The fledgling but growing field of off-road-oriented electric vehicles (EVs) just got a jolt with the introduction of two exciting and highly anticipated models: The Scout Traveler SUV and the Scout Terra pickup truck.
“Scout?” you might ask, then wonder if this is related to the adventurous youth groups that camp together. Or, if you’re of another age, you might recall that a commercial truck maker called “International Harvester” made some seriously rugged SUVs and trucks with the Scout name back in the 1960s and ’70s.
It’s the latter. Two years ago, Volkswagen announced that it was resurrecting the Scout brand. VW said the reborn Scout Motors would continue the legacy of making adventurous SUVs and trucks. But, unlike the Scout rigs of 40-plus years ago, the modern-day ones would be all-electric.
After a couple of years of anticipation, we’ve now had the opportunity to see the all-new Scout Motors SUV and truck in person at the official media unveiling in Tennessee. We also had the chance to learn more about the all-new automotive brand as it enters the market — a rather seismic event in the car business and an endeavor not for the faint of heart or financially weak.
Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra Truck Details
Scout Motors calls its Traveler SUV and Terra Truck models “concepts,” but unlike most concept cars you might see at an auto show that will never see the light of day, these models appear fully fleshed out. Scout refers to these as “production-intent” and has provided many details, including one significant factor we didn’t see coming. More on that in a second.
Scout will build the Traveler SUV and Terra truck on an all-new proprietary platform, and they will back up their rugged and angular looks with off-road goods. Unlike other EVs — even those in the VW portfolio like the all-new ID. Buzz electric bus — the Scout models will be body-on-frame. This setup is superior for serious off-roading and towing demands, outperforming frameless unibody construction.
Scout projects that the Terra truck will deliver over 10,000 pounds of towing capacity, while the Traveler SUV will be good for over 7,000 pounds, with nearly 2,000 pounds of payload capacity for both. Each will offer up to 35-inch tires, over 12 inches of ground clearance, and can forge up to 3 feet of water. Also part of the setup are front sway-bar disconnect, solid rear axle, front and rear locking differentials, and a 4-wheel-drive system comprising an electric drive on each axle. These vehicles are not meant to be paper tigers but legit adventure rigs that “honor the spirit of the original Scout vehicles,” the new company says.
Other notable figures Scout boasts of are the ability to climb 100% grades and do zero-to-60-mph runs as quickly as 3.5 seconds.
Scout engineered and designed the vehicles in Michigan and will build them in the USA at a brand-new factory in South Carolina. Scout Motors boasts that it is creating over 4,000 American jobs.
The Powertrain Surprise
Scout had billed that these models would be all-electric. However, they surprised us with an update to that plan. Both models will indeed offer an all-electric powertrain with up to 350 miles of range.
However, each new Scout model will offer range-extended variants with a built-in gas-powered generator. In other words, if you’re worried about running out of battery power in the wilderness, you can recharge using an onboard internal combustion engine generator. With that setup, Scout says the models will have a projected range of over 500 miles. And you can always add jerry cans if you need to go further. The extended-range system is called “Harvester” — nice.
The Scout models will use the North American Charging Standard connector, 800-volt architecture, and up to 350-kilowatt charging capacity. We assume this means Scout vehicles will be able to charge at Tesla Supercharger stations, though Scout didn’t address this in their press materials. They’ll also offer bi-directional charging, a feature we love to see in EVs and want to have when the power goes out at home.
Other Scout Details
There was a lot to take in during the unveiling. Other significant things to note include that the Scout Terra truck will have a 5.5-foot bed with two 120-volt outlets and one 240-volt outlet, the Scout Traveler SUV has a sweet split tailgate design and spare tire carrier, the interiors have a nice blend of today’s tech but also physical controls and good-looking materials, and yes – the roof-mounted bubble compass of old Scout models is present and accounted for.
Scout Pricing and On-Sale Date
Scout says the Traveler SUV and Terra truck will start at under $60,000 and will be “as low as $50,000 with available incentives.” Since Scout will build them in America, the $7,500 federal credit should apply. Reservations for both models will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT today for a fully refundable $100 fee. You’ll need patience, however. The company targets production to start in 2027.
Scout is going the direct-to-consumer sales route. “From reservations and vehicle sales to delivery and service, Scout Motors supports the consumer directly,” it says. “One company, one app, one login, one experience.”
Additionally, Scout Motors plans to open dedicated retail spaces where shoppers can see the vehicles.
Exciting Outlook
The new Scout models join an exciting field of all-electric adventure vehicles from established and new brands alike. When the new Scout Motors models arrive, they will compete against electric SUVs and trucks from upstart Rivian, beefed-up versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, like the Mach-E Rally, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with its new XRT trim.
The timing of this reborn Scout Motors is generally good, considering today’s automotive landscape. In addition to the lean toward electrification, there’s been a broad new interest in off-road capable trucks and SUVs. The re-introduction of the Ford Bronco and Toyota Land Cruiser and the addition of rugged variants to mainstream SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride highlight off-roading’s rise.
Those trends bode well for Scout Motors, which operates as an independent company. Perhaps what Scout has most going for it is the backing of Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s largest automakers. Scout Motors has far less stress and uncertainty than a standard startup automaker. The now-bankrupt Fisker is the most recent example of automotive flops and cautionary tales.
Mutual Benefactors
With VW behind it, the reborn Scout Motors can behave like a startup yet benefit from Volkswagen’s economies of scale and massive standing with parts suppliers. Obtaining that kind of leverage in the industry takes decades. VW has it, and Scout Motors immediately gets access to it.
Yet Scout brings something no other startup can claim: A built-in fanbase. The OG Scout brand was making serious 4-wheel-drive adventure rigs before many of today’s overlanding fanatics were twinkles in their parents’ eyes. Yet there are still vintage Scout models out there — caked in dirt – we suspect, along with collectors and the curious alike. The brand has become something of automotive lore. Usually, earning that kind of brand equity takes decades, and Scout has it, which we reckon was a key motivator in VW’s decision to resurrect the brand.
The introduction of an all-new vehicle model is a big deal. The introduction – or re-introduction — of a new automotive brand is seismic. Based on this first impression, Scout Motors seems to have the goods to create a new generation of devotees.
