Although it disappeared more than 40 years ago, International Harvester a mythical brand In North America, thanks in part to the Scout, one of the world’s first SUVs. now, Scout Motors returns under Volkswagen as a completely new brand and presents its first two models: the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV. Both use an all-new EV platform and will start at under $60,000 before incentives when they go into production in 2027.
Scout motors says its “priority is to honor the spirit of the original Scout, sold in various guises by International from 1961 to 1980.” While the Traveler and Terra have distinctly modern designs, they use rounded contours and a “black mask” on the front and rear panels to evoke older models. They are also equipped with separate bumpers and side windows that open upwards, again reminiscent of the classic Scout.
Other design elements are completely modern, such as the rectangular headlights divided into two parts with a thin LED strip around the “grill” and subtle daytime running lights. (The models shown here represent 85 percent of what we’ve seen in recent production vehicles, Scout said).
The original Scout and International 150 pickups were practical and tough (we used to call it “Inter-smashable”), and the new models will retain some of those aspects. Both feature an on-body construction with a solid rear axle along with front and rear locking hubs for off-road use. They’ll offer 2,000 pounds of payload, along with 7,000 pounds of towing capacity for the Traveler and 10,000 pounds for the Terra pickup. Both will have all-wheel drive via front and rear electric motors.
This should please working and outdoor shoppers, but vehicles can also raise your hair. Thanks to nearly 1,000 pound-feet of torque and four-wheel drive, both will sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, though the Scout still hasn’t claimed top speed.
The base trim package will offer 350 miles of range, while the extended-range version is a hybrid that will get 500 miles using a gas-powered range extender. Charging times are not mentioned, but they will use an 800-volt architecture that supports speeds of up to 350 kW. It will also offer two-way charging and car-to-home capabilities, along with over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.
The cabin is as far away as possible spartan interior over original. It looks luxurious and high-tech, with a digital cluster and large displays, a promised “responsive” infotainment system and high-definition backup cameras. It also comes with switches and dials for climate and other controls. The seats and dashboard are covered in a mix of brown leather, fabric and wood-like material.
Scout says both have 120-volt and USB-C outlets and can fit golf clubs, a gym bag and a small cooler. The Terra’s 5.5-foot bed will also have 120- and 240-volt outlets for tools, compressors, and more.
The Traveler, meanwhile, will have a split tailgate and be equipped with two roof options. The first is the Cabana top with fold-back panels for open-air driving, and the second is the power-shaded glass roof. Both cars will be equipped with a front seat to increase the passenger capacity.
Like Tesla, Scout will sell its cars directly to consumers without a dealer in the middle. Buying one will take “minutes” with a company that promises complete price transparency and sales, delivery and service management. You’ll be able to check them out in person at designated Scout Workshop retail and service locations.
Both models are designed and engineered in Michigan and will be built by approximately 4,000 workers at a new factory in Columbia, South Carolina. Production begins in 2027 with cars arriving for 2028. According to Scout Motors, prices will start below $60,000 and reservations are now open.
