Which off-roading SUV will take you further into the wilderness, the 2025 Ford Bronco or the Volkswagen Scout Traveler? Our comparison helps you figure out which of these midsize SUVs is ready for action!
Key Takeaways
- Both SUVs offer roomy interior comfort. The Traveler comes standard with more luxury features, but you can add just as many upscale amenities to the Bronco!
- The Ford Bronco has proven its off-road capabilities again and again, unlike the Scout Traveler, which has yet to appear.
- As an EV, the Traveler delivers a torque-heavy performance and reduces your gasoline budget to $0.
- Not only can you order a new Bronco right now, but choosing Ford’s off-roading SUV will save you thousands of dollars!
Everyday Comfort: It’s a Tie!
Although Volkswagen hasn’t announced all the details, the upcoming Scout Traveler is set to be both rugged and luxurious. Inside, you can expect to see upscale flourishes, like leather seating and genuine wood trim. The Traveler also borrows styling cues from classic 70s SUVs, creating a look that’s somehow both familiar and distinctive. Besides upscale comforts and handsome styling, this off-roading EV is also set to deliver plenty of technology, including a digital instrument cluster and a modern infotainment system.
Luckily, we know a lot more about the 2025 Ford Bronco. Unlike the Traveler, the Bronco offers a variety of trim models, making off-road adventure attainable for a wide range of budgets. And just like the Traveler, you can find plenty of luxury items and cutting-edge tech features throughout the lineup. The Bronco’s list of standard features includes a digital instrument panel and SYNC 4 infotainment (along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Higher trim models are big on luxury, offering goodies like leather-clad seats and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Off-Road Performance: 2025 Ford Bronco
This year, the Bronco won the Baja 1000 for its class! You can’t get that kind of off-road promise from just any old SUV equipped with four-wheel drive. No, the Ford Bronco has proven its off-road capabilities again and again, even earning the nickname Goes Over Any Type of Terrain. Every Bronco is ready for action, and climbing the trim models only means a more adventurous performance. On higher trims, you’ll find everything from Fox shocks to 37-inch all-terrain tires! Available suspension upgrades mean you can travel over land at faster speeds.
Volkswagen is making big promises about the Scout Traveler’s off-roading capabilities. But the fact remains that we — along with everyone else — haven’t been able to put this EV to the test. We can hope for the best, but only time will tell if the luxurious Scout Traveler could even finish the Baja 1000. From what we know right now, it’s easy to see that the Traveler will tackle trails with ease — as long as you plan to take it easy. For high-speed off-roading, you’re better off with the Bronco!
Premium Power: 2025 Volkswagen Scout Traveler EV
When the Traveler finally gets here, Volkswagen says it’ll go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds! The automaker hasn’t announced how much horsepower we can expect, but the EV’s dual motors are expected to deliver up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
Here’s what we know about the Volkswagen Scout Traveler’s powertrain specs:
- Battery-powered dual motors (estimated 1,000 lb-ft of torque)
- All-wheel drive
- Estimated 350-mile range
- Estimated 500-mile range with available gas-powered ride extender
Of course, the Bronco is also available with its own powerful engine options. The Bronco Raptor trim model delivers the biggest dose of power, thanks to an exclusive turbo V6 rated for 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. And just like the Traveler, every Bronco trim model sends power to all four wheels for a down-and-dirty performance.
Powertrain specs for the 2025 Ford Bronco include:
- Standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional 2.7L turbo V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Raptor-specific 3.0L turbo V6 (418 horsepower, 440 lb-ft of torque)
- 10-speed automatic
- Four-wheel drive
Availability: 2025 Ford Bronco
The 2025 Ford Bronco is available for immediate off-road fun! It also starts at a much lower price ($37,995) than the Volkswagen Scout Traveler (estimated to start around $60,000). When you choose the Bronco for your outdoor adventures, you’ll save thousands of dollars on a ride that’s ready for action (unlike the competition).
Unfortunately, we still don’t know when the Traveler will officially arrive — maybe for the 2027 model year? 2028? Here’s to hoping it gets here soon. When it does, you can expect a luxurious cabin and incredible speed. But you could be waiting years!
Make the Best Choice
Not only is the Bronco available now (versus who knows when), but it also delivers proven off-road capabilities, your choice of cabin upgrades, and the best price! Save thousands of dollars and hit the trail immediately in Ford’s iconic midsize SUV. To experience the new Bronco trim models in person, visit us at Karl Flammer Ford. Call or text us to schedule a test-drive!