Enthusiasts or those of a different generation may remember the International Harvester Scout, which ceased production in 1980. Now, the rugged Scout name lives again under the guise of an electric vehicle, but a rugged, body-on-frame EV. The Volkswagen Group just introduced the Scout Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV. While details are still scant, here are five things we do know.
The Scout Terra and Traveler will be capable
Scout Motors says that the Scout Terra and Traveler are “engineered for work and play.” Thus, with the body-on-frame platform plus a solid rear axlel, the pickup and SUV are designed to have solid capability as well as off-road performance. Scout says the Terra will be able tow 10,000 pounds, and the Terra will have 7,000 pounds of towing. Payload will be 2,000 pounds for both vehicles. Other stats to know: Both vehicles have 35-inch tires, 1 foot of ground clearance, 3 feet of fording capability and a front sway bar disconnect as well as front and rear mechanical lockers.
It’s also worth noting the pickup and SUV will both have front trunks, and the pickup will have a 5.5-foot bed with 120V and 240V power outlets.
Range is 350 to 500 miles
The Scout Terra and Traveler will be offered in two variants: a full EV and one with a gasoline-powered range extender. The EV will go up to 350 miles, and the range-extended model is projected to go up to 500 miles. All Scout vehicles will have a four-wheel-drive system with an electric drive unit on each axle. Additionally, the Terra and Traveler will have an 800-volt architecture and up to 350 kilowatt charging capability as well as bi-directional charging. Out of the gate, the pickup and SUV will also utilize the North American Charging Standard (NACS aka Tesla charging).
As a nod to the OG International Harvester brand, the extended range electric vehicle (EREV) energy system will be called Harvester.
Base price for the Scout Terra will be $52k
Though production is still a ways out, Scout Motors has stated the base price for entry SUV models will be as low as $50k “with available incentives.” The Scout Terra will start as low as $51,500. Retail starting price for both vehicles will be less than $60k.
Reservations are open now, and the deposit is $100.
The Terra and Traveler will be sold via direct sales
Much to the chagrin of Volkswagen dealers, Scout Motors announced it will have a retail network rather than a dealer network. Scout said this will help with price transparency and faster transactions. Plus, even without a dealer network, Scout says 80% of repair types can be completed outside of a Scout Workshop, whether in a driveway or while adventuring.
Production starts in 2027
Previously, it was assumed production would be begin in 2026, yet the website clearly states that initial production for both the Terra and Traveler is “targeted” for 2027. This means the earliest we’ll see the pickup and SUV is late 2027.
The bottom line
We can’t wait to see these vehicles in production. And we’re curious to see how the VW investment in Rivian will play into these two new EVs. Plus, since Scout is going with the NACS charging from the get-go, we anticipate infrastructure problems and range anxiety will be minimized – especially and hopefully by the time these vehicles hit the streets.
What do you think of the Scout Terra and Traveler? Are these EVs you might actually consider? And would you prefer the straight EV or the EREV?
Jill Ciminillo
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