Guess the DougScore!

[EtalsMocSmurof]

I've followed Doug Demuro since the Jalopnik/The Truth About Cars era (when both these sites were actually good) - and I'm curious what ya'll think the DougScore might be?

What is a DougScore? Well it's linked here: https://www.dougdemuro.com/dougscore (scroll below the table to see his methodology).

It's his review score of a vehicle in 10 categories, each scored from 1-10 points. More points = better DougScore (not necessarily a better vehicle).

Some of these categories are very straightforward - like Acceleration, where mathematically, Slate would earn the worst possible score (1 point for a 0-60 time over 7.1 seconds). Some are comparative, like Handling, which he will score based upon his experiences with both supercars and econoboxes. Fun Factor is at the other end of the spectrum and completely subjective - I think Slate's ethos is FUN, but would Doug? Finally, some of the categories, like Features is going to be very hard to score on Slate given the customization - does Doug review a blank Slate, or a $35k well optioned model?

Here's the full list of categories: Styling, Acceleration, Handling, Fun Factor, Cool Factor, Features, Comfort, Quality, Practicality and Value.

So, what's your thoughts on how Doug, or yourself, would give the Slate a DougScore?

 

[Ferrite]

Honestly, pretty low score from him, he's already talked about how he thinks the Slate is going to flop.

Personally? All categories should be pretty high except for acceleration, features, and handling, which would do just ok

 

[Moe]

FWIW, it’s probably a few tenths quicker to 60 than our Subaru Forester, which I seldom give more than 2/3 to 3/4 throttle.

 

[EV Trek]

Never liked the guy I think I only watched a couple videos of his and came to the conclusion his opinions do not coincide with mine for the most part.

 

[E90400K]

Who really cares? Seriously.

 

[kvermeer]

Here's the full list of categories: Styling, Acceleration, Handling, Fun Factor, Cool Factor, Features, Comfort, Quality, Practicality and Value.

Here's my score:

Styling: 8 Form follows function, but it could be lower or have more poke and tighter fender flares...but you can add those.

Acceleration: 9 Across everything I've ever owned, my 2003 Vibe GT had a stick shift with a 2ZZ that rev'ed to 8700 and hit "lift" over 6000... but a skilled driver could only beat the Slate by half a second. The noise and clutch work counted for something, but I expect Slate's instant electric motor will feel snappier than anything I'm used to.

Handling: 4 It's a truck not a sedan. The low CG will help and the higher weight will hurt, RWD will be fun but it's nothing special.

Fun Factor: 10 To me, this has to be a catch-all category that encapsulates all the adventures and projects that Slate encourages, with all the customization that's possible. Unlike other vehicles that come as they are and make it hard to make them special, my Slate can have exactly the fun stuff that I want it to have and nothing else.

Cool factor: 6, unique is cool, but it's just a truck.

Features: 7 I think I wish it had 4WD, I wish tow capacity was 3500 lbs, and I recognize that it lacks "features" that are standard with lots of other brands, but in many cases this "feature stuffing" with LEDs and actuators and quirky stuff everywhere (I do miss my Saab) is actually a net negative. Simplicity is itself a feature, and one that's hard to find anywhere.

Comfort: 3 It would be higher with a heat pump, but it's a truck not a limo. This isn't particularly important to me.

Quality: 5 It's built to maximize long-term affordability. I don't care if the panel gaps are a little wonky, because they're individually replaceable rust-proof composite wrappable panels, that's quality in a way that even the sleekest and tightest German engineering can't match. Evaluate quality after a year on the farm, not fresh off the dealer lot...but it's still built to a low price.

Practicality: 10 I don't know how you'd make it more utilitarian.

Value: 10 Absolutely the cheapest 2-door BEV pickup with a 2000 lbs tow rating made and designed in America.... And also most of those things by themselves.

Granted, Doug is reviewing and comparing cars that I'm only ever going to see in a museum. It's irrelevant that a $20M McLaren scores higher on some attribute because I can barely afford to look at it in person much less buy it.

 

[SpoonKiller]

It's so stupid to rate a truck using a car rating. You're scoring it for things it doesn't care about... 0-60... yes it goes 0-60 and it does it like a regular truck should = 10/10

 

[cadblu]

I’m going to take a different approach here. Objectively, I think the Slate will score higher than most people think. First off, we all know Doug is intrigued by “quirks and features.” And we have plenty of quirks…. for starters, the roll up windows, manual mirrors, removable composite body panels, no screens, and only 2 doors in a market dominated by 4 door pickups. The fully customizable interior is also a huge quirk, along with conversions to SUVs and open air configurations. The online configurator is arguably the Slate‘s biggest feature. Not too many other modern or technical features to discuss. This, in itself, is also a quirk.

I recall Doug used to rate vehicles using the sum of a “daily“ score and a “weekend” score. The Slate is going to be a big winner in the daily category. As for weekend getaways, its limited range will hurt the weekend score.

 

[SichuanHot]

Doug is so out of touch of the average American. He lives in one of the highest cost of living areas, San Diego, and has multiple cars worth over 1 mil. He's just gonna point out all the stuff it lacks and call them negatives when in fact they're positive for long term ownership and repairability (TBD).

 

[EVfun]

Who really cares? Seriously.

Exactly! Who cares about Doug Dumb's opinion?

 

[Slatester89]

I've followed Doug Demuro since the Jalopnik/The Truth About Cars era (when both these sites were actually good) - and I'm curious what ya'll think the DougScore might be?

What is a DougScore? Well it's linked here: https://www.dougdemuro.com/dougscore (scroll below the table to see his methodology).

It's his review score of a vehicle in 10 categories, each scored from 1-10 points. More points = better DougScore (not necessarily a better vehicle).

Some of these categories are very straightforward - like Acceleration, where mathematically, Slate would earn the worst possible score (1 point for a 0-60 time over 7.1 seconds). Some are comparative, like Handling, which he will score based upon his experiences with both supercars and econoboxes. Fun Factor is at the other end of the spectrum and completely subjective - I think Slate's ethos is FUN, but would Doug? Finally, some of the categories, like Features is going to be very hard to score on Slate given the customization - does Doug review a blank Slate, or a $35k well optioned model?

Here's the full list of categories: Styling, Acceleration, Handling, Fun Factor, Cool Factor, Features, Comfort, Quality, Practicality and Value.

So, what's your thoughts on how Doug, or yourself, would give the Slate a DougScore?

I think his DoucheScore will be in the 40s.

b.

 

[Buffalo]

FWIW, it’s probably a few tenths quicker to 60 than our Subaru Forester, which I seldom give more than 2/3 to 3/4 throttle.

That’s the way I drive my 2025 Forster.
BTW it’s a very nice car with all wheel drive.

 

[E90400K]

I’m going to take a different approach here. Objectively, I think the Slate will score higher than most people think. First off, we all know Doug is intrigued by “quirks and features.” And we have plenty of quirks…. for starters, the roll up windows, manual mirrors, removable composite body panels, no screens, and only 2 doors in a market dominated by 4 door pickups. The fully customizable interior is also a huge quirk, along with conversions to SUVs and open air configurations. The online configurator is arguably the Slate‘s biggest feature. Not too many other modern or technical features to discuss. This, in itself, is also a quirk.

I recall Doug used to rate vehicles using the sum of a “daily“ score and a “weekend” score. The Slate is going to be a big winner in the daily category. As for weekend getaways, its limited range will hurt the weekend score.

Any pickup should rate high on the Weekend Score. Pickups are literally designed to do weekend activities. Hopefully Doug figures that out, Lol.