Way back in 2021, news broke that the Volkswagen Group has acquired the licensing and remaining assets of the International Harvester brand. The following year in May, VW revealed its plans for reviving the discontinued model range by developing a modern fully-electric Scout truck and SUV platform. And after showing off initial teaser images in November of 2022, the VW-owned outfit has now fully revealed its new modern incarnation of the fabled Scout, along with details on the company making it.
The Brand
While International Harvester may no longer exist, International Motors is very much still in operation. As a result, the Volkswagen Group has opted to launch this new brand under the banner of Scout Motors. Based in Detroit, the company will manufacture its vehicles out of a plant in South Carolina.
The Basics
Scout Motors is initially kicking things off with two models; the Terra pickup truck; and the Traveler SUV. Boasting modern fully-electric powertrains, Scout’s forthcoming pickup and SUV models are both constructed around an all-new and proprietary body-on-frame platform with a solid rear axle.
Powertrain & Performance
Both the Terra and Traveler feature electric drive units on the front and rear axles. While there’s no word on horsepower, Scout Motors has revealed that this dual-motor setup will reportedly be good for a whopping 1,000ft-lbs of instantaneous torque. In addition to the ability to climb 100-percent grades, the vehicles’ enormous torque output also allows them to reach 60mph from a complete standstill in as little as 3.5 seconds — making it quicker off-the-line than Porsche’s latest 911 Carrera. Sent to the ground via a four-wheel-drive system, this monstrous torque output also affords the Traveler and Terra with tow ratings of 7,000lbs and 10,000lbs respectively — plus both models share a 2,000-pound payload capacity.
Off-Road Readiness
The Terra and Traveler have been engineered to offer some seriously impressive off-roading capabilities straight off the showroom floor. In addition to the body-on-frame design and solid rear axle, both vehicles also feature over a foot of ground clearance, wading depths of nearly 3’, the option for 35” tires, a front sway bar disconnect, an available rear-mounted full-sized spare, a robust suspension setup, front and rear mechanical locking differentials, and what Scout claims are competitive approach, break-over, and departure angles.
Seating & Storage
The Terra pickup and Traveler SUV bth feature modern interiors with seating for six. Both models can also be configured with an optional front bench seat — just like the ‘60s and ‘70s era Scouts. Where Scout’s two RVs differ, however, is their aft-end. The Traveler gets a fully-enclosed rear end rear cargo area. In place of the Traveler SUV’s rear seating and storage space, the Terra features a 5.5-foot-long bed with a split tailgate that comes outfitted with two 120-volt outlets and a single 240-volt outlet that can be used to plug-in power tools or electronics, or even serve as a backup generator for your home in the event of a blackout.
Battery & Range
Capable of bi-directional charging, the Terra and Traveler’s battery pack offer 350 miles of standard electric range. Thanks to a built-in, gas-powered generator, the powertrain is able to achieve an additional 150 miles of autonomy per charge. Both models will also utilize the 800-volt NACS architecture, which allows for a charging capacity of up to 350 kilowatts — in either direction too.
A Touch Of Yesteryear
Not only do the Terra and Traveler draw obvious visual inspiration from the International Harvester Scout (and Scout II), but they’re also influenced by the ‘60s and ‘70s era truck’s old-school, tactical controls. As a result, Scout’s new models forgo touchscreen controls and flush fittings in favor of items that provide a more traditional tactile user experience — such as mechanical door handles, switches, and dials.
Spec Sheet
Brand: Scout Motors
Models: Terra Pickup & Traveler SUV
Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors
Power: 1,000FT-LBs
0-60MPH Time: 3.5 Seconds
Ground Clearance: 1.0’
Tow Capacity: 7,000LBs (Traveler) & 10,000LBs (Terra)
Payload Capacity: 2,000LBs
Scheduled Production Date: 2027
Expected Starting Price: $51,500
Pricing & Availability
Scheduled to enter production in 2027, the Scout Motors Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV will be priced starting from between $50,000 and $60,000. Interested parties can make a reservation to order their own Terra or Traveler starting today.
Recap
2027 Scout Motors Terra & Traveler
The Volkswagen Group-owned Scout Motors brand officially launches with its International Harvester-inspired Terra pickup and Traveler SUV — both of which are fully-electric models with impressive off-roading abilities, 1,000ft-lbs of torque, and a production date scheduled to kick off in 2027.
