In our buying guide, we’re comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco and Volkswagen Scout Traveler EV for off-road enthusiasts! Which of these rugged, midsize SUVs is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Bronco to save thousands on the cost of a new off-road SUV!
- Of the pair, only the Bronco has proven its off-road capabilities, with available upgrades that send you flying through rugged terrain at high speeds.
- The Traveler’s electric motors will produce a total of 1,000 pound-feet of torque, which most likely gives it the strongest powertrain.
- Inside, both SUVs offer your choice of modern luxuries and tech features!
Budget-Friendly Price: 2025 Ford Bronco
If you don’t want to overspend on a go-anywhere SUV, the Bronco is the best option. With its $37,995 MSRP, the 2025 Bronco can save you thousands of dollars compared to the upcoming Scout Traveler. Although Scout is hoping for incentives that will bring the starting price down to $50,000, its actual MSRP is closer to $60,000. At the moment, the future of federal EV tax credits is in question, clouding the company’s hopes for a discount. But even if Scout manages to secure incentives in some states, the Bronco remains the most affordable option!
Off-Road Performance: 2025 Ford Bronco
When it comes to high-speed off-road capabilities, the Ford Bronco has proven itself again and again. Throughout the Bronco lineup, you’ll find suspension upgrades that allow you to take on rugged terrain at a shockingly quick clip — especially in the Badlands, Stroppe Edition, and Raptor trim models. And every Bronco delivers turbocharged power and standard four-wheel drive, allowing drivers to enjoy wild adventure at any budget.
Since the Scout Traveler has yet to officially arrive, we can’t really speak to its actual off-roading capabilities. We do know that this EV will come standard with some seriously rugged gear, including locking front and rear differentials, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a disconnecting front sway bar. What’s in doubt, however, is whether the Traveler’s suspension will be able to handle wild terrain at high speeds!
Startling Power: Volkswagen Scout Traveler EV
Like every EV, the upcoming Scout Traveler will supply instant torque — and with an output of 1,000 pound-feet of torque, its acceleration from a standing stop will likely be a thing of beauty. Scout hasn’t announced how much horsepower we can expect from the upcoming Traveler, but in a 0-to-60 contest back on the pavement, it’d likely beat the Bronco.
Of course, the Bronco has plenty of power on its own, with three turbocharged engines available. The strongest of the bunch, which you’ll find under the Bronco Raptor’s hood, is an EcoBoost V6 that musters 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque — more than enough output to get you up and over the obstacles in your path.
Interior Comfort: It’s a Tie!
Here, the Bronco and Traveler have a lot in common. For instance, both rugged SUVs are available with high-end features, including leather upholstery. From its high starting price, we can infer that Scout’s upcoming EV will come standard with more upscale features than the Bronco, including wood cabin trim. But, from what we can tell, the Bronco will be able to match the Traveler’s luxury and tech features with its available options!
Your New Off-Road Ride
There’s one thing we forgot to mention about the Volkswagen Scout Traveler EV — it won’t be here anytime soon. Some don’t expect it until the 2028 model year! The 2025 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, is here right now! Choose Ford’s rugged midsize SUV for the best price, high-speed capabilities, and the fact that you won’t have to wait for your adventures to begin.