The two models boast rugged and eye-catching designs that serve as a nod to the past
October 24, 2024 at 18:12
It’s been 44 long years since the last Scout rolled off the production line, and now, the brand has returned. The revived marque, now part of the VW Group, has launched two battery-electric vehicles – an SUV known as the Traveler and a pickup truck dubbed the Terra, both of which will also be available with a range-extender.
Much like the Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S duo, the designs of the Traveler and Terra are very similar to each other. Both EVs have a bold and dramatic presence, rocking a fairly simple front fascia with a large skid plate, a blacked-out front grille, and simple headlights and horizontal DRLs. A small Scout logo has been positioned off to the right of the grille, much like how a piece of art has a signature in the bottom right corner.
Read: VW Committed To Scout Brand Despite $5 Billion Rivian Deal
Both models have short front overhangs, but when viewed from the side, it’s hard not to notice the somewhat-length rear overhang of the Traveler. Other key design elements include blacked-out arches, skirts, and bumpers, black wheels with rugged tires, and black pillars. The rear of the Traveler is also quite interesting as it features a split tailgate and a swing-out spare wheel carrier. Both the Traveler and Terra sport LED taillights, although the ones on the Terra are more intricate and include wrap-around lights that stretch across the entire tailgate.
Powertrains
As long expected, electric versions of both the Terra and Traveler will be offered but an unexpected option is an EREV version. The battery-electric versions rock a pair of electric motors and while no horsepower figures have been released, Scout says the duo will deliver almost 1,000 lb-ft of torque, allowing them to hit 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds.
SCOUT TERRA
Underpinning the pair is an 800-volt electrical architecture, and BEV variants will offer up to 350 miles of range. They also adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and support 350 kW charging and bi-directional charging.
Then there’s the EREV. Scout says it’s listened to concerns among consumers about the ability to recharge EVs and has added an EREV option, dubbed the Harvester. Limited details have been provided about this powertrain, but the firm says it will include a small gas-powered engine that will recharge the high-voltage battery, boosting the range to more than 500 miles.
The duo are underpinned by a body-on-frame platform with a solid rear axle. They offer almost 2,000 lbs of payload, while the Terra delivers more than 10,000 lbs of towing, and the Traveler can tow over 7,000 lbs. The two will also be offered with tires up to 35 inches, provide more than 1 foot of ground clearance, and have almost 3 feet of water fording capability. Boosting their off-road credentials include a front sway bar disconnect, as well as front and rear mechanical lockers.
Scout has focused heavily on ensuring the Terra and Traveler suit the adventurous, hard-working lifestyles of owners. As such, both have front trunks that can fit gold clubs and power multiple devices through 120V and USB-C outlets. The Terra’s 5.5-foot bed also has two 120V power outlets and one 240V outlet, enough to power heavy-duty tools. A suite of accessories will also be offered, including auxiliary lighting, off-road bumpers with recovery points, a heavy-duty winch, and more.
Scout has opted for a simple yet upmarket design for the cabins of the two models that aims to capture the ruggedness of the EVs. Positioned ahead of the driver is an eye-catching two-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom and a gently curved top. Scout has then added a digital instrument cluster while a second screen serves as the infotainment display. While most of the vehicle’s functions are housed within this display, a row of physical buttons and knobs have been included, adding some tactility to the cabin.
The Scout Traveler and Terra also include over-the-air updates and remote diagnostic systems. The Terra’s cabin is particularly interesting as it can be specced with a bench seat in the front row. By comparison, the Traveler has a large multi-function console with a large pass-through and cupholders.
Availability
All Scout models will be manufactured in the United States and retail prices for the Terra and Traveler will both start at less than $60,000. Prices for the Terra can drop as low as $51,500 after incentives while the Traveler will be available as little as $50,000 after incentives. Scout plans to begin production of the two models in 2027.
SCOUT TRAVELER
