After a two-year buildup, Volkswagen AG has officially unveiled the first two models from its revived Scout brand: the all-electric Scout Terra and Traveler. These rugged, off-road-ready EVs mark Scout’s return to the U.S. market after more than 40 years, aiming to carve a niche in the competitive electric vehicle landscape. However, whether the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV can electrify the market remains to be seen.

Scout Terra and Traveler Highlights

 

  • Scout Traveler SUV:  7,000 pounds of towing capacity and nearly 2,000 pounds of payload
  • Scout Terra truck: 10,000 pounds of towing capacity and nearly 2,000 pounds of payload
  • Estimated 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds with nearly 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque through a four-wheel-drive system
  • Fully electric models offer up to 350 miles of range
  • Extended-range variants provide over 500 miles of range via a gas-powered generator
  • Body-on-frame platform with solid rear axle and front/rear mechanical lockers for off-road capability
  • 35-inch tires, over 1 foot of ground clearance, and 3 feet of water fording capability
  • Equipped with zonal software architecture, enabling over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics
  • Features 120V and USB-C power outlets in the front trunk; Terra truck bed includes two 120V and one 240V power outlets
  • Scout Community UX™: Combination of tactile controls and digital interface for ease of use
  • Starting prices: Traveler at $50,000 and Terra at $51,500 (with incentives)
  • Production planned for 2027, with a claimed 4,000 jobs created in South Carolina

 

The Legacy of Scout

The Scout Traveler SUV offers rugged off-road capability with a towing capacity of more than 7,000 pounds. Credit: Scout Motors
The iconic Scout design is reimagined with a short front overhang and bold, rugged proportions. Credit: Scout Motors

Originally launched by International Harvester in 1960, the Scout became a beloved off-road vehicle before being discontinued in 1980, just as SUVs began to surge in popularity. The brand languished until Volkswagen purchased it in 2022, announcing plans to resurrect it as an all-electric nameplate with a significant $1 billion investment.

Now, VW’s revival of Scout mirrors Ford’s successful reboot of the Bronco. The Scout Terra and Traveler will feature body-on-frame platforms and boast serious off-road capabilities, such as solid rear axles, mechanically locking differentials, and optional 35-inch tires. Both models promise robust towing capacities, with the Terra rated for up to 10,000 pounds and the Traveler for up to 7,000 pounds.

Electric Power, With a Twist

The Scout Terra is built for versatility, equipped with a powerful 240V outlet in the truck bed for job site or outdoor power needs. Credit: Scout Motors
The Scout Terra is built for versatility, equipped with a powerful 240V outlet in the truck bed for job site or outdoor power needs. Credit: Scout Motors

Scout’s all-electric offerings come with an asterisk—though electric motors will power both the Terra and Traveler, Volkswagen plans to offer range-extended versions. These models will include onboard generators that can recharge the battery as long as there’s fuel in the tank, boosting range from 350 miles to 500 miles. This approach addresses the range anxiety that often plagues EV buyers. This is particularly important for those of us who might want a vehicle we can count on for extended off-road adventures.

Despite the added complexity of the range extenders, the fully electric models will be no slouch. With an estimated 1,000 lb-ft of torque, the Scout Terra and Traveler are expected to climb steep grades and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds.

The Scout Terra’s front and rear mechanical lockers ensure robust off-road capability. Credit: Scout Motors
The Scout Terra’s front and rear mechanical lockers ensure robust off-road capability. Credit: Scout Motors

Built for both work and play, the Terra will offer a 5.5-foot bed, twin 120V outlets, a 240V plug, and a 2,000-pound payload capacity. The Traveler will feature a split tailgate for easy access to cargo, even in bad weather. Both models will have over a foot of ground clearance and nearly three feet of water-fording capability, along with front sway bar disconnects and two lockers for serious off-road performance.

The Terra and Traveler will also incorporate advanced charging options, utilizing the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and featuring 800V electrical architectures. With the ability to draw 350 kW of power, these models will charge faster than current Volkswagen EVs and include bidirectional charging capabilities for powering campsites, worksites, or even homes during power outages.

Reservations Open, Production Still Years Away

Scout Motors plans to manufacture the Traveler and Terra in South Carolina, creating 4,000 American jobs. Credit: Scout Motors
Scout Motors plans to manufacture the Traveler and Terra in South Carolina, creating 4,000 American jobs. Credit: Scout Motors

Though Scout’s new models won’t hit showrooms until 2027, Volkswagen is already accepting $100 fully refundable reservations. The Terra and Traveler are expected to start under $60,000 and may qualify for U.S. tax credits, thanks to plans for a new assembly plant in South Carolina.

As Scout seeks to recapture its off-road legacy in the electric era, the question remains: Can the Terra and Traveler charge up the EV market, or will they stall in a crowded field of competitors? Time will tell.