Scout Traveler and Terra

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A li’l bit of history lesson before we begin. While the ‘Scout Motors’ may seem to be Volkswagen Group’s new brand, its story dates back to 1960 when an American farming equipment manufacturer named International Harvester Company also decided to launch an off-road vehicle. It was called the International Scout. While it didn’t achieve the same fame and success as other off-roaders such as the Land Cruiser and Defender, there were two generations of Scouts before the product line was discontinued in 1980. 

#Scout Terra & Traveler pic.twitter.com/2Zz1pITc1A

— Sagar (@autodevot) December 24, 2025

The International Harvester eventually became Navistar International Corporation due to various circumstances, which in late 2016 was absorbed by Traton SE, VW Group’s truck division. And that, my friend, is how the ‘Scout’ brand became part of the VW Group. Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the new Scout Traveler and Terra.

First up, we’ve the Scout Traveler—which indeed, is a very handsome looking SUV. Looks much better than the Rivian, in my personal opinion. I think the designers have done a fantastic job in modernizing the original Scout’s design. The rectangular fascia, the side marker lamps, and the general silhouette of the vehicle, are a nod to the original Scout II.

Interestingly, the Traveler is built on a body-on-frame platform with a solid rear axle, claimed to be all-new and proprietary. Other off-roading credentials include up to 35-inch all-terrain tires, over 1-foot of ground clearance, nearly 3-feet of water fording capability, a front sway bar disconnect, and front & rear mechanical locking differentials. We don’t have the numbers, but those approach and departure angles look pretty sweet too.

It’s a similar formula for the Terra pickup truck in terms of the platform and design. The bed measures 5.5-foot, which Scout reckons is a right-sized one. Where’s the spare wheel, you ask? Well, the Terra carries an underbody 33-inch spare wheel (35-inch optional). As for towing capacities, the Terra is estimated to tow over 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs), while the Traveler is estimated to tow over 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs).

The interior too looks clean and minimalistic, and is essentially a modernized version of the original Scout II interior. There’s a healthy mix of digital and physical interfaces, and the materials look premium.

But anyway, let’s talk about the juicy bits of the story. Both the Scout Traveler and Scout Terra will be offered with 100% battery electric or gasoline-fueled range-extender series-hybrid options. The BEV models will, of course, offer RWD and dual-motor AWD options. Scout is yet to disclose full details, but it estimates the BEV variants to offer up to 563 km (350 mi) of range, while the series-hybrid models are estimated to offer over 805 km (500 mi) of range. The 800-volt architecture should allow up to 350 kW charging capability. The dual-motor AWD variants may offer up to 1,356 Nm (1,000 lb-ft) of torque.

The company expects to commence production sometime in 2027 at the Scout Motors Production Center near Columbia, South Carolina. Retail prices are expected to be under $60,000 (before incentives). Reservations have already commenced ($100, refundable).