International Harvester disappeared more than 40 years ago, but it’s a legendary brand in North America thanks to the Scout, one of the world’s first SUVs. Now, Scout Motors is back under Volkswagen as an all-new brand and has just unveiled its first two models, the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV. Both are built on the latest EV platforms and will start at less than $60,000 before incentives when production begins in 2027.
Scout Motors says “honoring the spirit of the original Scout,” sold in various forms by International from 1961 to 1980, was a priority. The Traveler and Terra have a decidedly modern design, but are reminiscent of older models with their rounded contours and use of “black masks” on the front and rear fascias. It also features a separate bumper and upward-sweeping side windows, again reminiscent of the classic Scout.
Andrew Trahan Photography LLC
Other design elements are thoroughly modern, such as the thin LED strip around the ‘grille’ and the rectangular headlights bisected by slim daytime running lights. (The model shown here is 85% of what you’ll see in the final production vehicle, Scout said).
The original Scout and International 150 pickups were practical and durable (we called them “Inter-smashables” at the time). The new model will retain some of those aspects. Both have body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle and front and rear locking hubs for off-road use. It has a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds for Traveler and 10,000 pounds for Pickup Truck. Both have all-wheel drive with front and rear electric motors.
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It’ll still work and should satisfy outdoorsy buyers, but the car can still make you cringe. Both accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds thanks to an estimated 1,000 pound-feet of torque and four-wheel-drive systems, but the Scout hasn’t reached its top speed yet.
The base trim package offers up to 350 miles of range, while the extended range version is essentially a hybrid and can go up to 500 miles with a gas-powered range extender. There’s no mention of charging time, but it will use an 800-volt architecture that supports speeds of up to 350 kW. It will also feature bi-directional charging and vehicle-to-home functionality, as well as over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.
scout motors
The cabin is as far removed from the original’s spartan interior as possible. It looks luxurious and high-tech with a digital cluster and large display, a promised “responsive” infotainment system and a high-resolution backup camera. At the same time, it comes with toggles and dials for climate and other controls. The seats and panels are covered in a combination of brown leather, fabric and wood-like materials.
Both have frunks with 120-volt and USB-C outlets, and can hold golf clubs, gym bags and small coolers, Scout says. Terra’s 5.5-foot bed also includes 120-volt and 240-volt outlets for tools, compressors, and more.
The Traveler, on the other hand, has a split tailgate and comes with two roof options. The first is a cabana top with folding panels for open-air driving, and the second is a glass roof with an electric shade. Both vehicles feature a front bench seat to increase passenger capacity.
Andrew Trahan Photography LLC
Like Tesla, Scout sells vehicles directly to consumers without a dealer in the middle. The company promises complete price transparency and responsive sales, delivery and service, so your purchase will take “minutes.” You can check it out in person at our dedicated Scout Workshop retail and service locations.
Both models will be designed and engineered in Michigan and manufactured by approximately 4,000 workers at a new plant in Columbia, South Carolina. Production will begin in 2027 and the vehicle will arrive as a 2028 model. Scout Motors says prices start at less than $60,000 and pre-orders are now being taken.
