Premiere of Scout Traveler SUV, Scout Terra Truck

A new era scout was born. The American automaker is back with two new concept vehicles that it says are indicative of the models it plans to introduce to the market in the coming years: Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck.

“It’s been two years in the making, and the day has finally come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world,” Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh said in a press release. “The original core idea – rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty – is more relevant than ever. We couldn’t be more proud to revitalize this iconic American brand, create jobs for thousands of Americans and put American creativity back to work.”

Although the vehicles were built for the modern age, the company’s designers began with the vision of paying homage to the Scout’s past vehicles. International Harvester made scout Product line from 1961-1980 before the company’s assets were sold and production ceased. Volkswagen Group has owned the brand since 2020, but all of the company’s engineering and design work is completed in-house in the USA.

Buyers will be able to choose between a battery-electric powertrain or a range-extended energy system to power their vehicle. Models with a range extender have a four-cylinder engine paired with batteries and motors.

Scout calls its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models “Harvesters.”

“Scout positions itself as a unique player in the growing EV market. It taps into the nostalgic appeal of its heritage by blending classic design with modern technology,” said Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis at AutoPacific. news week.

“The Scout revival isn’t just about selling cars; it’s about building a lifestyle brand around sustainable adventure. Given the overcrowded nature of the mainstream industry-wide SUV and truck market, the Scout is moving into its own niche: highly capable electric off-roaders.” It needs to lean heavily into road vehicles, with a retro flair that resonates with enthusiasts who want originality.”

The company said that fully electric versions of the Scout SUV and truck will offer a range of up to 350 miles, while extended-range versions can go 500 miles between fuel fill-ups.

The battery electric vehicle (BEV) is based on 800-volt architecture. This architecture enables fast charging capability. Hyundai Engine Group Kia, Hyundai and Genesis brands have all used similar technology in their vehicles. Other automakers prefer 400-volt architecture.

The Scout’s BEV is planned to deliver approximately 1,000 lb-ft of torque and be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds.

All Scout vehicles will use: North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging connection.

In true SUV and truck fashion, the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck will be built on a body-on-frame platform. The proprietary platform has a solid rear axle. This allows the Terra truck to offer a projected towing capacity of more than 10,000 pounds, while the Traveler SUV has a capacity of over 7,000 pounds. Both models can handle a payload of 2,000 pounds.

Scout plans to offer the models with more than 1 foot of ground clearance and up to 35-inch tires, allowing them to have the ability to wade through nearly 3 feet of water.

The front sway bar will be disconnected, front and rear mechanical locks will be installed, and the Scout promises “competitive approach and departure angles and robust suspension options.”

The Traveler and Terra both feature all-wheel drive systems consisting of an electric drive unit on each axle. The battery-electric versions of the models are expected to be able to climb 100 percent slope.

Scout plans to leverage its models’ software architecture to enable over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote vehicle problem diagnosis. The company described the models’ touchscreens as “fast” and said in a press release that drivers will have high-resolution camera views.

Traveler and Terra have a front trunk (frunk) that can fit golf clubs, a duffel bag or a cooler. This area also has 120-volt and USB-C power outlets.

The 5-foot pickup bed is prepared for tailgating and overnight off-grid adventures with two 120-volt electrical outlets and one 240-volt outlet.

The Scout will offer models with different roof types, including an “open-air experience” called Cabana Top, which is targeted to have one of the largest roof openings of any vehicle on the market. The Cabana Top is made of glass and provides views while an electric sunshade works to maintain privacy and reduce heat transfer into the cabin.

Scout plans to offer a “full accessory portfolio” for its models, including auxiliary lighting, support steps, electric start solutions, off-road bumpers with rescue points, a heavy-duty winch and more.

The company plans to integrate these accessories into vehicles, assign them to AUX switches and/or control them through the brand’s mobile application.

Unlike the Rivian R1T and R1S, Scout plans to launch its SUV and truck with switches and dials. There will also be mechanical door handles and grab bars.

The starting price of the Scout Traveler is expected to be around $50,000 with incentives applied. Retail pricing will start under $60,000.

Pricing for the Scout Terra will start at $51,500 with current incentives applied, with retail prices starting below $60,000.

“Scout doesn’t cut corners. The vehicles are built on a robust body-on-frame platform with 800-volt battery architecture, positioning the off-roaders to be bulletproof and future-ready. A solid rear axle, advanced 4×4 systems, towing over 10,000 pounds in some cases capacity and the EREV option set a compelling example for the Scout’s loyal fan base, hardcore off-road enthusiasts and the next generation of adventurers,” said Waatti.

Scout targets 2027 for the first production of its new models. It will all be built at the company’s new Scout Motors Manufacturing Center manufacturing facility near Columbia, South Carolina.

Customers can reserve their models at scoutmotors.com starting today at 6:30 pm ET.