Volkswagen-owned Scout Traveler SUV, Terra pickup revealed

Volkswagen-backed American 4x4 brand Scout will introduce two electric models – the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck – in 2027, and the company has previewed them in near-production form. This marks the comeback of the Scout SUV brand, earlier known as the International Harvester Scout, after 44 years.

1. Both models feature ladder-frame construction
2. Pure electric and Range Extender powertrains likely 
3. 0-100kph times are expected to be around 3.5 seconds for both

Scout Traveller, Terra: what are they?

While the Scout Traveler electric SUV will be aimed at the Land Rover Defender, the Terra pickup truck is being pitted against the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck and Chevrolet Silverado SUV, among others. Both models will have a body-on-frame platform, which is said to be completely unrelated to the Volkswagen Group’s MEB and PPE architectures for electric cars with 800V electricals. The batteries and electronics will be supplied by Canadian firm Magna.

Scout Traveller, Terra: powertrain options 

Originally conceived as a pure-electric revival of the original Scout models made between 1960 and 1980, the pair will now also be offered with optional of petrol-powered range extenders. Michigan-based Scout says this is due to a downturn in interest in electric cars coupled with buyers “expressing concerns about the ability to recharge while on the road”.

With the range extender, the Terra and Traveler will be capable of driving over 800 km between fill-ups, up from the standard of around 560km. Scout has yet to confirm a battery size, but it said its platform can support up to 350kW charging. The Traveler and Terra have a dual-motor four-wheel-drive powertrain. The Traveler can dispatch the 0-100kph sprint in 3.5 seconds, although it has yet to disclose a power figure.

Both models share a lot of styling cues with the original Scout line-up from decades ago, like the long bonnet and a well-defined shoulder line. Also seen are short overhangs, reinforced bumpers, skid plates and body-on-frame construction.

Scout design chief Chris Benjamin said to our sister publication Autocar UK that the brand's cars “should always enable the customer to do the things they want to do and make their experience easier, better, faster”.

The models’ cabins are said to be “reminiscent of the original Scout II” but with modern amenities. The central infotainment touchscreen is placed above an array of physical toggles and switches that control functions such as climate control. Both models offer over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.

The Traveler and Terra will be made at the firm’s factory in South Carolina, with the VW Group planning to gradually ramp up the factory’s output to 200,000 units per year. These models will initially be sold in North America only.