We’ve been eagerly awaiting the revival of the Scout name since Volkswagen’s announcement a couple of years back. Now, we’re finally seeing the first fruits of that promise with the reveal of two production-intent models, the 2028 Scout Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck. And while we’ll need a few more years to see them on the road, there’s enough detail here to get a real sense of what Scout has planned.
Honoring a Legacy with a Sharp, Modern Design
Scout’s roots go back to the original International Harvester SUV, sold from 1961 to 1980, a time when rugged off-road vehicles were just finding their place in the mainstream. The design of the new Scout vehicles subtly nods to those origins. While they don’t have the same blocky grille, there’s a familiar “black mask” across the front and rear, with an LED strip wrapping around the edges and rectangular headlights that recall the original’s shape. The taillights mirror this design with a nod to the Scout II’s side markers, and even the side windows echo the old Scout with an upward sweep toward the rear, adding that retro-futuristic flair that modern EVs love.
The design team prioritized an off-road vibe, and it shows. The Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck have short front overhangs and a sturdy stance that looks ready to tackle rugged trails. And let’s not forget the straightforward approach to functionality—these EVs use good old mechanical door handles, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare among today’s tech-heavy electric vehicles.
Built for Real Off-Roading
Of course, it’s not just about looks. The Traveler and Terra are built on a custom body-on-frame platform made to handle serious off-roading. Instead of the independent rear suspension common in EVs, these Scouts go with a solid rear axle. This kind of setup is highly unusual for an EV, but it shows just how serious Scout is about durability and load-carrying capacity. And with features like front anti-roll-bar disconnects and mechanical locking differentials, the Traveler and Terra promise to be as rugged as they look.
Although Scout hasn’t shared official specs on approach or departure angles yet, it’s clear they’re aiming to compete with the heavy-hitters in the off-road world. Towing capacity is impressive, too: the Terra pickup truck can handle over 10,000 pounds, while the SUV has a rating north of 7,000 pounds—both well-suited for hauling all sorts of outdoor gear. And with 35-inch tires as an option, over a foot of ground clearance, and the ability to ford nearly three feet of water, these vehicles are ready for adventure.
More Than Just Electric Power
In an interesting twist, Scout will offer both a fully electric version and a plug-in hybrid model for each vehicle. The hybrid, powered by a small gas engine acting as a generator (a system Scout calls “Harvester”), can recharge the battery without driving the wheels directly, similar to the approach Ram is taking with its Ramcharger. The fully electric Scouts are projected to get up to 350 miles of range per charge, and the hybrids could potentially extend that range to over 500 miles.
Performance-wise, these Scouts are no slouches. With dual motors—one on each axle—they’ll have all-wheel drive and pack 1,000 lb-ft of torque, offering acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds. Charging is also fast thanks to the 800-volt architecture, supporting speeds up to 350 kW. As a bonus, both models will offer bi-directional charging, meaning you can power your home or feed energy back to the grid.
A Look Inside the Classy Cabin
Scout hasn’t revealed much of the interior, but the one photo shared hints at a premium feel. The dashboard has a clean layout, with horizontal panels framing a digital gauge cluster and central touchscreen. Buttons and toggles for climate control add a tactile element missing in many modern interiors. Rich brown leather and light fabric coverings exude a rugged, luxury vibe ready to compete with brands like Rivian.
Both the Traveler and Terra offer practical touches, like a front trunk (frunk) with space for golf clubs and other essentials, plus a 5.5-foot pickup bed for the Terra. Power outlets in the frunk and bed make it easy to charge devices or plug in appliances while camping.
Scout’s Unique Sales Model
In another departure from traditional automakers, Scout vehicles will be sold directly to customers, skipping the dealership model entirely. With dedicated retail spaces called Scout Workshops planned for in-person experiences, customers can expect test drives, on-site service, and transparent pricing with minimal hassle.
Production is set to begin in 2027 at a new factory in South Carolina, and Scout aims to create over 4,000 jobs with this launch. Although prices will start under $60,000, these Scouts are poised to compete with premium off-roaders like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, and Rivian’s R1 models. With reservations open now, these new Scouts promise to bring old-school adventure to the EV era.
