The iconic Scout brand, synonymous with rugged off-roading, is making a triumphant return. After a hiatus of nearly half a century, Scout Motors, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, is poised to redefine the off-road segment with the introduction of the all-electric Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck.
These vehicles, blending classic design cues with cutting edge technology, promise to deliver exceptional performance both on and off the road. While the initial production timeline has been adjusted to 2027, the anticipation surrounding these models remains high.
With their impressive capabilities, stylish aesthetics, and direct to consumer sales model, Scout Motors is confident in its ability to challenge established players and capture the hearts of adventurous drivers. Scout Motors is set to launch two rugged off-road vehicles: the Traveler SUV and the Terra truck.
These vehicles are built on a new body on frame chassis designed for off-road prowess, featuring solid rear axles, mechanical lockers, and a sway bar disconnect. With over a foot of ground clearance and nearly three feet of water fording capability, these vehicles are ready to tackle tough terrain.
The Traveler SUV can tow up to 7,000 pounds, while the Terra truck can tow over 10,000 pounds, both with a 2,000 pound payload capacity. The Terra truck boasts a 5.5-foot bed that can accommodate a 33-inch spare tire or a 35-inch spare with an optional carrier. Both vehicles feature multiple power outlets for convenience.
Scout Motors has adopted Tesla’s NACS charging plug and utilizes an 800-volt architecture for fast charging and bi-directional charging capabilities. The pure electric variants offer a range of up to 350 miles, while range extender variants, powered by a small gas generator, can extend the range to 500 miles.
The company has also incorporated modern zonal architecture, similar to Rivian’s Gen-2 architecture, which could potentially lead to advanced features and software capabilities. Performance-wise, Scout Motors promises impressive figures. The trucks are expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and deliver nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
This powerful drivetrain enables the vehicles to climb steep inclines and conquer challenging off-road obstacles. Reservations for the Scout vehicles are now open with a $100 refundable deposit. However, production is not expected to start until 2027. Scout aims to offer entry-level models starting at $50,000 with incentives, and retail prices will begin under $60,000 for the Traveler and $59,000 for the Terra truck.