Scout Unveils the Traveler SUV and Terra Pickup Truck

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

Do you like classic off-roaders? Do you also like to complain that modern takes on iconic vehicles often miss the mark entirely and ramble about how electrification ruins everything? If you answered “yes” to one or both of those questions, Volkswagen has something for you. Scout took to the stage in Nashville, TN, yesterday to debut two electric concept vehicles – an SUV and a pickup.


Though they wear the Scout name and feature retro-boxy styling, the Traveler SUV and Terra truck are a complete reimagination of the brand’s heritage. After incentives, pricing will start at around $50,000, with normal pricing starting at about $60,000.


When the vehicles hit the streets in 2027, two electrified powertrains will be available, including fully electric and range-extended electric options. Basic EV models promise up to 350 miles of range, while variants with the small gas-powered range-extending engine could travel more than 500 miles on a charge.


The good news is that the body-on-frame vehicles offer solid rear axles, front and rear mechanical lockers, and other off-road goodies. I’ll admit that I started this new post off in a somewhat negative tone, but Scout’s vehicles do appear to offer legit capabilities when the pavement ends, though it’s good to note that these are just concepts for now.

While many of us are shouting that the new Scouts lack the rugged, barebones attitude of the original International Harvester models, very few people actually want that. Buyers want comfort, tech, and nice finishes, and that’s what the new models offer. They have nice interiors with physical buttons and large touchscreens. We don’t have many details yet, but the automaker said its interface focuses on simplicity, with flatter menus and less tapping around to find what you need.


If you’re interested in grabbing a new Scout, the reservation books are open now. You can snag a reservation for a $100 fully refundable fee, but be advised that you’ll be waiting at least two years before deliveries start, and there’s no telling how long Scout will take to plow through what will surely be strong initial demand.


[Images: Scout]


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Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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  • YellowDuck YellowDuck on Oct 28, 2024
    I don't understand the range estimate for the range extending engine version. Is that 350 miles on the battery charge, then there is only enough fuel tank space for another 150 miles worth of generation? I feel like the sweet spot for many would be a 100-mile battery range, then series hybrid operation after that, with a decent sized fuel tank. Zero range anxiety but most people would rarely use any gas. Should also be a cheaper than an electric with a 300+ mile battery.
    • Zerofoo Zerofoo on Oct 28, 2024
      I’m also interested in what the range looks like when towing at the rated limits. If BEV manufactures are going to publish towing capacity statistics, range should be part of that.
  • Zerofoo Zerofoo on Oct 28, 2024
    Is that $60k in today’s money or two years from now?
  • Lorenzo If it's over 30 years old and over 80k miles, and not a classic, it's a parts car, worth no more than 20% of original price.
  • Dusterdude No mileage noted on a 33 year old car means likely well north of 300k + miles , along with issues noted , should equate to an ask price of less than $3k
  • Ajla IMO, something like this really should be naturally-aspirated.
  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh Unless they are solid state batteries you BAN THEM. I like EVs... but EVs like to burn ... for days
  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh uh .. it looks like a VW golf got the mumps
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