Volkswagen’s revived American truck and SUV brand, Scout Motors, has introduced two electric concept vehicles — the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV — drawing inspiration from the original 1970s International Harvester Scout lineup.
Scout, now a US-based brand under the Volkswagen Group, unveiled these models with production expected to begin in 2027 at a new South Carolina plant, anticipated to generate over 4,000 jobs.
Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh underscored the brand’s legacy, emphasising rugged, off-road capabilities suited for adventure and daily family use.
The Terra and Traveler showcase robust off-road engineering, featuring a proprietary body-on-frame platform with solid rear axles.
The Terra truck is expected to achieve a towing capacity exceeding 4,500kg, while the Traveler SUV should manage over 3,200kg. Both vehicles will offer substantial payload capacities near 900kg.
Capabilities include up to 35-inch tyres, over 30cm of ground clearance, 91cm of water-fording ability, front sway bar disconnects, and front and rear mechanical lockers.
Design priorities focus on hands-on, mechanical features, such as analogue door handles and physical control knobs for various functions.
In addition to physical design, Scout incorporates modern digital and hardware elements, employing a new zonal software architecture that enables over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics, and customisable interfaces.
The interiors are designed to balance traditional durability with digital interfaces, pairing tactile buttons with high-resolution touchscreens and offering seamless controls for various functions.
Each model will also include a front trunk, two 120V outlets in the Terra’s truck bed, and additional power outlets for heavy-duty tools, potentially extending vehicle utility for camping or job sites.
Both models offer flexible energy options, allowing customers to choose either a fully electric version or a range-extended model featuring a small petrol-powered generator.
This hybrid configuration would increase range from 563km on battery alone to over 800km.
Both energy systems are designed to preserve off-road capabilities while supporting different user needs, and all models will support North American Charging Standard (NACS) with an 800-volt architecture and bi-directional charging.
Each Scout vehicle will have an electric drive motor on each axle, allowing for rapid acceleration (0-97kph in 3.5 seconds) and up to 1,356Nm of torque.
At the announcement of the two concept models in Nashville, Scout hinted at a third vehicle, possibly a rugged two-door SUV with a removable roof, though specifics are limited.
Scout’s head of product marketing, Shaheen Karimian, acknowledged a customer interest in roofless designs, much like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though no official plans have been confirmed.
This potential third model could lean towards a smaller, two-row SUV layout that accommodates features like a removable roof, though current production and demand trends may favour a four-door, fixed-roof option.
Scout noted that lower take rates for two-door off-roaders like the Wrangler and Bronco could influence final design decisions for future models.
Although comparisons have been made between Scout and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian due to design and functionality overlaps, Scout maintains it has its own distinct platform and does not share underlying architecture with Rivian vehicles.
Volkswagen and Rivian do collaborate on software and electrical architectures through a joint venture, but Scout insists the Terra and Traveler remain unique products developed independently.
Scout will take direct reservations for the Terra and Traveler, with prices starting under US$60,000 (RM263,000). Interested buyers in the US can reserve their spots with a refundable deposit of US$100 (RM437) on Scout’s website.
