Scout Traveler SUV and Terra ute showcase new Cybertruck, Rivian and F-150 Lightning rivals
Scout Motors has pulled the drapes off two close-to-production 4×4 EV concepts, previewing its Traveler wagon and Terra ute ahead of their 2027 debut.
US-based Scout Motors is the latest brand created by the Volkswagen Group. It’s a reboot of the American International Harvester brand that sold trucks from 1960 until 1980.
The Terra and Traveller will attempt to steal sales from the more well-established Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1S and R1T, as well as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV.
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Instead of a car-like monocoque, the new family Scout 4x4s are underpinned by a more rugged ladder-frame chassis, which could see some versions catering for tradies and serious adventurers.
Instead of picking up existing VW tech, Scout says the Traveler and Terra will bag cutting-edge 800-volt electronics and come with batteries and EV tech supplied by Magna.
The new US brand says both Scouts will be capable of being charged at up to 350kW, suggesting a 10-80 per cent top-up taking less than 20 minutes. Perhaps less, depending on battery size.
From launch the Terra and Traveler EVs will be able to cover up to 560km on a single charge, while versions with a range-extender added – using a small combustion-powered generator – will be able drive up to 805km with a 100 per cent charge and a full tank of fuel.
Although built for extreme off-roading, the Scout twins will be quick thanks to all-wheel drive and potentially triple-motor power. Claims of more than 1365Nm of torque have been thrown around; enough for a sub-4 seconds 0-100km/h time.
Towing will be another highlight with the Scout Traveler able to haul 3175kg, while the Terra ute should handle 4500kg.
The payload for both will be more than 900kg.
Most will snap up the Terra and Traveler because of the way they look, with styling paying homage to the original Scout 4x4s made from 1960-1980.
That explains its blocky styling, long bonnet, well-defined shoulder line and prominent off-roader design cues that include a large front and rear bash plate and plastic wheel arches.
On the rough stuff, the Scout should lead the class for capability thanks to its ultra-short overhangs, reinforced bumpers and bash plates that are built to withstand impacts, mechanical locking differentials and advanced electronics.
Inside, the retro theme continues with the truck’s cabin mimicking the original’s, but adding a large landscape centrally-mounted touchscreen, plus a digital instrument cluster. Some physical shortcut buttons remain to enhance intuitiveness of the onboard tech.
The new infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates and allows Scout Motors to remote diagnose potential problems.
When launched both the Traveler and Terra incorporate a spacious frunk that can swallow a set of golf clubs, gym bag and small cooler.
Scout says both SUV and ute come with multiple USB-C and 120V outlets required for the US market.
The dual-cab Terra, meanwhile, has a 1676mm-long bed that includes two 120V outlets and one 240V plug socket for heavy-duty tools, or to keep home appliances running during a black-out.
The Traveler bags a useful split tailgate for easy access to cargo.
Scout Motors says it will offer a long list of genuine accessories including auxiliary lighting, off-road bumpers and a heavy-duty winch.
Other options include a ‘Cabana Top’ – a huge glass opening panoramic roof said to be the largest roof opening of any SUV.
In the US, Scout Motors is already accepting $US100 ($A151) refundable deposits to reserve either of these 4x4s. If local incentives are subtracted, indicative prices are around $US50,000 ($A76,000), or $US60,000 ($A91,000) full retail.
Initial production is set to begin in 2027 at the Scout Motors all-new Columbia, South Carolina plant that reportedly cost $US2 billion ($A3b) to build.
In good news for those taken by these Scout 4x4s, both export and right-hand-drive manufacture are thought likely, although nothing’s confirmed.
