and rising hype for both brands first. Then we’ll transition to exploring the eagerly awaited production models powered by electrons instead of gasoline – the 2024 Bronco plug-in hybrid and future Scout EV models from VW’s reboot.
Why These Brand Names Still Captivate After All These Years
Before looking ahead, understanding the resonant histories that Ford and VW hope to channel is important context…
The OG Ford Bronco: Attainable Ruggedness That Launched an Icon
When early Broncos hit the scene in the mid-1960s, they stood out as versatile, no-frills 4x4s offering greater access to off-road adventure. The compact wagon rode on tried-and-true pickup bones suspended for durability. Classic boxy proportions allowed owners to readily customize the rigs with lifts, lights, winches and gear to suit needs.
Affordability combined with rugged dependability quickly fostered a devoted following. Tales grew of Broncos exploring landscapes far off the beaten path. Aftermarket vendors expanded modification offerings, further personalizing every rig. The first-gen Bronco grew particularly coveted for its stone-simple robustness and badge signaling that owner’s outdoorsy, freedom-seeking spirit.
Yes, successive generations gained size and refinement through the 1990s. But interest and nostalgic appeal largely centered on the no-frills, go-anywhere credibility embodied in the early models.
So when Ford unveiled today’s new Bronco generation for 2021, everyone took notice…especially those still driving weathered but beloved vintage examples. The throwback design effortlessly channels adventure-ready vintages, from its boxy dimensions to cleanly styled bodywork and requisite customization components. And rumors of a new hybrid model suggest Ford may carry capabilities even further.
The Scout SUV That Kept It Simple And Authentic
Somewhat lesser known but equally formative in off-road lore was the International Scout. When it debuted in 1961, the Scout stood out as a back-to-basics 4×4 alternative to more comfort-oriented family haulers gaining traction. Short overhangs, stout axles and ample ride height delivered effortless all-terrain talent shrouded in a simple wagon body that spotlighted function over form.
That authentic blend of capability and practicality quickly earned respect from owners venturing well off the pavement. During Scout’s heyday, mainstream SUV options largely focused on passenger comfort. But the Scout kept things simple – ruggedness, gear capacity and maneuverability came first. Only the essentials made it aboard, supported by a sticker price working-class outdoor explorers could attain.
Scout fostered loyalty similar to early Broncos among no-frills overlanding devotees prioritizing capability above all. That lasting recognition ultimately attracted VW Group’s interest this past year as an ideal brand platform for reintroduction. And the visions for an all-electric reboot suggest the Scout’s core character will reach an even wider enthusiast audience when production launches after 2025.
New Age Hardware Under the Skin: Hybrid Power vs. Electric Motors
As you can tell, Ford and VW clearly recognize the equity lingering in both the Bronco and Scout nameplates among 4×4 enthusiasts. By all early accounts, both automakers aim to channel the essence of those formative SUVs into new zero-emission models. Now, let’s explore the powertrain approaches and available details.
Ford Delivers a Bronco Hybrid Boasting Efficiency & Power
Confirming long-running rumors, Ford has a Bronco plug-in hybrid model deep into development for launch likely by late 2024. The prototype shows an unchanged retro design outside but packs advanced electrification inside. Engineers borrowed a hybrid powertrain from the Escape and Maverick PHEVs, although tuning upgrades designed for off-road applications are likely.
That means the Bronco PHEV should deliver 30+ miles of all-electric driving from its 18 kWh battery before the turbocharged gas engine seamlessly kicks on. Combined range should ease close to 500 miles based on Ford’s other SUV hybrids. So you can explore trails under electric power then let the turbo engine’s 375 horsepower and big torque take over when climbing rocky paths.
The Bronco community seems pumped by the PHEV’s blend of daily efficiency with uncompromised weekend 4×4 talents in the heritage-focused retro wrapper. This electrified model should retain all the hardware for axle articulation, water fording, hill climbing and so on that define Bronco’s off-road credentials. Just think EV-grade torque filling in for turbo boost!
Volkswagen Resurrects Scout as Electric-Only Off-Road Brand
Separately, VW Group sees enough appeal lingering around International’s long-defunct Scout brand to justify a $3.7 billion reboot exclusively devoted to electric 4x4s. Engineers have begun testing camouflaged SUV prototypes in desert terrain to gauge durability and demonstrate off-road aspirations.
VW remains mum on powertrain particulars. But as an EV-dedicated imprint, Scout models almost surely will run dual motors with AWD torque vectoring. Combined output could readily eclipse 400 horsepower and hit 500+ lb-ft of instant torque based on other VW Group EVs. The concepts suggest ground clearance, approach angles and battery shielding are all designed for legit off-highway use.
Production Scout EVs aren’t expected until late 2025 at the soonest. But VW wants to support over-the-air updates enhancing capabilities over time. If realized as envisioned, I expect these electric Scouts to deliver a unique blend of retro-flavored design meeting the off-road potential EVs can fully unlock.
How the Upcoming Retro Rigs Should Compare Across Considerations
Now that we’ve covered the histories and high-level tech directions, let’s dig into a deeper comparison across factors that should influence preferences once production editions hit the market.
| Comparison Points | Ford Bronco PHEV | VW Scout EV |
|---|---|---|
| Electrified Range / MPG | 30+ miles battery / 42 MPG combined estimate | 300+ miles target on full charge |
| Power & Acceleration | 375+ hp combined / 420+ lb-ft torque | 400+ hp target / 500+ lb-ft torque |
| Charging Standard | J1772 | J1772, possibly CCS |
| Off-road Hardware | Traditional 4WD w/ low range | Electric AWD w/ torque vectoring |
| Customization Potential | High via Ford accessories | Unknown currently |
You can see above the different technology paths intended to deliver rugged off-road talent through either hybrid efficiency or unbridled EV power. As production gets closer, we’ll learn how pricing, custom-built configuration options and real-world performance factor in too.
For instance, Ford already confirmed the PHEV powertrain adds no price premium over comparable gas Bronco grades. And Scout EVs aim to open interest among younger audiences by targeting affordability matched with high-tech overlanding appeal.
Let’s explore a few other comparison discussion points beyond the specs for deeper perspective…
Customization Potential: With the huge Bronco accessories catalog and Ford’s familiar modder community in place from the gas models, it’s reasonable to expect PHEV personalization should prove similarly extensive. VW hasn’t hinted yet whether Scouts will offer tailored configuration options or rely on the aftermarket. But flexibility seems critical given old-school overlander preferences.
Trail Talent: The Bronco’s proven hardware plus rear locker option probably assurance traditional 4×4 cred will carry over. Scout’s EV advantage lies in instant torque for technical maneuvers. Ford’s tuning mastery will determine how well 30 electric miles translate off-road before gas assistance.
Technology Integration: OTA updates can refine Scout EV capabilities over time. In-house customization via software may be easier than complex mechanical mods. Bronco Sync screen functionality likely mimics other PHEVs.
Rugged Styling: Both nail a retro vibe – Bronco via throwback design; Scout by shaping today’s EV crossover cues into more truckish angles. Previews look great but production variances will show whether heritage spirits translate in sheet metal.
So while we lack complete details until launches finalize specifications, you can see Ford and VW are clearly planning different formulas to blend nostalgic rugged appeal with electrified capabilities. The retro formulas should resonate with adventure-focused drivers open to either the efficiency hedge of a hybrid or forward-looking off-road talents pure electric power provides.
The Looming Question: Which Retro-Flavored EV Capability Resonates Most?
Think of it like a rivalry renewal…the days of debating the superior rock crawler between International Scout devotees and Ford Bronco fanatics have returned. Only now with eco-minded torque taking prominence.
Given large prerelease awareness and buzz for Ford’s heritage restomod design take in the 2021 Bronco, interest seems sky-high to consider the upcoming PHEV. 30 electric miles paired with turbo power retains full off-road talents in a proven wrapper. Efficiency gains come as a bonus allowing daily commutes sans gas.
However, VW’s ambitions to push electric overlanding into legit high-capability territory via the new Scout sub-brand remains intriguing. If benchmarks like 300+ miles of range, three seconds to 60 mph and torque vectoring power hold true, followers of the International Scout legend may find the eagerly awaited production EV models disrupt expectations for electric adventure trucks.
And that friendly rivalry pushing rugged EVs forward stands to benefit off-road driving enthusiasts no matter your tech preference. More accessible, eco-friendly electric and hybrid options tailored for remote exploration should arrive in coming years from multiple automakers. But Ford and VW are leading the push by infusing legacy nameplates with batteries, motors and digitally-enhanced talents.
For you or I seeking off-road playmates Driving us closer to trails less travelled but friendlier for the environments we aim to experience in our adventures, the appeal lies palpable in exploring lands that move our souls via the retro personalities these capable electric SUVs aim to channel from brands that pioneered access.
I don’t know your preference yet between the Bronco or Scout legacies. But either way, it’s an exciting era seeing powertrain innovations reimagine four-wheeling nostalgia. When production models hit trails, we’ll reconvene here to evaluate which formula rings most true to the mission of attaining sustainable off-grid pursuits as technology expands what’s possible.
Judging by early glimpses though, both Ford and VW seem to capture ingredients resonant with freedom-seekers who crave adventure serenaded by the sounds of wind, water and wildlife rather than internal combustion. I expect heritage-flavored electrification will resonate strongly across owner demographics who crave both sustainability and scenery ripe for exploration now more than ever.
Sound good, my friend? Let me know how else I can break down the Bronco/Scout comparisons as more details emerge on these capable electric truck options. Analyzing innovations that simplify pursuing passions out in nature brings me great joy. Hopefully the same holds true as you evaluate how these retro-inspired yet future-forward SUVs might enhance time spent on – or off – the road less travelled!
