2028 Scout Traveler and Terra First Look

An iconic American brand returns with modern electric SUV and pickup truck models.

Perry Stern | 

Oct 31, 2024 | 4 min read

Perry Stern

Unfortunately, after selling more than 500,000 vehicles, International Harvester ran into financial trouble, and in 1980, the last Scout drove off the assembly line. Now, more than 40 years later, the Scout is returning as a thoroughly modern, electric off-roader by way of Volkswagen.

Perry Stern

Volkswagen AG obtained the rights to the Scout brand in 2020 as part of its purchase of Navistar International. In 2022, VW launched Scout as an independent company to build a line of electric pickup trucks and SUVs for the U.S. market. Scout has revealed two concepts that preview the 2028 Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck, featuring styling and capability heavily influenced by the original model.

Here's what you need to know about the new Scout.

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Modern Design, Influenced by the Original

The new 2028 Traveler and Terra feature modern designs with styling cues that tie them to the historical Scout models. That's most obvious in front, where they mimic the original's wide grille incorporating the headlights, albeit with advanced LED illumination.

Short overhangs with bold fenders and large off-road tires broadcast the off-road capability of the new Scouts, as do the front and rear skid plates. Each has a front trunk, or frunk, and the Terra truck's 5.5-foot cargo bed contains three power outlets offering up to 240 volts of juice.

Perry Stern

Inside, the Scouts feature a dashboard with a horizontal layout similar to the original. However, the new models feature a large center display screen and a digital driver's display. A line of classic toggle switches and knobs for the climate controls and other functions add a touch of heritage to the stylish cabin, as does the available front bench seat.

Scout promises an open-air driving experience with different top options, including a Cabana Top for the Traveler, which the company says will offer one of the largest top openings of any SUV.

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New Electric Powertrain With Range Extender Option

As proper electric off-roaders, the Scout Traveler and Terra will feature a dual-motor electric powertrain, creating a full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. While power ratings aren't yet available, Scout expects the motors to supply almost 1,000 pound-feet of torque, which should deliver brisk acceleration with an estimated time to 60 mph of around 3.5 seconds.

The electric Scouts will likely have a range of up to 350 miles. However, there will be another option. Scout plans to offer a built-in gas-powered generator — appropriately called the Harvester — extending the driving range to more than 500 miles.

Scout has adopted the new North American Charging Standard (NACS) and features an 800-volt architecture that can accept up to 350 kilowatts of charging power. Scout will likely announce the battery size and charging time closer to the on-sale date.

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Fully Capable SUV and Truck

The original Scout boasted impressive off-road capability, and its successor is poised to do the same. An all-new body-on-frame architecture with a solid rear axle forms the Scout's foundation, and with this truck-based platform, the 2028 Scout Terra pickup should tow more than 10,000 pounds. The Traveler SUV is projected to tow more than 7,000 pounds. Both models are expected to handle nearly 2,000 pounds of payload.

Off-road capability is also a priority, and the new Scouts should perform well. Both models will feature a front sway bar disconnect system, front and rear mechanical locking differentials, and available 35-inch off-road tires. With more than 12 inches of ground clearance, the Scouts will be able to ford almost 3 feet of water. In addition, thanks to their high-performance dual-motor AWD, fully electric Scouts should be able to climb a 45-degree slope.

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Designed and engineered in Michigan, the 2028 Scout Traveler and Terra will be built in a new facility under construction near Columbia, South Carolina. The first Scouts will come off the assembly line in 2027, with prices starting under $60,000 before incentives. Scout is now accepting reservations, with $100 deposits to reserve a place in line.

Perry Stern

I have loved cars and trucks since childhood, and that fascination with anything that drives is just as strong today. As a teenager, I knew I wanted to become an automotive journalist, and during the past three decades, I have driven, written about, and photographed all manner of automobiles ranging from affordable econocars to exotic supercars. With the idea that there is a perfect car, truck, or SUV for everyone, my goal is to help consumers determine the right one for their wants and needs.