Although it disappeared 40 years ago, International Harvester is a legendary brand in North America thanks in part to the Scout, one of the world’s first SUVs. Now, Scout Motors is back under Volkswagen as a new marque and has just unveiled its first two models: the Terra pickup and the Traveler SUV. Both use the new EV platform and will start under $60,000 before benefits when production launches in 2027.
Scout motors says its “first priority was to honor the spirit of the original Scout,” which International sold from 1961 to 1980 in various guises. Although the Traveler and Terra have clearly modern designs, they use rounded contours and a “black mask” on the front and rear to invoke the older models. They also come with separate bumpers and side windows that sweep up, again similar to the old Scout.
Other design elements are completely modern, such as the narrow LED strip around the “grill” and the rectangular headlights separated by thin daytime running lights. (The models shown here are 85 percent of what we’ll see in the final production cars, Scout said).
The original Scout and International 150 pickups were functional and durable (we called them “Inter-smashable” back in the day), and the new models will retain some of those features. Both have an on-frame body structure with a solid rear axle, and front and rear locking hubs for off-road use. They will offer 2,000 pounds of payload and 7,000 pounds of towing capacity for the Traveler and 10,000 pounds for the Terra pickup. Both will come with front and rear electric all-wheel drive.
That should keep active and outdoor buyers happy, but cars can also raise your hair. Both will accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds thanks to an average of 1,000 pound-feet of torque and a four-wheel drive system, though the Scout doesn’t offer a top speed yet.
The base trim package will offer up to 350 miles of range while the extended-range version is a hybrid model that will go up to 500 miles using a gas-powered range extender. Charging times are not specified, but they will use an 800-volt architecture that supports speeds of up to 350 kW. It will also feature dual charging and drive home power, as well as over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.
The cabin is as far from the original spartan interior as you 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. At the same time, it comes with toggles and dials for climate and other controls. Seats and panels covered in a mixture of brown leather, fabric and wood-like materials.
Both have a front with 120-volt outlets and USB-C and can fit golf clubs, a gym bag and a small cooler, Scout said. Terra’s 5.5-foot bed will contain 120- and 240-volt outlets for tools, compressors and the like.
The Traveler, on the other hand, will have a split tailgate and come with two roof options. The first is a Cabana top with panels that fold back to open the car to the wind, and the second is a power-shaded glass roof. Both the cars will be available with a front seat to increase the passenger capacity.
Like Tesla, Scout will sell its cars to buyers without a dealer in between. Buying one will take “minutes” with the company promising full price transparency and handling of sales, delivery and service. You will be able to check it out in person at the dedicated “Scout Workshop” sales and service areas.
Both models are designed and engineered in Michigan and will be built at a new factory in Columbia, South Carolina by approximately 4,000 workers. Production begins in 2027 with cars arriving in the 2028 model year. Prices will start under $60,000, according to Scout Motors, and reservations are now open.
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