Scout Motors has revealed two new models, the Scout Terra truck and the Scout Traveler SUV EVs, representing the re-launch of a brand that last manufactured a vehicle way back in 1980.
First, a bit of a history lesson is in order. The Scout brand was originally founded in 1961 and produced its iconic rugged SUVs until 1980, when manufacturing ceased. The Scout brand name was later bought by Navistar, a truck company, which in turn was eventually bought by VW. Now, VW, looking for a stronger foothold in the American EV market, is resurrecting the storied Scout brand for their newest EV venture.
While building on the rich legacy of former Scout models, the new Scouts are very clearly vehicles of the 21st century, arriving with electric powertrains and loaded with advanced technology.
Arriving in both truck and SUV form, these new Scouts expertly combine the trademark styling of the original, though updated for a modern world. Scout said they wanted to create vehicles with just the right amount of futurism, and it looks like they nailed that goal. Stylistically, they are not entirely dissimilar from the Rivian R2, with a boxy, broad-shouldered approach to SUV design.
Scout highlighted their signature front and rear shapes, which they call “masks.” These are basically long squircle-shaped sections that house the lights and grille/tailgate. They have a vaguely Dodge look to them, a bit like what we’ve seen on the new Charger EV.
The headlights were inspired by binoculars with nods to the side markers in the original Scout models showing up in the small side lights mounted directly next to these new headlights.
The Terra truck will feature a full 5.5″ bed with LED lighting embedded into the sides of the bed as well as a grab handle built into the rear of the cab.
Inside, you’ll find a clean, rugged, almost mid-century-inspired interior with horizontal lines, plenty of screens, and, yes, even real buttons, including a physical volume knob. An intricate 2-spoke steering wheel is joined by a dashboard filled with interesting textures and colors, including fabric, open-pore wood trim, and stitched surfaces.
The screen layout, with a large central infotainment touchscreen and a smaller (though still sizable) digital driver’s display, is, again, very similar to that found in the upcoming Rivian R2 and will run software capable of over-the-air updates.
Another notable item is the 3-person bench seat that will be available for the front row. Ambient lighting inspired by the glow of a campfire can be found sprinkled around the cabin, which emits a soft, warm light. An analog compass can be found embedded into the overhead console upfront as well, which appears to be positioned as somewhat of a brand trademark, seeing as they unveiled these new models on a giant stage shaped like a compass.
Scout was keen to point out that these new models are true body-on-frame vehicles, and though they are part of the VW Group, this is an entirely new platform that is not shared with anything else in VW’s portfolio. They also feature solid rear axles, mechanical front and rear differentials, a front sway bar disconnect, and up to three feet of wading capability. Both models will be able to hold up to 2,000 lbs, with the Terra offering up to 10,000 of towing capacity and the Traveler offering 7,000.
One of the biggest surprises with this new Scout is undoubtedly the availability of a range-extended version, called the Harvester, that features a gasoline-powered generator to extend the projected range to 500 miles total. This should prove popular with buyers with the current shift toward PHEVs and anyone not entirely convinced about owning a purely electric-powered vehicle.
Scout will also offer a pure EV version with a 350-mile projected range. Both versions will feature the NACS charging port along with regular 110v outlets mounted right next to it. How handy. This pure electric version gets a pair of electric motors making nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 time of around 3.5 seconds. Scout has not yet released horsepower numbers.
Both versions will be built on a new 800-volt electrical architecture able to support DC fast charging rates up to 350 kW.
Both Terra and Traveler will come in around $60,000 and should qualify for the full federal EV incentive as they will be made in the US. Scout says buyers will be able to order their Scouts online in less than 10 minutes and will enjoy no haggle pricing.
Potential buyers can reserve their Scout today with a fully refundable $100 deposit. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.