Scout Motors is reborn with new electric SUV and truck concepts

Scout Motors – touting itself as an electric vehicle (EV) startup that already has traction in the market, given the brand’s heritage – revealed its first two new vehicles yesterday in the relaunch of the brand. 

Positioned as “concept” models, the new Scouts include the electric Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup.

In a nutshell: Initially announced two years ago, the relaunch of the new Scout Motors – which is owned by Volkswagen – is aimed at capturing some of the burgeoning sales in the light-duty electric SUV and truck segments.

• The original Scout vehicles were manufactured by International Harvester and sold from 1961 to 1980.     

• Designed in Michigan, the Traveler and Terra will be manufactured at a new facility being built in South Carolina.

Key features: 

• Rugged build and performance: Body-on-frame chassis, solid rear axle, front and rear mechanical lockers, and nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque through a four-wheel-drive system.

• Capability and speed: Traveler can tow 7,000 pounds; Terra exceeds 10,000 pounds. Both offer nearly 2,000 pounds of payload with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.

• Range options: All-electric models have a 350-mile range, while extended-range variants with a built-in gas generator reach 500 miles.

First impression: Despite some stiff competition in the segment (think Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, as it relates to the Traveler), Scout Motors could be a serious contender in the electric pickup and sport utility vehicle segments. 

• Buyers in the segments will likely find the vehicles’ balance of modern and contemporary exterior and interior design cues, reminiscent of earlier Scout models, appealing.   

• The optional extended gas range capabilities will go a long way to address concerns from diehard Scout loyalists and newcomers to the brand skeptical of EVs.

• With a price of around $50,000 for the Traveler and $51,500 for the Terra (with available incentives), buyers in the market for an electric pickup or SUV, will likely find the price points for the new Scouts competitive as well.

What they’re saying: “We wanted to make something that felt familiar to Scout enthusiasts, so when they look at it, they could see elements that felt familiar − but for people not familiar with the brand, they would look at it and go, ‘Wow, that’s a cool car, I like that,’ just on its merits alone,” said Scout Motors Chief Design Officer Chris Benjamin. 

Sales method: The Scout Traveler and Terra will be sold through a direct-to-customer business model through an “exclusive” Scout Motors sales and service network, with initial production slated for 2027.  

Why it matters: For consumers, Scout’s direct-to-customer approach could offer a streamlined buying experience, but it might also limit access to hands-on support typically provided by dealerships. While some dealers may still benefit from the exclusive service network, the overall model raises concerns about future profitability and control over customer relationships.

Final note: Scout Motors opened reservations for the Traveler and Terra on October 24. With production scheduled for 2027, Scout is betting that a blend of nostalgia, modern engineering, and direct sales can re-establish the brand in a competitive electric market.

Contributing writer Marcus Amick’s travel and accommodations for the Scout Motors reveal in Tennessee were paid for by Scout Motors.

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