Electric vehicles are closely associated with innovation—be it in technology, design, or emerging brands such as Rivian, Lucid, and Tesla. However, the newest EV brand from Volkswagen Group leans significantly on nostalgia.
Launched on Thursday, the Scout Traveler electric SUV and the Scout Terra electric pickup truck offer a contemporary take on the iconic International Harvester Scout. Produced between 1961 and 1980, the original Scout played a crucial role in making rugged, off-road vehicles popular and paved the way for today’s SUVs.
Volkswagen strategically revived the historic Scout name for this new venture, filling a gap in its U.S. lineup with off-road vehicles while separating the development and sales processes from its other brands. Scout Motors will produce both the Traveler and Terra at a new facility in South Carolina, with a projected release in 2027.
Classic Design with a Modern Twist
The Traveler and Terra boast stark, squared-off exteriors that echo the classic International Scout. Their similarities go beyond mere aesthetics; these EVs incorporate body-on-frame construction, traditional four-wheel-drive systems, and solid rear axles—hallmarks of vehicles from their era.
With these conventional traits, the Scout EVs align more closely with gasoline-powered off-roaders like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota Land Cruiser than with other electric vehicles. While Bollinger Motors ventured into similar territory, it has since shifted its focus to commercial offerings.
Scout’s interiors emphasize practicality over high-tech distractions. Drivers can expect a 16.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, yet all controls remain analog. Unlike many modern EVs, you won’t find delicate electronic door handles here. Additionally, Scout plans to offer an old-fashioned front bench seat, a feature that disappeared from mainstream vehicles quite some time ago, alongside more standard bucket seats with a center console.
Robust Utility
Scout stands apart from other brands in the VW Group, as it delivers capabilities that its existing lines do not offer. The Terra pickup claims a remarkable towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, surpassing most gasoline midsize pickups, while the Traveler SUV can tow up to 7,000 pounds. Additionally, both vehicles can handle a payload of up to 2,000 pounds.
To enhance off-road performance, the vehicles are designed to fit 35-inch tires, providing up to 12 inches of ground clearance and enabling water fording up to 36 inches deep. They will also feature disconnecting front sway bars and mechanical locking differentials, capable of handling up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque. Scout estimates both models will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
The standard electric variants aim for a range of up to 350 miles, with an optional range-extender powertrain called Harvester that employs a gasoline engine as a generator for recharging the battery. They support DC fast charging through a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. With an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, the Scout vehicles can charge rapidly at up to 350 kilowatts and feature bidirectional charging, enabling them to supply power back to other devices. The Terra also includes AC outlets in its 5.5-foot bed.
Pioneering a Unique Experience
As of late, pricing has risen slightly from the earlier estimate of around $40,000 for the SUV given by Scout CEO Scott Keogh in 2023. Scout now anticipates that both the SUV and the pickup will be priced around $60,000, with expectations of approximately $50,000 for the SUV and $51,500 for the pickup once incentives are taken into consideration. Customers can now place a $100 refundable deposit to reserve their vehicle. Sales will occur online, and Keogh assures that customer data will remain confidential.
Even at these price points, Scout’s offerings undercut competitors like the Rivian R1T and R1S, not to mention other high-end options such as the GMC Hummer EV and the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Rivian intends to roll out its new $45,000 R2 SUV by 2026, while the Jeep Recon is expected to hit the market in 2025, preceding the Scout EVs.
If the actual driving experience aligns with the enticing specifications presented, Scout could distinguish itself in the growing market of electric off-road vehicles. The integration of electric power doesn’t mean traditional features must be sacrificed, and Scout may very well be the first brand to fully embrace this philosophy.