It’s still too soon to call whether Volkswagen’s ambitious resurrection of the Scout brand will succeed, but the buzz around its new Traveler SUV and Terra pickup suggests the gamble has already piqued interest. Unveiled in October, these rugged models mark Scout’s return to the automotive scene, blending nostalgic design cues with cutting-edge electrification.

While the cars unveiled by Scout were technically concepts, they have production-intent designs and the finished vehicles should look virtually identical. When order books open, customers will be offered a range of colors to choose from and these renderings preview some that could be available, as well as liveries inspired by the original Scout models built by International Harvester.

Read: These Are The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV

The crew from the Scout EV Forum whipped up these renderings of both the Traveler and the Terra. Among the colors best suited to the rugged SUV and pickup are a shade of Dark Green/Forest Green, Tamarak Bronze, Concord Blue, and Burnt Orange. Scout has not yet confirmed the official palette for the two vehicles, but here’s hoping it contains some paint jobs similar to these.

We’re particularly fond of the models with the special ‘Rallye’ liveries. This livery was offered in the original Scout and has been imagined in white and black configurations, running down the sides of the new-age models and paired with matching wing mirrors and a painted roof. Given how popular retro-themed finishes for the current Ford Bronco are, Scout may also try to lean into the cult following of the original models.

Both the Traveler and Terra will launch with battery-electric powertrains, catering to the growing appetite for zero-emission vehicles. But Scout isn’t putting all its eggs in the BEV basket. Recognizing the shift in consumer sentiment, the company is also developing an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) variant. This version pairs an electric motor with a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator, stretching range to a claimed 500 miles (805 km)—well beyond the 350-mile (563 km) range of the pure electric models.

This dual approach positions the brand to appeal to both hardcore EV enthusiasts and those with range anxiety, particularly in markets where charging infrastructure remains patchy. With the BEV models offering strong eco-credentials and the EREV variants delivering added flexibility, Scout seems determined to cater to a wide range of drivers.

Scout Traveler

Scout Terra

Image credit: Scout EV Forum

Production of the Scout Traveler and Terra isn’t set to kick off until 2027, but the VW Group is already casting an eye toward what might launch next. According to some reports, a two-door off-roader is on the table, aimed squarely at the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. A tempting proposition? Or would Scout be better off carving its own path rather than trying to muscle into a market already dominated by some heavy-hitters?

At the unveiling of the two production-intent concepts in Nashville, Scout showed attendees a slideshow about its future plans. On one of these slides included side profile shots of the Traveler and Terra, as well as a mystery third model. Most of this model was covered in a bright orange cover, but some details are still visible.

Read: These Are 7 Details About The Scout Traveler and Terra You May Have Missed

It appears as though this model sits on slightly larger wheels and tires than the Traveler and Terra. It also has an even shorter front overhang than the brand’s first two models and looks to offer slightly more ground clearance. The Autopian, which shared the slide, suggests that this third model may also be shorter than the Traveler SUV, perhaps indicating that it could be a two-door with a convertible roof.

A model like this with the Scout badge wouldn’t be without historical precedent. The original Scout built by International Harvester had two doors, and several models were offered with removable roofs, including a retractable soft-top known as the ‘Sportop.’ If Scout is aiming to evoke nostalgia with a modern twist, a two-door convertible could be just the ticket.

When asked about Scout’s decision to launch the two models with a hardtop and an optional ‘Cabana’ style roof, Shaheen Karimian, the head of product marketing, hinted that there might be a niche audience craving a fully open-top experience in a more compact package. Karimian suggested that while the current lineup caters to practicality, there’s a potential market—albeit a small one—that would appreciate a true open-air option.

“How can we provide an open air feeling with the maximum amount of benefit, with the least amount of compromise? We landed at the cabana roof and glass roof options,” he told The Autopian. “On a two-row vehicle of this size, to deliver on all the other customer needs, the removable panels would be large, heavy, and challenging to provide a high quality experience without creating a higher customer price or an impacted vehicle experience.”

“It is true a smaller subset of customers are saying they want that removable roof experience… Doesn’t mean we can’t do one in the future, on say a vehicle with fewer doors and a shorter wheelbase,” Karimian added.

Of course, the future of a third model from the Scout brand will rest on the popularity of the Traveler and Terra. Scout also needs to get these two models into production and into the hands of customers before it can get too ahead of itself and start investing heavily in future products.

So, what do you think Scout’s next model should be? Cast your vote in the poll below and see where the crowd stands on Scout’s next move.

---

POLL

Scout Motors infuriated VW dealers across the United States last week when it confirmed that the upcoming Terra and Traveler will be available via a direct-sale model rather than through existing dealerships. However, state dealer associations and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) are already fighting back and looking for ways to block the revived brand’s hotly contested plan.

While Tesla was a trailblazer for direct-to-customer sales in the US, it faced many legal hurdles in skirting regulations designed to protect franchised dealerships. Scout differs from Tesla in that it’s not a true startup and is owned by the VW Group. Its affiliation with the German car manufacturer may complicate its ability to sell vehicles without involving dealers, according to Richard Sox, managing partner at Bass Sox Mercer law firm.

Read: VW Dealers Furious As Scout Sells Terra And Traveler Direct To Consumers

“In the vast majority of states, the OEMs are not permitted to sell direct or compete with their dealers,” Sox told Auto News. “There are some exceptions to that, but those exceptions generally relate to the non-legacy OEMs who do not have and have never had a dealer network, i.e., Tesla. They’re affiliated with Scout, they have ownership. They have potentially some control. It certainly complicates Scout’s ability to sell direct in those particular states that would otherwise allow a manufacturer that is completely separate from a legacy OEM to sell direct.”

Scout has been eager to declare its independence since launching. The company plans to establish dedicated retail spaces across the country, allowing shoppers to place orders online. Scout will also manage all production and maintenance of its vehicles.

The chairman of Pohanka Automotive Group, Geoffrey Pohanka, has rejected the claim that Scout is independent of VW, telling Auto News “it’s the same”. He added that “VW has worked hard to reestablish itself in the United States, and they’re very sincere about that. This is contradictory to all the efforts they’ve made to reinvigorate the brand with new models.”

NADA’s chief executive, Mike Stanton, stated that the association is ready to challenge Scout “in courthouses and statehouses across the country.” While it remains unclear what legal route NADA will pursue, Stanton noted that “everything’s on the table right now.” He predicts that Scout’s plans to manage every aspect of the ownership experience through its app “will fail.”

Read: These Are The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV

University of Michigan Law School professor Daniel Crane believes dealer associations may first pick states where they have the strongest standing before beginning the legal battles. Richard Sox added that his law firm has already started working with 10 state dealer associations and is looking for the best ways to push back against the direct-to-consumer sales strategy.

It’s been less than a week since the revived Scout brand officially introduced itself and opened reservations, but the company is already touting “extremely positive” feedback for its new Traveler SUV and Terra pickup. Initial data from the company itself shows that the majority of buyers are leaning toward the SUV, while early polling from a dedicated Scout forum suggests that over 80% of those placing reservations are opting for the optional ‘Harvester’ range-extender powertrain.

The VW-backed brand unveiled the Traveler and Terra to much fanfare, instantly opening the floodgates for reservations. We reached out to Scout for preliminary data on the breakdown between model reservations, and the company told Carscoops that roughly two-thirds of buyers have chosen the Traveler SUV, while the remaining third are snapping up the Terra pickup.

Scout declined to provide specific numbers—whether for total reservations or the split between the standard EV and the range-extender model—but the breakdown between body styles offers an early glimpse into customer preferences.

Read: These Are The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV

“Consumer response to the reveal of the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck is extremely positive, validating what we learned from the Scout community and several consumer product clinics at which we tested various product concepts,” a Scout spokesperson told us. “This has resulted in a high volume of reservations that has surpassed internal expectations.” 

“Presently, two-thirds of reservations are for the Scout Traveler SUV and one-third are for the Scout Terra truck. The Harvester range-extender, connection-focused features like the bench seat, and a return to tactility and utility are resonating with consumers, and we’re seeing that enthusiasm reflected in reservation counts.”

In the lead-up to the unveiling of the Traveler and Terra concepts, the duo were only expected to be offered with battery-electric powertrains. However, Scout caught some people off guard by offering an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) variant alongside the all-electric version. The EREV model features a small gasoline engine acting as a generator to recharge the battery, promising up to 500 miles (805 km) of range—a more compelling option for drivers who aren’t quite ready to commit to full-electric just yet.

And it seems this decision might be paying off. While Scout hasn’t released official reservation numbers for the EREV, administrators from the Scout EV Forum have compiled data from over 670 members who’ve placed orders. They found that over 80% of these early adopters are choosing the EREV over the fully electric BEV. The forum data also reveals that 45.9% of those reserving a Scout already own an EV, while 54.1% are newcomers to the electric vehicle world. For what it’s worth, the breakdown between SUV (58.2%), truck (34.2%), and both models (7.7%) aligns closely with Scout’s official data.

Of course, since this data is pulled from a small sample of one enthusiast forum, the proportion of EREV models out of total reservations may vary, and unless Scout itself announces official numbers, we won’t know precisely how popular the EREV is proving to be. Nevertheless, it seems safe to say that Scout’s decision to offer the range-extender was a good idea.

Scout Motors is staging a comeback that’s equal parts reinvention and nostalgic nod. Once a pioneer in the American SUV scene, International Harvester was the brand that helped introduce the concept of a “sport utility vehicle” with the Scout before it was even a thing. But the company went belly-up in 1980, leaving its rugged reputation to fade into automotive folklore. Now, thanks to the Volkswagen Group’s backing, which acquired the rights to the name when it bought Navistar International in 2021, Scout is reinventing itself as an all-electric brand.

Read: These Are The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV

Just this week, more than two years after we first heard about VW’s plans, Scout finally pulled the wraps off two production-intent concept vehicles, the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup, which are designed to preview its lineup for 2027. Both models sit on a unique, body-on-frame EV platform, promising the kind of durability and off-road capability that could make them genuinely competitive in today’s market. It’s a throwback to Scout’s roots, but with a high-voltage twist.

As the brand gears up to roll out these two models, we’re taking a closer look at some of their more unusual and standout features today.

Cabana Top

One of the more unexpected options is a Cabana Top, which will be one of the largest retractable roofs offered on an SUV. Scout hasn’t said much about it, but images suggest a canvas roof that slides back to expose the first and second row. In effect, it sounds a lot like the Sky Slider roof that was offered on the Jeep Liberty.

Customers won’t be limited to the Cabana Top as Scout is envisioning “multiple” roof types. One of them will be a panoramic glass roof that combines “expansive sky views with the privacy and thermal benefits of a powered shade.”

Accessories Galore

The automotive aftermarket is worth nearly half a trillion dollars and Scout wants a piece of the pie. As a result, they’re promising a range of accessories including auxiliary lighting units, side steps, and rugged bumpers with recovery points. Customers can also expect winches and an assortment of overlanding gear.

Since a number of accessories will be powered, Scout envisions integrating them into the vehicle. This means there could be built-in auxiliary switches and possible app integration for aftermarket equipment.

Tactile Controls

In an unfortunate twist, modern interior design largely focuses on screens. We see it far too often as automakers try to one up competitors with larger displays, front passenger displays, or lower ‘command centers.’

This has left a number of models feeling cold, clinical, and generic – even those from luxury brands. Scout isn’t exactly rocking the boat here, but they’re aiming for a “real” hands-on experience that includes physical switches and dials as well as grab bars and old fashioned door handles.

Front Bench Seat

Much like the original International Harvester Scout, the bench seat has been dead for decades. While there have been a few survivors, they’re the exception and not the rule.

These are typically found in fleet-focused pickups, so it’s surprising to see that Scout will offer a bench seat on both the Traveler and Terra. It replaces a floating center console with a wide seat that appears to have a slightly protruding center section.

Range-Extended Powertrain

One of the biggest surprises of the night was the announcement of a range-extended powertrain known as the Harvester. The Volkswagen Group has been hitting the EV drum pretty hard, but they finally acknowledged the obvious and listened to consumers who aren’t ready to go fully electric.

This nod to common sense sees the vehicles outfitted with a small internal combustion engine that acts as a gas-powered generator. Scout didn’t go into many specifics, but said the range-extended variant should be able to travel more than 500 miles (805 km).

Fairly Affordable

Pricing is expected to start below $60,000, though, given the timeline, it might be wise to take that with a grain of salt. Scout has indicated that entry-level models could cost around $50,000 with available incentives applied, as production will take place in Volkswagen’s South Carolina plant. That’s considerably less than other off-road EVs from GMC and Rivian.

However it’s on par with the Rivian R2, which is set to arrive in the first half of 2026 and cost around $45,000. Details are vague, but the automaker has previously said there will be two different battery packs including one that delivers more than 300 miles (483 km) of range. We can also expect single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations, with the latter allowing for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of less than three seconds.

Direct Sales Model

There was one development that Volkswagen dealers in the States didn’t like and that was a direct sales model that cuts them out of the loop. Scout said this will enable them to “establish a one-to-one relationship with its customers, rooted in trust and transparency, by selling and servicing… vehicles directly.”

In effect, dealers can’t be trusted not to screw up the Scout experience with markups and other questionable behavior. This is an interesting change and one that seemingly puts customers first.

VW dealerships in the United States hoping to get a piece of the action with the new Scout Terra pickup and Traveler SUV are out of luck. The revived brand has confirmed that these models will be sold directly to customers, bypassing the traditional dealership network.

For the past few years, VW’s leadership has been debating the best way to market vehicles from its American-based startup. Dealerships had suspected as early as May 2022 that Scout might adopt a direct sales model, well before the new models were officially unveiled. VW offered them no assurances that they’d be included in the sales process, leaving many dealers bracing for disappointment.

Read: These Are The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV

While speaking about the new Terra and Traveler at the presentation, Scout chief executive Scott Keogh confirmed that the company will indeed adopt a direct-to-consumer sales model.

Dealerships Prepare for a Legal Battle

Unsurprisingly, this hasn’t gone down well with existing VW dealers. Backed by the National Automobile Dealers Association and the Automotive Trade Association Executives, they’re reportedly gearing up to pursue legal action in an attempt to force Scout to reconsider its direct-to-consumer strategy, Auto News reports.

“Assuming they take this other path, let’s face it, there’s going to be challenges and problems for them virtually everywhere across the country,” said John Devlin, the 2024 chairman of the Automotive Trade Association Executives and CEO of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association. “My counterparts around the country are not just going to roll over.”

Scout’s Independence Gives It Flexibility

The problem for VW dealers is that Scout has been established as an independent company, a move that clears the way for a direct-to-consumer model without conflicting with VW’s franchise dealer network.

“Because of the way the franchise laws are in many states, if this were to be a Volkswagen company, it would be forced to not compete against Volkswagen dealerships,” Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, told Auto News. “But as a standalone company, they are working to get around requiring franchise dealers, period, to carry the Scouts.”

Scout Motors is looking to establish a one-to-one relationship with its customers, directly offering reservations, sales, delivery, and servicing. It adds shoppers will know exactly what they’re paying for with “full price transparency,” and says “vehicle purchase transactions will be completed in minutes.”

Interested buyers will be able to see Terra and Traveler models at dedicated retail spaces across the US. Test drives will also be offered at these sites. Scout Workshops are also being established but the firm notes approximately 80% of repair types can be completed outside of a Scout Workshop, “whether in a driveway or while adventuring.”

Reservations Open, Production Planned for 2027

Scout has already started accepting reservations for the two models, requiring a $100 reservation fee, which is fully refundable. Prices for both the Traveler and Terra will start at under $60,000 before incentives, and production will begin at the Scout Motors Production Center near Columbia, South Carolina, in 2027.

Battery-electric and range-extender powertrains will be offered. Fully electric models will use two motors, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture, and offering up to 350 miles (563 km) of range. A gas range extender with a small engine designed to recharge the high-voltage battery is also in the works. This model will have a range of more than 500 miles (805 km).

It’s been 44 long years since the last Scout left the assembly line, but now, the brand has made its comeback. Revived under the VW Group umbrella, Scout is entering the 21st century with two all-new battery-electric vehicles: the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck. Both will also come with the option of a range-extender. While these aren’t the final versions that will go on sale in 2027, they are production-intent concepts.

Much like the Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S duo, the designs of the Traveler and Terra are very similar to each other. Both EVs have a bold and dramatic presence, rocking a fairly simple front fascia with a large skid plate, a blacked-out front grille, and simple headlights and horizontal DRLs. A small Scout logo has been positioned off to the right of the grille, much like how a piece of art has a signature in the bottom right corner.

Read: VW Committed To Scout Brand Despite $5 Billion Rivian Deal

Both models have short front overhangs, but when viewed from the side, it’s hard not to notice the somewhat-length rear overhang of the Traveler. Other key design elements include blacked-out arches, skirts, and bumpers, black wheels with rugged tires, and black pillars. The rear of the Traveler is also quite interesting as it features a split tailgate and a swing-out spare wheel carrier. Both the Traveler and Terra sport LED taillights, although the ones on the Terra are more intricate and include wrap-around lights that stretch across the entire tailgate.

Powertrains

As long expected, electric versions of both the Terra and Traveler will be offered but an unexpected option is an EREV version. The battery-electric versions rock a pair of electric motors and while no horsepower figures have been released, Scout says the duo will deliver almost 1,000 lb-ft (1,355 Nm) of torque, allowing them to hit 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds.

Underpinning both models is an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, which will allow BEV variants to travel up to 350 miles (563 km) on a single charge. To address the concerns around charging, both the Terra and Traveler will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and support 350 kW fast charging, as well as bi-directional charging for added functionality in real-world scenarios.

Gas Range Extender

Then there’s the EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle), which Scout has introduced in response to consumer concerns about recharging infrastructure, especially in remote areas. This variant, called the Harvester, will feature a small gasoline-powered engine designed solely to recharge the high-voltage battery, extending the vehicle’s range to more than 500 miles (805 km).

The Traveler and Terra are both built on a body-on-frame platform with a solid rear axle. They offer almost 2,000 lbs (907 kg) of payload, while the Terra delivers more than 10,000 lbs of towing (4,535 kg), and the Traveler can tow over 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg). For those venturing off the pavement, these models can be fitted with tires up to 35 inches, provide more than 1 foot of ground clearance, and have almost 3 feet of water fording capability. Boosting their off-road credentials include a front sway bar disconnect, as well as front and rear mechanical lockers.

Scout has focused heavily on ensuring the Terra and Traveler suit the adventurous, hard-working lifestyles of owners. As such, both have front trunks that can fit gold clubs and power multiple devices through 120V and USB-C outlets. The Terra’s 5.5-foot bed also has two 120V power outlets and one 240V outlet, enough to power heavy-duty tools. A suite of accessories will also be offered, including auxiliary lighting, off-road bumpers with recovery points, a heavy-duty winch, and more.

Interior

Inside, Scout has opted for a simple yet upmarket design for the cabins of the two models that aims to capture the ruggedness of the EVs. Positioned ahead of the driver is an eye-catching two-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom and a gently curved top. Scout has then added a digital instrument cluster while a second screen serves as the infotainment display. While most of the vehicle’s functions are housed within this display, a row of physical buttons and knobs have been included, adding some tactility to the cabin.

Both models will offer over-the-air updates and remote diagnostic capabilities. The Terra’s cabin is particularly interesting as it can be optioned with a bench seat in the front row, while the Traveler opts for a large multi-function center console with ample storage and cupholders.

Pricing and Availability

All Scout models will be manufactured in the United States at Volkswagen’s South Carolina plant, with starting prices for both the Terra and Traveler expected to come in below the $60,000 mark. After incentives, the Terra’s price could drop to as low as $51,500, while the Traveler will be available for as little as $50,000. While the company had initially planned to roll out the two models in 2026, it now says that production and sales will begin in 2027.

The last International Harvester Scout rolled off the assembly line in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1980 after nearly two decades of production. Volkswagen’s Scout Motors is now aiming to make a triumphant return on October 24, nearly 44 years to the day after the final model was built.

This is an eternity in the automotive world and the company is trying to build excitement by dropping a new teaser image of their “rugged” truck and SUV. The company is keeping details a closely guarded secret, but both models appear to have similar front ends with a protruding bumper and a horizontal bar on the grille.

More: Scout EVs Will Be Rugged, Have Chunky Buttons And Start At $50,000

They’re joined by a relatively flat hood, which echoes the one found on the Ford Bronco. Additional details are hard to make out, but the SUV has a Range Rover-esque silhouette and an angular rear end with a pronounced bumper.

The pickup, on the other hand, has a flatter roof and a crew cab configuration. We can also see a sizable bed and an upright rear window.

We’ll learn full details shortly, but the company reached out to supporters to thank them for keeping the “Scout Spirit burning from one generation to the next.” The EV brand went on to say this moment couldn’t have happened without them.

That sentiment was echoed in a new promotional video, called “Encore.” It pays tribute to the “passionate community of makers, dreamers and restorers” who have carried the Scout torch for the last 44 years. While the new models are absent in the clip, it’s full of nostalgia and that’s something the brand certainly wants to tap into.

Production is slated to begin in 2026 and officials have previously suggested pricing could start around $50,000. If the company is able to hit that target, the models would significantly undercut the GMC Hummer EV lineup which is playing in a similar sandbox.