Which midsize SUV has more of what you want in an off-road ride, the 2025 Ford Bronco or the upcoming 2025 Volkswagen Scout? Our comparison guide takes a look.
Key Takeaways
- Compared to the Traveler, you can purchase a new Bronco at a steep discount!
- The award-winning Ford Bronco delivers proven off-road chops, along with an incredible range of rugged upgrades.
- Thanks to its instant electric torque, the Scout Traveler offers blazing speed!
- Both off-roading SUVs are big on style, but we’ll leave it to you to decide which model speaks to your personal tastes.
Best Price: 2025 Ford Bronco
Shopping for the best price? You can nab a brand new Bronco starting at just $37,995! That’s because the Bronco’s Base model has returned for 2025 to give the people what they want: a very affordable off-roading SUV.
With the upcoming Volkswagen Scout, you won’t be so lucky. This handsomely equipped EV will start at an estimated $60,000. That’s not exactly an attainable price for everyone, but those who can manage it will be rewarded with a high-powered, off-road-ready ride.
Off-Road Capabilities: 2025 Ford Bronco
We’ll give this one to the Traveler if it ever manages to beat the Bronco in the Baja 1000! Until then, the Bronco reins supreme when it comes to traveling through brutal terrain. Ford’s rugged SUV offers a range of trim models and performance upgrades, peaking with the top-tier Raptor. And thanks to the widely available Sasquatch Package, which includes performance features like mud-terrain tires, electronically locking front and rear axles, and an extra suspension lift, it’s easy to transform any trim model into an absolute beast!
The Volkswagen Scout Traveler has yet to arrive, so we can’t say for sure how it feels in rugged terrain. Like the Bronco, this SUV will ride on a body-on-frame chassis for a solid off-road performance. It’ll also come standard with front and locking differentials, 35-inch tires, and a disconnecting sway bar, all of which come in handy when the going gets tough. And the Traveler’s dual-motor setup will power all four wheels!
Speed: 2025 Volkswagen Scout Traveler
The Scout Traveler’s EV powertrain will help it deliver incredible speed. Thanks to an estimated 1,000 pound-feet of instant torque, Scout says this rugged SUV will travel from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds! And an estimated 350-mile driving range means you’ll be able to adventure deep into the wilderness between charges. The Traveler will also offer a gas-powered range extender to help you travel a total of 500 miles!
According to Car and Driver, the fastest version of the Bronco goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Although the Bronco isn’t quite as fast as the electric Traveler, it supplies plenty of power for your off-roading needs. The strongest engine — found in the rugged Raptor trim model — churns up 418 horses and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Sporty Interior Style: It’s a Tie!
Promo shots of the Volkswagen Scout Traveler’s interior look incredible! And with such a high starting price, we’re not really surprised. Taking its cues from both 70s-era style and modern luxury cars, this rugged EV’s cabin features wood trim and tan leather seating. Details remain scarce, but it looks like the Traveler will also feature a digital gauge display and an expansive central touchscreen!
Of course, the 2025 Ford Bronco has plenty of its own style. Ford’s midsize SUV also gives you a wide range of options! For uptown luxury vibes, there’s the Outer Banks trim model. To combine outsized capabilities with leather seating and sporty Code Orange trim, there’s the Bronco Raptor. If it's 70s styling you seek, you’ll love the all-new Stroppe Edition, featuring a two-tone theme that displays Oxford White and Code Orange inside and out.
The Right Rugged SUV for You
The upcoming Volkswagen Scout Traveler will no doubt be an incredible luxury cruiser with rugged leanings. However, when it comes to tried-and-true off-road performance, the 2025 Ford Bronco is still king. Ford’s adventurous SUV is also the best option when it comes to pricing, helping you save thousands on a trail-ready ride!