Scout Returns With 500-Mile Electric Traveler SUV And Terra Pickup

It’s been over four decades since you could purchase a Scout-badged vehicle in the United States (1960-1981), but the brand has just returned under new management. No longer built by International Harvester, Scout Motors will now exist under Volkswagen ownership as an all-electric brand. The revived company’s first two new models, the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra pickup truck have just been revealed. If you’ve been waiting for a perfect electric off-roader, these may fit the bill.

We aren’t exaggerating when we say the Traveler and Terra might be “perfect.” They check every box that EV haters typically say they’d require to convert: a 350-mile electric range, an available range extender model with up to 500 miles of range, Tesla Supercharger access with a standard NACS charging port, and pricing starting under $60,000. Seriously, where is the negative here?

Truly Rugged EVs

Vehicles like the GMC Hummer and Rivian R1T/R1S proved that EVs can be taken seriously as off-roaders. The Scout Traveler and Terra continue this trend with a body-on-frame chassis, solid rear axle, front and rear mechanical locking differentials, front sway bar disconnect, and more. You can get 33-inch tires or 35-inch tires optionally, yielding over 12 inches of ground clearance and three feet of water fording.

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Scout says its vehicles will be able to tackle a 100 percent steep grade thanks to its dual-motor setup, which will produce an estimated 1,000 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to propel these vehicles up to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The SUV will tow over 7,000 pounds, the truck will pull over 10,000 pounds, and both will offer nearly 2,000 pounds of payload capacity.

The Range You Crave

Though the battery size isn’t mentioned, Scout’s range numbers are guaranteed to impress even the most staunch gasoline or diesel lover. The fully electric versions will offer up to 350 miles of range, while a gasoline range extender called Harvester will increase that number to over 500 miles. That’s enough to outmatch electric competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Rivian R1T, but the upcoming Ram Ramcharger has it beaten with 690 miles (estimated).

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Both Scout vehicles will ship with integrated NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports, meaning they will be able to charge at Tesla stations. Even more impressively, these vehicles sport an 800-volt charging architecture that supports up to 350 kW speeds and bidirectional charging.

Choose Your Shape

Scout should be able to court a wide variety of potential customers by offering a pickup truck and an SUV. For truck owners, the Terra gets a 5.5-foot bed with a 240-volt outlet and two 120-volt outlets. The Traveler features a Range Rover-like split tailgate, while both vehicles get a large front trunk that can accommodate golf clubs and features 120V and USB-C ports.

These vehicles boast a rugged exterior design that clearly pays homage to the original International Scout. Keen-eyed enthusiasts will notice a short front overhang, a long dash-to-axle ratio, and separate bumpers and rockers that act as protective elements. Black masks on the front and rear bumpers mimic the old Scout, as do the daytime running lamps that pay homage to the side markers from the Scout II. The Scout logo is even offset to the right, as it was on the International version.

Multiple roof options give owners a silent, open-air experience that should still feel refined. Scout says the available Cabana Top will be “one of the largest roof openings of any SUV” and a glass roof will offer a view of the sky with thermal protection that rivals a physical cover. The Traveler SUV mounts its spare tire on a rear carrier, while the Terra truck positions its 33-inch tires under the body or in the bed if you opt for the 35s.

Buttons Are Back

Though it is owned by Volkswagen, it’s clear that Scout won’t make the same mistakes as its parent company in the interior. The infotainment system is called Scout Community UX, and it’s designed not to bury features in menus or screens. It also features plenty of physical controls, including a bank of toggle switches and knobs. Hallelujah!

This interior is built for functionality with a multifunctional console or an available bench seat up front. Durable, sustainable materials ensure the cabin is both rugged and environmentally friendly.

Right Price, Long Wait

Scout promises that both the Traveler and Terra will start at under $60,000, though available incentives (including a $7,500 federal tax credit) will pull them closer to the low $50,000 range. Though we don’t have full details, we can safely assume these base prices won’t be for the 350-mile version with 1,000 lb-ft of torque. $100 fully refundable reservations are now open, but you will have to wait a while. Production is set to begin in 2027 at Scout’s Columbia, South Carolina production center, and no specific time of year was provided. It’s difficult to predict how much the EV market will change in three years, but based on current specifications, Scout will be highly competitive.

This is a completely new and distinct brand, meaning you won’t be buying a Scout from a temporary stand in a VW dealer. Scout Motors will set up its own dedicated retail spaces that offer transparent pricing and purchase transactions that take minutes, not hours. If everything goes smoothly, Scout has the potential to shock the industry and become the dominant off-road player for years to come.