Scout Motors Officially Reveals Traveler SUV, Terra Truck; All Electric, All Rugged

It’s okay if you forgot that Volkswagen acquired the Scout nameplate some years ago, as news regarding said revival has been sparse. But that’s no longer the case, as Scout has officially revealed their first two vehicles, the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck, at a live streamed event in Franklin, Tennessee.

Although technically a continuation of the International Harvester brand last assembled in 1980, Scout has been reimagined as an all-electric startup company, akin to what we’ve seen in the past with Rivian. The difference here is that decades-old legacy Scout is able to pull from; despite the modern powertrain, technology and construction, their design language and brand messaging is largely driven by nostalgia.

The vehicles themselves, as stated, are driven by electricity. While exact details on the battery capacity, power output and range are yet to be confirmed, Scout did share some of the broader points. Scout’s vehicles are body-on-frame, utilizing a four-wheel-drive system with an electric drive unit located at each axle, projecting up to 1,000 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 mph time “as quick as 3.5 seconds.” Vehicles are assembled with an 800-volt architecture and 350-kilowatt charging capabilities with North American Charging Standard (NACS) plugs; bi-directional charging is also possible, meaning energy can be offloaded from the vehicle to power others.

But as a bit of a surprise near the end of the reveal, Scout also debuted the Harvester gas-powered range extender. Available for both the Traveler and Terra, the Harvester uses an internal-combustion engine to recharge the vehicle’s battery pack. With the Harvester equipped, range is projected to exceed 500 miles; though one could argue the real advantage here is the flexibility allotted to those serious about off-roading their new Scout rigs, strapping jerry cans to the side for a little safety net.

With regards to “serious off-roading,” Scout’s body-on-frame platform is composed of galvanized steel. A solid axle is outfitted in the rear, joined by mechanical lockers forward and aft, a front sway bar disconnect, the ability to accommodate 35-inch tires, and “robust suspension options,” flexing over a foot of ground clearance and nearly a yard’s worth of water fording capabilities. For those on the job, the Terra truck is expected to deliver a 10,000 lbs. of towing and a 2,000 lb. payload capacity. The Traveler shares the same payload cap, rated at 7,000 lbs. of towing.

If “big, bold and boxy” is what defines the current overlanding market, both Scouts may be considered part of the in-crowd. They feature short overhangs and squared edges, resting with a tall stance and unique LED elements, including the horizontal DRLs on the front which disappear and reappear onto the front bodywork. The Scout Terra features a 5.5-foot bed, while the Traveler sees a split tailgate and an integrated spare tire carrier (the pickup’s spare tire carrier is located underneath, able to hold up to 33-inch rubber– a 35-inch tire requires a bed-mounted carrier). Off-centered “Scout” typography and extra body cladding further define the unique design language.

The interior’s most interesting feature may just be the available front bench seat, an option for the Terra pickup for those looking to ditch the extra storage and versatility of the center console in favor of bringing more friends along for the adventure. Another appreciated inclusion, regardless of seating, is the ample use of physical buttons for vehicle controls, through screens are used for infotainment and instrumentation.

If this is enough to hype you up for a Scout of your very own, reservations are open now, with entry-level models starting “as low as $50,000 with available incentives” and under $60K for starting retail prices. Production will begin at the Scout Motors Production Center, located  near Columbia, South Carolina, in 2027. We have a ways to go for the first Scouts to make their way here, but when they do arrive, customers will be able to purchase one directly from Scout Motors online. Plans are in motion for physical retail spaces, giving consumers a chance to test, purchase and service their new vehicle.