Scout Motors Returns With New All-Electric Terra And Traveler SUVs

Scout Motors, a legendary American name in off-road vehicles, has re-entered the market under Volkswagen Group ownership, reviving its reputation for rugged, functional SUVs. After shuttering in 1980, Scout is making a comeback with the Terra truck and Traveler SUV, two all-electric vehicles designed with a body-on-frame construction and a host of features aimed at blending the brand’s vintage appeal with forward-thinking electric vehicle (EV) technology. The vehicles are set for a projected 2027 release, with anticipated starting prices under $60,000 (approx. ₹50 lakh).

Scout Motors’ new models reflect an effort to capture both the nostalgic appeal of the original 1960s and ’70s Scout models and the demand for high-performance electric vehicles. The Terra and Traveler combine solid rear axles, body-on-frame construction, and mechanical lockers — classic off-road attributes that resonate with enthusiasts of the brand’s original rugged design. Both models are expected to deliver heavy-duty performance: the Traveler SUV is projected to tow over 3175 kg, while the Terra truck aims for a capacity exceeding 4536 kg, each with nearly 907 kg of payload. 

The Terra and Traveler will also feature impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 kmph in a projected 3.5 seconds, enabled by an estimated 1356 Nm of torque across a four-wheel-drive system. This torque-intensive build aims to provide a substantial off-road and towing experience, differentiating Scout’s new offerings from other EVs in the SUV and truck markets.

Unlike most automakers, Scout Motors has opted to develop an entirely new and proprietary body-on-frame EV platform, forgoing Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform in favour of creating a unique foundation. This platform is a substantial investment, underscoring the brand’s commitment to distinguishing itself from VW's existing lineup and creating a dedicated EV experience. Developing a standalone platform allows Scout more flexibility to tailor the vehicles to meet specific demands, including heavy-duty off-roading and towing.

These vehicles will operate on an innovative zonal electrical architecture, a departure from the traditional domain-based setups. This advanced architecture enables over-the-air software updates, reducing the need for physical maintenance and allowing remote diagnostics. Scout is banking on this technology to keep long-term ownership costs down and provide flexibility for future upgrades, effectively extending the life and functionality of each model.

While both models will offer fully electric trims with a maximum range of up to 563 km, Scout also plans to introduce an extended-range model with a petrol-powered range extender, boosting the range to over 805 km.

Scout Motors points to two reasons for this design choice. First, many electric trucks experience a significant drop in range when towing or carrying heavy payloads. The range extender aims to address that limitation without detracting from the all-electric design. Additionally, Scout’s leadership is confident in EVs as the future of transportation, but sees the range extender as a practical feature to alleviate potential range anxiety, particularly for customers who need the option of extended travel distances.

The aesthetic of the Terra and Traveler models nods to classic off-road designs, with influences from vehicles like Jeep, Ram, and Range Rover, combined with a clear homage to the original Scout models by International Harvester. According to Scout, these vehicles retain some of the nostalgic feel of their predecessors, but with updated lines and design elements to bring them into the current EV era. The vehicles include tactile features like mechanical door handles, large dials, and optional bench seating, designed to resonate with customers looking for a hands-on driving experience.