VW's Scout EV revival begins with an SUV and a pickup truck

Although International Harvester disappeared over 40 years ago, it remains a mythical brand in North America, thanks in no small part to the Scout, one of the world's first SUVs. Now Scout Motors is back under Volkswagen as a completely new brand and has just introduced its first two models: the Terra pickup and the Traveler SUV. Both use a brand new EV platform and will start at under $60,000 before incentives when production begins in 2027.

Scout Motors says its “priority was to honor the spirit of the original Scout,” which was sold by International in various forms from 1961 to 1980. Although the Traveler and Terra clearly have a modern design, they use rounded contours and a “black mask” on the front and rear fascias to evoke the older models. They are also equipped with separate bumpers and upwardly curved side windows, which are again reminiscent of the classic Scout.

Other design elements are completely modern, such as a thin LED strip around the “grill” and rectangular headlights bisected by slim daytime running lights. (The models shown here are 85 percent of what we'll see in final production vehicles, Scout said).

The original Scout and International 150 pickup were practical and sturdy (we called it “Inter-smashable” back then), and the new models will retain some of those aspects. Both feature a body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle and front and rear wheel hubs for off-road use. They offer a payload of 2,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds for the Traveler and 10,000 pounds for the Terra pickup. Both will feature all-wheel drive via front and rear electric motors.

That should work and make outdoor shoppers happy, but the vehicles can also cause excitement. Both will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds thanks to an estimated 1,000 pound-feet of torque and an all-wheel drive system, although the Scout hasn't yet been able to specify a top speed.

The base trim level offers a range of up to 350 miles, while the extended range version is effectively a hybrid, going up to 500 miles with a gasoline-powered range extender. Charging times are not mentioned, but it uses an 800-volt architecture that supports speeds of up to 350 kW. In addition, it will offer bi-directional charging and vehicle-to-home capabilities, as well as over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.

The cabin differs largely from the spartan interior of the originals. It looks luxurious and high-tech, with a digital instrument cluster and large displays, as well as a promised “responsive” infotainment system and high-resolution rear cameras. At the same time, it has switches and dials for climate and other controls. The seats and trim are covered in a mix of brown leather, fabric and a wood-like material.

Both have a trunk with 120-volt and USB-C ports and can accommodate golf clubs, a gym bag and a small cooler, Scout says. The Terra's 5.5-foot bed will also include 120- and 240-volt outlets for tools, compressors, and the like.

The Traveler, on the other hand, will have a split tailgate and two roof options. The first is a cabana roof with fold-back panels for outdoor driving, while the second is a glass roof with electric sunshades. Both vehicles will be available with a front bench seat to increase passenger capacity.

Similar to Tesla, Scout will sell its vehicles directly to consumers without intermediaries. The purchase takes “minutes” as the company promises full price transparency and takes care of sales, delivery and service. You can try them out in person at dedicated “Scout Workshop” retail and service locations.

Both models are designed and engineered in Michigan and will be built in a new factory in Columbia, South Carolina by approximately 4,000 workers. Production will begin in 2027 and the vehicles will come onto the market for the 2028 model year. According to Scout Motors, prices start under $60,000 and reservations are open now.