For over six decades, Scout vehicles have straddled the line between weekday workhorse and weekend hauler. That duality dates back to International Harvester’s original Scout 80 in 1960. Now, as Volkswagen-backed Scout Motors prepares to restart production in 2027, the Pacific Mist Traveler concept shows how that heritage translates to the EV era.
California Dreaming in Paint Form
The Pacific Mist is based on the Traveler production SUV that was unveiled at the LA Auto Show back in 2024. However, Scout’s made some changes that could arrive on future models, all while looking stunning in a California coast-inspired finish.
The bodywork employs a hand-mixed, three-stage paint that shifts from silver under clouds to blue in direct sunlight. Scout’s Director of Color, Materials, and Finish Design, Aileen Barraza, drew inspiration from coastal mist rolling off Pacific cliffs at spots like Crystal Cove and Laguna Beach. It’s a bit theatrical, sure, but the effect is evocative for anyone from the Golden State or longing to go back. Paired with blacked-out 22-inch wheels, black door handles, and a floating black roof, the Traveler balances premium and utilitarian well.
Inside, the concept leans into Americana with brick-red leather seats and denim-inspired accents. Barraza calls it “cowboy boots and jeans, dress slacks and dress shoes” — a high-low mix that nods to Scout’s roots.
The Backpack Solution
For this concept, Scout ditched the traditional rear-mounted spare tire for a modular “backpack” storage system with separate wet and dry compartments. Think wetsuits, muddy boots, camping gear — anything you’d rather not throw in the cabin. Up top, a new multifunctional roof rack handles surfboards, skis, fishing rods, or whatever else you’re hauling, with integrated tracks and tie-downs for future accessories.
The setup rides on 35-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO3 all-terrain tires wrapped around those 22-inch wheels. This is an unusual pairing that Chief Exterior Designer Taylor Langhals says delivers “a unique look that doesn’t really exist in the marketplace right now.” It’s a body-on-frame platform with serious off-road capability (locking differentials, solid rear axle, 12+ inches of ground clearance) that still works as a daily driver.
Harvester Power
The Pacific Mist concept runs Scout’s Harvester range-extended electric powertrain — a 63 kWh battery paired with a four-cylinder engine that acts as a generator when the battery runs low. The result is over 500 miles of total range, addressing the range anxiety that’s pushed 85% of Scout’s 150,000 reservation holders toward this setup over the pure EV option. It’s a pragmatic solution that keeps you moving without hunting for charging stations on long trips, and it seems Ford and Jeep are taking notes.
Spec Sheet
Model: 2026 Scout Traveler Pacific Mist Concept
Wheelbase: 120.4″
Length (with rear carrier): 207.9″
Wheels: 22-inch, blacked-out finish
Tires: 35-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO3 all-terrain
Powertrain: Harvester EREV (63 kWh battery + 4-cylinder generator)
Range: 350+ miles (full EV) / 500+ miles (Harvester EREV option)
Production: One-off
Pricing & Availability
The Pacific Mist remains a concept for now, but Scout says elements like the backpack carrier and roof rack will be available as production accessories when the Traveler launches in late 2027. Reservations are open with a refundable $100 deposit. Production starts at Scout’s new South Carolina plant, with the SUV expected to arrive as a 2028 model year.
Recap
Scout Traveler Pacific Mist Concept
Scout’s Pacific Mist Traveler concept swaps the traditional spare tire for a modular “backpack” storage system and debuts a color-shifting paint job inspired by California’s coastline. It’s a preview of the accessories and styling packages coming when production starts in 2027, showing how the revived brand plans to blend heritage with modern EV capability.
