Although it disappeared 40 years ago, International Harvester is a legendary brand in North America, thanks to the Scout, one of the world’s first SUVs. Now, Scout Motors is back under Volkswagen as a new brand and has revealed its first two models: the Terra pickup and the Traveler SUV.
Both use a new EV platform and will start at less than $60,000 before incentives when production begins in 2027. Scout Motors says its “priority was to honor the spirit of the original Scout,” which International sold in various forms from 1961 to 1980.
Although the Traveler and Terra have clearly modern designs, they use rounded contours and “black masks” on the front and rear fascias to incorporate older models.
They also come with different bumpers and upward-opening side windows, again reminiscent of the classic Scout. Other design elements are thoroughly modern, like a thin LED strip around the “grille” and rectangular headlights divided by thin daytime running lights. (Scout said the models shown here are 85 percent of what we’ll see in the final production vehicles.)
The original Scout and International 150 pickups were practical and sturdy (we called it “inter-smashable” at the time), and the new models will retain some of those aspects. Both have body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle, as well as front and rear locking hubs for off-road use. They’ll offer a payload of 2,000 pounds, with a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds for the Traveler and 10,000 pounds for the Terra pickup. Both will come with all-wheel drive via front and rear electric motors.
That will keep working and outdoorsy buyers happy, but the vehicles might give you goosebumps. Both will accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds thanks to an estimated 1,000 pound-feet of torque and four-wheel-drive systems, though the Scout has yet to provide a top speed.
The base trim package will give up to 350 miles of range while the extended-range version is effectively a hybrid that will go up to 500 miles using a gas-powered range extender. Charging times are not mentioned, but they will use an 800-volt architecture that supports up to 350 kW speeds. It will also feature bidirectional charging and vehicle-to-home capabilities, as well as over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.
The cabin is about as different from the original model’s spartan interior as it can get. It looks luxurious and high-tech with a digital cluster and large displays, as well as the promised “responsive” infotainment system and high-resolution backup cameras. Plus, it comes with toggles and dials for climate and other controls. The seats and panels are covered in a mix of brown leather, fabric and wood-like materials.
Both have a frunk with 120-volt and USB-C outlets and can fit golf clubs, a gym bag and a small cooler, the scout says. The Terra’s 5.5-foot bed will also have 120- and 240-volt outlets for tools, a compressor and the like.
The Traveler, meanwhile, will have a split tailgate and come with two roof options. The first is a cabana top with panels that fold back for open-air motoring, while the other is a glass roof with a powered shade. Both vehicles will be available with a front bench seat to increase passenger capacity.
Both have a frunk with 120-volt and USB-C outlets and can fit golf clubs, a gym bag and a small cooler, the scout says. The Terra’s 5.5-foot bed will also have 120- and 240-volt outlets for tools, compressors and the like.
Meanwhile, the Traveler will have a split tailgate and come with two roof options. The first is a cabana top with panels that fold back for open-air motoring, while the second is a glass roof with a powered shade. Both vehicles will be available with a front-facing bench seat to increase passenger capacity.