Forty years after the last International Harvester Scout came off the assembly line, an all-new, fully capable Scout SUV and pickup truck are coming to market with styling influenced by the original and a powerful electric drivetrain.
Photo: Perry Stern
Scout is an all-new auto brand from the Volkswagen Group, offering the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck. A potent dual-motor electric powertrain with the option of a gas-powered generator to extend the driving range will power both new electric vehicles (EVs).
Photo: Perry Stern
Sporting a bold, rugged look, the new Scout models should easily stand out from other pickup trucks and SUVs. A wide stance, muscular fenders, and integrated skid plates hint at the Scout’s off-road capabilities.
While the new Traveler and Terra don’t have retro designs, there are clear influences from the original Scout models. The wide, vertical grille with incorporated headlights of the original carries over to the 2028 Scout, but the new models feature advanced LED headlights and stylish running lights. As they are EVs, there’s no need for a grille opening.
Other signature styling cues tie the new Scout with the original, but my favorite is the shape of the side window at the rear, which angles upwards at the bottom—a nice connection to the original.
Photo: Perry Stern
The new Scout features a clean interior design with a wide dashboard matching the original models' lines. However, the older Scouts did not have a large infotainment display or digital gauge cluster like the new Traveler and Terra. A volume knob is on the far right side of the screen, easily reachable by the front passenger. A line of stylish toggle switches below the screen controls climate functions.
Overall, the cabin is spacious, with flat floors and plenty of room for front- and rear-seat passengers. Buyers can choose from front bucket seats with a large center console or a classic bench seat. With no transmission hump to get in the way, the middle front seat is entirely usable. Scout uses sustainable materials throughout the cabin.
According to Scout, the new Traveler and Terra will have multiple roof options, including a panoramic glass roof or the unique Cabana Top. Scout expects the Cabana Top to be one of the largest roof openings available in an SUV, creating an open-air driving experience.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Traveler and Terra will have a dual-motor electric powertrain, providing full-time four-wheel drive (4WD). Currently, Scout hasn’t released horsepower figures. However, the automaker says the new electric SUV and truck could deliver upwards of 1,000 pound-feet of torque, indicating serious performance. According to Scout, either model should reach 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds with this much grunt.
However, acceleration off the line is not the foremost goal of Scout; it has all the components of a proper off-road machine. There will be multiple suspension options, front and rear mechanical locking differentials, a front sway bar disconnect, and available 35-inch all-terrain tires. The company says the Scout can ford almost three feet of water and should have up to a foot of ground clearance to handle just about any terrain.
Scout features a unique body-on-frame structure with a solid rear axle unlike anything else in the Volkswagen Group. This truck-based design should give the Scout impressive utility. The Traveler can tow up to 7,000 pounds, while the Terra truck bumps up to 10,000 pounds. Either model can handle up to one ton of payload.
There’s also a power-opening frunk with space for a few small bags or a cooler. It features USB-C ports, a 120-volt outlet, and a slide-out seat ideal for tailgate parties. The Traveler SUV also has a split liftgate for easier cargo access.
While the two models don’t look that large on display, they are bigger than expected. The Terra is a proper full-size truck, measuring only a few inches shorter than a Ford F-150 SuperCrew, and the Scout is almost a foot wider. The Traveler is also full-sized, almost as long as a Chevrolet Tahoe. Remember that these are still concept vehicles; the final dimensions may differ slightly when they make it to production. However, Scout executives say the concepts are 95 percent accurate to the final production models.
Scout says the fully electric powertrains will deliver a range of 350 miles. However, after considerable feedback from current Scout owners, the automaker says that the Traveler and Terra will be available with an onboard generator. While only the electric motors will drive the wheels, the Harvester extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system will charge the batteries, extending the Traveler and Terra driving range to more than 500 miles.
Photo: Perry Stern
The new Scout models feature a new digital interface called Scout Community UX. Not many details are available yet, but the system should provide easy navigation with minimal need to dig through menus to find the most-used features.
While you can expect the Traveler and Terra to feature the latest advanced driver assistance systems, Scout hasn’t released any information regarding these safety systems.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Scout Traveler and Terra are still several years away, but they should stand out with rugged styling, stylish interiors, and proper utility with impressive off-road capability. The new Scout will compete with electric models like the Rivian R1T and R1S or Ford F-150 Lightning, but its potent dual-motor electric powertrain and available Harvester range extender should easily set the new Scouts apart from the competition.
Scout is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of October 25, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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