A new era of Scout has been born. The American automaker is back with two new concept vehicles that it says are indicative of models it plans to bring to market in the coming years, the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck.
"Two years in the making, the day has finally come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world," said Scott Keogh, President and CEO, Scout Motors in a press release. "The original core idea — rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty — is more relevant than ever. We couldn't be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work."
Though the vehicles are made for a modern age, the company's designers started with the vision of paying homage to Scout's vehicles of the past. International Harvester made the Scout product line from 1961-1980 before the company's assets were sold and production ceased. Volkswagen Group has owned the brand since 2020 but all the company's engineering and design work is being completed in-house, in the U.S.
Buyers will be able to choose between a battery-electric powertrain or a range-extended energy system to power their vehicle. Models with a range-extender will have a four-cylinder engine paired with the battery and motors.
Scout is calling its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models "Harvester".
"Scout is positioning itself as a unique player in the growing EV market. It is capitalizing on the nostalgic appeal of its heritage by blending classic design with modern technology," Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis at AutoPacific told Newsweek.
"Scout's revival is not just about selling cars; it's about building a lifestyle brand around sustainable adventure. Given the overcrowded nature of the industry-wide mainstream SUV and truck market, Scout needs to lean heavily into its niche — highly capable electric off-roaders with retro flair that resonate with enthusiasts who crave authenticity."
All-electric versions of the Scout SUV and truck will offer up to 350 miles of range, the company said, while range-extended versions will be able to go 500 miles between fill ups.
The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) relies on 800-volt architecture. This architecture allows for fast-charging capability. Hyundai Motor Group brands Kia, Hyundai and Genesis have all employed similar technology in their vehicles. Other automakers opt for 400-volt architecture.
Scout's BEV is slated to deliver nearly 1,000 pound-feet of torque and be able to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.5 seconds.
All Scout vehicles will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging connection.
In true SUV and truck fashion, the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck will be built on a body-on-frame platform. The proprietary platform features a solid rear axle. It enables the Terra truck to deliver a projected 10,000-plus pounds of towing capacity while the Traveler SUV gets over 7,000 pounds of capability. Both models can handle 2,000 pounds of payload.
Scout plans to offer the models with up to 35-inch tires that allow them to have over one foot of ground clearance and nearly three feet of water fording capability.
The front sway bar will disconnect, front and rear mechanical lockers will be fitted, and Scout promises, "competitive approach and departure angles, and robust suspension options."
Traveler and Terra both have a four-wheel drive system that is made up of an electric drive unit on each axle. Battery-electric versions of the models are expected to be able to climb 100 percent grades.
Scout intends to leverage their model's software architecture to enable over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote vehicle problem diagnosis. The company describes the models' touchscreens as "snappy" and said in a press release that high-resolution camera views will be available to drivers.
Traveler and Terra feature a front trunk (frunk) that is capable of fitting golf clubs, a gym bag, or a cooler. That area also has 120-volt and USB-C power outlets.
The 5.5-foot pickup bed is primed for tailgating and overnight off-grid adventures with two 120-volt power outlets and one 240-volt outlets.
Scout will offer the models with different roof types including an "open-air experience" called the Cabana Top, which is targeted to be one of the largest roof openings of any vehicle on the market. The Cabana Top is glass and provides views while a powered sunshade works to protect privacy and mitigate heat transfer into the cabin.
Scout plans to offer a "full portfolio" of accessories for their models including auxiliary lighting, assist steps, power off-boarding solutions, off-road bumpers with recovery points, a heavy-duty winch, and more.
The company plans to integrate these accessories into the vehicles, assigning them to AUX switches, and/or control via the brand's mobile app.
Unlike the Rivian R1T and R1S, Scout plans to bring its SUV and truck to market with switches and dials. There will also be mechanical door handles and grab bars.
The starting price of the Scout Traveler is expected to be right around $50,000 with available incentives applied. Retail pricing will start under $60,000.
The Scout Terra will be priced to start at $51,500 with available incentives applied and retail prices starting under $60,000.
"Scout isn't cutting any corners. The vehicles are built on a rugged body-on-frame platform with an 800-volt battery architecture, positioning its off-roaders to be bulletproof and future-proof. A solid rear axle, advanced 4x4 systems, over 10,000 pounds of towing capability in some cases, and an EREV option makes a compelling case to Scout's loyal fanbase, hardcore off-road enthusiasts, and a new generation of adventurers," said Waatti.
Scout targets 2027 for initial production of its new models. All will be made at the company's new Scout Motors Production Center manufacturing facility near Columbia, South Carolina.
Customers can make a reservation for their model starting today at 6:30 p.m. ET at scoutmotors.com.
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