Scout is Back With an EV Truck and SUV

In this era where everyone loves throwback models and the retro look, like the Ford Bronco, the iconic Scout brand is back! Scout says the Scout Terra pickup and the Scout Traveler SUV will go into production by 2027. The midsize vehicles will however not be sold in Volkswagen dealerships, instead they will be sold direct to consumers, similar to Tesla. The fully electric models are expected to offer up to 350 miles of range, extended range models may get up 500 miles by using a built-in, gas-powered generator.

“Two years in the making, the day has finally come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO, Scout Motors. “The original core idea — rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty — is more relevant than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.”

Scout Terra Pickup Truck and Scout Traveler SUV

VW has talked with both Ford and GM about possibly building pickups for the VW brand, but nothing has come to fruition. VW inherited the rights to the Scout name when it bought what was left of Navistar International and International Harvester. The new Scout Traveler and Scout Terra were designed in Michigan. Designers were inspired by the design of the original Scout vehicles manufactured by International Harvester from 1961-80. The new SUVs and trucks will be manufactured near Columbia, South Carolina. Scout estimates that it will create over 4,000 American jobs.

According to Scout:

• Anticipated 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in as quick as 3.5 seconds
• Nearly 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque through the four-wheel-drive system
• Both vehicles will have body on frame chassis and solid rear axles
• The design is intended to offer up to 35-inch tires, over 1 foot of ground clearance, nearly 3 feet of water fording capability
• Front and rear mechanical lockers will give better off-road performance
• Projected towing of over 7,000 pounds for the Scout Traveler and over 10,000 pounds for the Scout Terra
• Both Terra and Traveler will be capable of hauling nearly 2,000 pounds of payload

Scout Planning Full Line of Accessories and Upgrades

Scout Motors will offer a full portfolio of accessories, including auxiliary lighting, assist steps, power off-boarding solutions, off-road bumpers with recovery points and a heavy-duty winch.

All Scout vehicles will use the North American Charging Standard or Tesla style charging. The vehicles will be capable of bi-directional charging so they can power a home, tools or other vehicles.

The Scout Traveler and Scout Terra will offer an optional extended range electric vehicle (EREV) energy system, called Harvester. The Scout EREV energy system adds a small internal combustion engine. The gas-powered engine will recharge the vehicle’s high voltage battery, extending the range to more than an estimated 500 miles.

“A Scout vehicle should always be a helpful companion,” said Chris Benjamin, Chief Design Officer, Scout Motors. “It should always enable the customer to do the things they want to do and make their experience easier, better, faster.”

When We Will See the All-New Scout EVs

Even though the Terra and Traveler won’t be available until 2027, Scout estimates that the Traveler SUV entry model will start as low as $50,000 after incentives, with retail prices starting under $60,000. The Terra truck entry model will start as low as $51,500 after incentives, with retail prices starting under $60,000. Scout is already taking reservations at www.scoutmotors.com Scout says it will build its own retail and repair centers just like Tesla has done. It is surprising to me that the company is bypassing Volkswagen’s dealers. I’m sure that will cause controversy down the road.

Scout Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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