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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3 of 24 comments
  • Her65763625 Her65763625 1 hour ago
    The SUV looks too much like a new Bronco.
    • Crown Crown 42 minutes ago
      You mean the Bronco looks too much like the Scout. Scout was made 1960's.
  • Def65817841 Def65817841 26 minutes ago
    After the initial demand by battery lovers has played out, the subsequent decline in Scout sales will see VW bring out gas and hybrid versions.
  • Spookiness Another truck.
  • Def65817841 After the initial demand by battery lovers has played out, the subsequent decline in Scout sales will see VW bring out gas and hybrid versions.
  • Dartman If reality means your world Flex, no thanks! Based on the number of posts you make here every day, my instincts tell me this, Newsmax, internet propaganda and right wing talk radio are about the only things you have going on; good luck troll!
  • Ollicat I didn't even know the Highlander hybrid has been around for 15 years.
  • THX1136 The first sentence is incomplete. May want to revisit for an edit.
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