Should Scout add a compact model?

The first thing you notice when you see the new Scout Traveler and Terra is just how big they are. The Traveler measures about 191 inches long without the spare tire, and roughly 208 inches with it mounted. That’s serious size, and it immediately suggests there’s plenty of room in the lineup for something smaller and cheaper from the revived Scout brand.

Something smaller, more affordable, and maybe a little more creative. Scout could take a page from Rivian’s playbook with the upcoming R3, which is easily one of the most interesting new EVs on the horizon. Instead of being a mini version of a larger SUV, the R3 is a sporty hatchback with clear visual inspiration from older cars like the AMC Spirit and various European hatchbacks from decades past.

Scout could stand out by doing something similar. Imagine a compact, off-road-oriented two-door hatchback or sedan—short, chunky, and designed more for fun than family duty. Of course, the big question is whether there’s a real market for something like that. The safer move would be a smaller Traveler, roughly Honda HR-V sized, much like Rivian’s R2 is essentially a scaled-down R1.

But maybe Scout shouldn’t play it safe. Going head-to-head with the R3 using something unexpected could give the brand real character. VW will likely push for a smaller SUV, but a small off-road two-door with an EV or range-extended setup sounds genuinely fun—and very Scout.