What kind of tech do you expect enabled in the car or interface?

  • From all of us at Scout Motors, welcome to the Scout Community! We created this community to provide Scout vehicle owners, enthusiasts, and curiosity seekers with a place to engage in discussion, suggestions, stories, and connections. Supportive communities are sometimes hard to find, but we're determined to turn this into one.

    Additionally, Scout Motors wants to hear your feedback and speak directly to the rabid community of owners as unique as America. We'll use the Scout Community to deliver news and information on events and launch updates directly to the group. Although the start of production is anticipated in 2026, many new developments and milestones will occur in the interim. We plan to share them with you on this site and look for your feedback and suggestions.

    How will the Scout Community be run? Think of it this way: this place is your favorite local hangout. We want you to enjoy the atmosphere, talk to people who share similar interests, request and receive advice, and generally have an enjoyable time. The Scout Community should be a highlight of your day. We want you to tell stories, share photos, spread your knowledge, and tell us how Scout can deliver great products and experiences. Along the way, Scout Motors will share our journey to production with you.

    Scout is all about respect. We respect our heritage. We respect the land and outdoors. We respect each other. Every person should feel safe, included, and welcomed in the Scout Community. Being kind and courteous to the other forum members is non-negotiable. Friendly debates are welcomed and often produce great outcomes, but we don't want things to get too rowdy. Please take a moment to consider what you post, especially if you think it may insult others. We'll do our best to encourage friendly discourse and to keep the discussions flowing.

    So, welcome to the Scout Community! We encourage you to check back regularly as we plan to engage our members, share teasers, and participate in discussions. The world needs Scouts™. Let's get going.


    We are Scout Motors.
Rear view cameras have been mandatory since 2018, but it would be nice to have a stock dashcam. Saved our bacon in an accident.

If it's not included, it will be the first thing I add.

One other aftermarket I added to my old Sorento were rear view cameras on the side mirrors. Turn your turn signal on and it shows you the lane.

Also good for parking spots to see the lanes.
So basically like Sentry Mode in Tesla. Thus, a 360 / bird's eye camera should be standard.
 
Didn't she also place the coffee between her legs and not in a cup holder?
According to Wikipedia, the car didn’t have cup holders, and she was careful to have the driver park before trying to add cream and sugar to her coffee. She had asked only for money to cover medical expenses (about d20,000, after 8 days in the hospital including serious burns that required skin grafts). But McDonald’s refused so it ended up in court. The jury heard all the facts in this case and heard about hundreds of other cases that were minimized by McDonald’s and decided they needed big enough punitive damages to actually get them to change their behavior. They were serving coffee at 180 to 190°. Apparently there was some evidence that they were doing this to save money, e.g. so that it would slow people down so they would get fewer free refills, or to disguise the taste of bad coffee. Despite the popular meme, it was clearly not a frivolous lawsuit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nolen
I really like this idea of using the screen for FaceTime/video conference or as a second monitor when in park mode.

I also have always liked the Audi MMI console controls. It’s a really nice system so the driver doesn’t have to take their eyes off the road as much and avoids fingerprints/smudges on the screen.
 
I really like this idea of using the screen for FaceTime/video conference or as a second monitor when in park mode.

I also have always liked the Audi MMI console controls. It’s a really nice system so the driver doesn’t have to take their eyes off the road as much and avoids fingerprints/smudges on the screen.
BTW-Welcome to the forum
 
Lots of mention of CarPlay and Android Auto… I’ll specifically say wireless CarPlay.

Some people say no autonomous driving, but I disagree. I think semi-self driving on the highway is a huge boon to making an excellent road trip car. That is lane keep assist, adaptive cruise, and ideally hands free / eye tracking like Blue Cruise.

Real GPS with built in/downloaded maps. Rivian gets this so wrong - if you lose cell service, you have no navigation. The whole point of this car is to be able to get way out in the boonies. Scouts always come back…

Rear seat comfort. These seats should recline (in the Traveler) and have excellent HVAC, ideally with B pillar vents in addition to center console vents.

Easy HVAC synchronization. For some reason some cars with multi zone control lack this. Also, easy front control of rear seat HVAC for kids / dogs.

BMW iDrive 7.0 is the master class / gold standard of sufficient hardware buttons (including 8 customizable presets), logical layout, full features without bloat, and usability.
 
  • Like
Reactions: THil08
Lots of mention of CarPlay and Android Auto… I’ll specifically say wireless CarPlay.

Some people say no autonomous driving, but I disagree. I think semi-self driving on the highway is a huge boon to making an excellent road trip car. That is lane keep assist, adaptive cruise, and ideally hands free / eye tracking like Blue Cruise.

Real GPS with built in/downloaded maps. Rivian gets this so wrong - if you lose cell service, you have no navigation. The whole point of this car is to be able to get way out in the boonies. Scouts always come back…

Rear seat comfort. These seats should recline (in the Traveler) and have excellent HVAC, ideally with B pillar vents in addition to center console vents.

Easy HVAC synchronization. For some reason some cars with multi zone control lack this. Also, easy front control of rear seat HVAC for kids / dogs.

BMW iDrive 7.0 is the master class / gold standard of sufficient hardware buttons (including 8 customizable presets), logical layout, full features without bloat, and usability.
My 2017 MINI that I used to have before it was t-boned by someone that ICE should have taken since they were undocumented, it was dual climate, and it had a synchronize button.
 
Definitely interested in Scout, but wish pickup was available in Canada!

In terms of tech, would have to have heated wheel as standard, or as standalone option in any package, much like my Defender had. Our current 1958 Landcruiser and ‘24 Tacoma both have lots of tech, and can say what definitely I DON’T want, with respect to new tech—all of the new lane keeping assists, and things controlled by sensors are enough to drive one over the edge when they can’t be easily defeated!!

Front- facing sensors on bumpers get covered immediately by snow and then the indicators on dash Blink in a very distracting way, especially during a storm, where drivers need to really concentrate! If you can’t figure this out properly, I wouldn’t be interested, after dealing with these 2 new vehicles.
 
I really like this idea of using the screen for FaceTime/video conference or as a second monitor when in park mode.

I also have always liked the Audi MMI console controls. It’s a really nice system so the driver doesn’t have to take their eyes off the road as much and avoids fingerprints/smudges on the screen.
Welcome!
 
Definitely interested in Scout, but wish pickup was available in Canada!

In terms of tech, would have to have heated wheel as standard, or as standalone option in any package, much like my Defender had. Our current 1958 Landcruiser and ‘24 Tacoma both have lots of tech, and can say what definitely I DON’T want, with respect to new tech—all of the new lane keeping assists, and things controlled by sensors are enough to drive one over the edge when they can’t be easily defeated!!

Front- facing sensors on bumpers get covered immediately by snow and then the indicators on dash Blink in a very distracting way, especially during a storm, where drivers need to really concentrate! If you can’t figure this out properly, I wouldn’t be interested, after dealing with these 2 new vehicles.
Welcome to the forum!
 
My 2017 MINI that I used to have before it was t-boned by someone that ICE should have taken since they were undocumented, it was dual climate, and it had a synchronize button.
You seem to really be pushing your political stance this week. It starts taking away from some of your points and validity. Just saying!
 
Definitely interested in Scout, but wish pickup was available in Canada!

In terms of tech, would have to have heated wheel as standard, or as standalone option in any package, much like my Defender had. Our current 1958 Landcruiser and ‘24 Tacoma both have lots of tech, and can say what definitely I DON’T want, with respect to new tech—all of the new lane keeping assists, and things controlled by sensors are enough to drive one over the edge when they can’t be easily defeated!!

Front- facing sensors on bumpers get covered immediately by snow and then the indicators on dash Blink in a very distracting way, especially during a storm, where drivers need to really concentrate! If you can’t figure this out properly, I wouldn’t be interested, after dealing with these 2 new vehicles.
Did SM announce it wouldn’t be? I missed that
 
I didn't want to open a whole new thread for this. So this topic made the most sense.
I am a huge proponent of open source and think just about everything is better in the open.

I sae this post and it really peaked my interest.

And was thinking, what a cool concept to pick your autonomous driving engine.

You would have to pry my comma3x from my cold dead hands. Been following the Rivian port development hoping it translates to the scout.
 
I don’t trust any computer to control my driving and I’m hoping it’s another 25 years + as which point I’ll be aging out of the ability to drive and may at that point desire the feature
When they say Comma3x, i see Coma 3 times worse from an accident. I don’t think i can’t trust a vehicle to drive me. I come from a few generations of racers and moonshine runners. So letting a computer drive me is out of the equation.
 
  • Like
Reactions: J Alynn
When they say Comma3x, i see Coma 3 times worse from an accident. I don’t think i can’t trust a vehicle to drive me. I come from a few generations of racers and moonshine runners. So letting a computer drive me is out of the equation.
That seems like a legal nightmare waiting to happen.
 
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: J Alynn and THil08
All valid points and thoughts. Personally I'd give it as much trust as adaptive cruise control today.
I see it as an extra level of safety, for long road trips.
But I think choice is key. You wanna run with what the manufacturer provided, go for it. It may be better or it may not be compared to 3rd party options. Or maybe your vehicle's built in feature is subscription based and you just want an option to outright pay once and own it.
And giving choice means it doesn't have to be a standard feature forced on everyone.

I realize this is all pie in the sky, and don't expect any fundamental decision changes at this late in the game. Plus insurance needs to catch up and decide who's at fault if say a 3rd party system got in a crash. And legislation in all the states to start allowing it, yad yada yada.
 
I'm a bit late to the party since I reserved my Terra truck 4 days ago. I'm a tech guy, so I would love for the car to have a lot of cool tech in it, but without sacrificing the rugged feel of the interior and the vehicle. I love that there are actual switches, buttons, etc., instead of everything being controlled on the touch screen. I've read a lot of posts with so many good ideas, so here's my list (in no particular order) that I pulled from what I saw and added in a few others as well:

Infotainment & Connectivity​

  • Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay that automatically activates on startup
  • Multiple phone integration, each family member’s phone displayed on the home screen
  • Customizable phone access, select which phone is used for media and calls, defaulting to the last setting
  • Google Maps integration, default navigation through Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
  • Integration with A Better Route Planner (ABRP) for EV charging optimization
  • Offline Navigation Option – In case of no cell service, an offline backup option (like downloading maps via Google Maps or a built-in system)
  • Two wireless charging pads up front and the ability to plug in to charge phones via cable in the back
  • 5G connectivity and OnStar-like feature,
    • I liked the idea of an optional SIM card slot for mobile data.
  • Park mode for infotainment use enables entertainment and work apps while stationary.
  • Push-to-talk button and great voice control (could also include different AI assistants, such as Apple Siri / Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
  • Premium stereo system, preferably JL Audio partnership
  • Homelink garage door integration
  • Configurable digital gauge cluster with an option for both “techy” and vintage look options
  • Customizable LED interior accent lighting (including a “dark” mode where all interior accent lights are off)

Safety & Driver Assistance​

  • 360-degree camera system, including backup, front, and trail cameras
  • Backup camera works with hitch accessories such as a bike rack
  • Parking distance control with visual and audible alerts
  • Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert – Helps when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces
  • Integrated Dash Cam – Factory-installed dash cam for security and accident recording
  • Lane departure warning with toggle on/off
  • Driver Monitoring System – Detects drowsiness or distractions and alerts the driver.
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Collision avoidance system
  • Emergency Braking for Pedestrians and Cyclists – Extra safety in urban or trail settings
  • Crash Detection & Emergency Services Contact – In case of an accident, automatically notifies emergency services
  • Dynamic stability control
  • Configurable suspension with adjustable height and comfort settings
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring with PSI Readout on Dashboard – More detailed control over tire pressure
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Heated wiper fluid nozzles
  • Dynamic LED headlights
  • Heads-up display options:
    • Including a digital clock/temperature read-out
    • Vehicle speed
    • Navigation directions
    • Lane departure warnings
    • Adaptive cruise control details
    • Battery charge level (for EVs)
    • Incoming call and media info
  • In my opinion, a hands-free driving mode isn’t necessary. Maybe a nice-to-have add-on for those who want it.

Towing & Charging​

  • Intelligent towing mode, which learns and logs the range impact of different trailers
  • Trailer-specific range estimates with custom profiles for boats, campers, etc.
  • Dual charging ports (front and rear) for better trailer charging access
  • 120V power outlets in frunk, dash, and tailgate
  • Regenerative Braking Adjustment for Towing – Different modes for smoother or more aggressive regenerative braking while towing

Comfort & Climate Control​

  • Heated steering wheel and heated seats (front and rear)
  • Ventilated / Cooled Seats – In addition to heated seats, cooling for hot climates
  • Heated mirrors and heated windshield options
  • Fast Defrost Mode – Quickly clears frost from windows
  • Customizable Climate Zones – Independent temperature settings for driver, front passenger, and rear passengers
  • Rear passenger HVAC control
  • Power seats with three-position memory linked to user profiles
  • Power liftgate and tailgate option
  • Built-in frunk cooler option
  • Soft ambient overhead lighting for night driving
  • Cupholders for rear passengers
  • HEPA Air Filtration – Filters out fine dust, pollen, allergens, and pollutants
  • Air Quality Defense Mode – Extra filtration in high-pollution areas or wildfire smoke conditions
  • Customizable Air Quality Monitoring – Displays real-time air quality inside and outside the vehicle
  • Auto-Recirculation Mode – Detects external pollution and switches to recirculated air.
  • Ionizer & Odor Reduction – Reduces odors and bacteria for a fresher cabin

Scout App Features / Smart Access & Personalization​

  • No subscription fees - the vehicle purchase should cover the cost of the software
  • Over-the-air updates for the vehicle's software
  • Pre-Scheduled Charging – Set the vehicle to charge during off-peak electricity hours
  • Remote start and pre-conditioning, schedule warm-up times in the morning and after work
  • Remote climate control, including defrost, heated seats, mirrors, and steering wheel
  • Remote Access to Vehicle Cameras – Check surroundings via the app for security or off-road scouting
  • Check engine light translations and part ordering through the app
  • Scheduled maintenance reminders and easy booking through the app
  • Road trip planner with charging stop integration
  • Scout store access for accessories, aftermarket parts, and gear
  • Scout community forum link with push notifications
  • Keyless entry options:
  • Phone-as-key without a subscription
  • Key card option (like Rivian) that can be stored in a wallet for convenience
  • Memory settings for seats, mirrors, stereo, and climate are linked to driver profiles
  • Multiple “key” access via app, send temporary digital keys to friends and family
  • Biometric Authentication for App & Vehicle – Fingerprint or facial recognition to unlock and start
  • Valet Mode – Limits speed, performance, and access to personal data when handing over the vehicle
 
I'm a bit late to the party since I reserved my Terra truck 4 days ago. I'm a tech guy, so I would love for the car to have a lot of cool tech in it, but without sacrificing the rugged feel of the interior and the vehicle. I love that there are actual switches, buttons, etc., instead of everything being controlled on the touch screen. I've read a lot of posts with so many good ideas, so here's my list (in no particular order) that I pulled from what I saw and added in a few others as well:

Infotainment & Connectivity​

  • Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay that automatically activates on startup
  • Multiple phone integration, each family member’s phone displayed on the home screen
  • Customizable phone access, select which phone is used for media and calls, defaulting to the last setting
  • Google Maps integration, default navigation through Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
  • Integration with A Better Route Planner (ABRP) for EV charging optimization
  • Offline Navigation Option – In case of no cell service, an offline backup option (like downloading maps via Google Maps or a built-in system)
  • Two wireless charging pads up front and the ability to plug in to charge phones via cable in the back
  • 5G connectivity and OnStar-like feature,
    • I liked the idea of an optional SIM card slot for mobile data.
  • Park mode for infotainment use enables entertainment and work apps while stationary.
  • Push-to-talk button and great voice control (could also include different AI assistants, such as Apple Siri / Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
  • Premium stereo system, preferably JL Audio partnership
  • Homelink garage door integration
  • Configurable digital gauge cluster with an option for both “techy” and vintage look options
  • Customizable LED interior accent lighting (including a “dark” mode where all interior accent lights are off)


Safety & Driver Assistance​

  • 360-degree camera system, including backup, front, and trail cameras
  • Backup camera works with hitch accessories such as a bike rack
  • Parking distance control with visual and audible alerts
  • Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert – Helps when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces
  • Integrated Dash Cam – Factory-installed dash cam for security and accident recording
  • Lane departure warning with toggle on/off
  • Driver Monitoring System – Detects drowsiness or distractions and alerts the driver.
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Collision avoidance system
  • Emergency Braking for Pedestrians and Cyclists – Extra safety in urban or trail settings
  • Crash Detection & Emergency Services Contact – In case of an accident, automatically notifies emergency services
  • Dynamic stability control
  • Configurable suspension with adjustable height and comfort settings
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring with PSI Readout on Dashboard – More detailed control over tire pressure
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Heated wiper fluid nozzles
  • Dynamic LED headlights
  • Heads-up display options:
    • Including a digital clock/temperature read-out
    • Vehicle speed
    • Navigation directions
    • Lane departure warnings
    • Adaptive cruise control details
    • Battery charge level (for EVs)
    • Incoming call and media info
  • In my opinion, a hands-free driving mode isn’t necessary. Maybe a nice-to-have add-on for those who want it.


Towing & Charging​

  • Intelligent towing mode, which learns and logs the range impact of different trailers
  • Trailer-specific range estimates with custom profiles for boats, campers, etc.
  • Dual charging ports (front and rear) for better trailer charging access
  • 120V power outlets in frunk, dash, and tailgate
  • Regenerative Braking Adjustment for Towing – Different modes for smoother or more aggressive regenerative braking while towing


Comfort & Climate Control​

  • Heated steering wheel and heated seats (front and rear)
  • Ventilated / Cooled Seats – In addition to heated seats, cooling for hot climates
  • Heated mirrors and heated windshield options
  • Fast Defrost Mode – Quickly clears frost from windows
  • Customizable Climate Zones – Independent temperature settings for driver, front passenger, and rear passengers
  • Rear passenger HVAC control
  • Power seats with three-position memory linked to user profiles
  • Power liftgate and tailgate option
  • Built-in frunk cooler option
  • Soft ambient overhead lighting for night driving
  • Cupholders for rear passengers
  • HEPA Air Filtration – Filters out fine dust, pollen, allergens, and pollutants
  • Air Quality Defense Mode – Extra filtration in high-pollution areas or wildfire smoke conditions
  • Customizable Air Quality Monitoring – Displays real-time air quality inside and outside the vehicle
  • Auto-Recirculation Mode – Detects external pollution and switches to recirculated air.
  • Ionizer & Odor Reduction – Reduces odors and bacteria for a fresher cabin


Scout App Features / Smart Access & Personalization​

  • No subscription fees - the vehicle purchase should cover the cost of the software
  • Over-the-air updates for the vehicle's software
  • Pre-Scheduled Charging – Set the vehicle to charge during off-peak electricity hours
  • Remote start and pre-conditioning, schedule warm-up times in the morning and after work
  • Remote climate control, including defrost, heated seats, mirrors, and steering wheel
  • Remote Access to Vehicle Cameras – Check surroundings via the app for security or off-road scouting
  • Check engine light translations and part ordering through the app
  • Scheduled maintenance reminders and easy booking through the app
  • Road trip planner with charging stop integration
  • Scout store access for accessories, aftermarket parts, and gear
  • Scout community forum link with push notifications
  • Keyless entry options:
  • Phone-as-key without a subscription
  • Key card option (like Rivian) that can be stored in a wallet for convenience
  • Memory settings for seats, mirrors, stereo, and climate are linked to driver profiles
  • Multiple “key” access via app, send temporary digital keys to friends and family
  • Biometric Authentication for App & Vehicle – Fingerprint or facial recognition to unlock and start
  • Valet Mode – Limits speed, performance, and access to personal data when handing over the vehicle
Lot of good stuff.
Welcome to the forum.
Some of these items, like dual wireless chargers have been shown and discussed so SM has been listening.
I really like the valet mode. Would be nice to have a valet fob as well which would auto sense and instantly go to that mode in case you forget to set it when turning car over