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Reborn Scout Motors: sub-$60,000 SUV and pickup on the way

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, the reborn Scout Motors showed off a pair of new electric vehicles that revive the long-dormant truck and SUV maker. Originally owned by International Harvester, Scout now belongs to the Volkswagen Group, which decided to use it to create a new American brand for off-road vehicles.

    A Scout Terra pickup seen in profile

    The Terra is a much less aggressive-looking pickup than you might find from one of the Big Three domestic automakers… or Tesla, for that matter.


    Credit: Scout Motorcycles

    The first of these are the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup, which will go into production in 2027. Despite VW's recent investment in Rivian, these are all-new, sleek designs with a platform unique to Scout, designed in Michigan, a platform that uses a body-on-frame construction with pure electric powertrains or powertrains with greater range.

    Scout says prices for the Terra and Traveler should start at “less than $60,000,” or “as low as $50,000 with incentives available” for the entry-level models, which will go into production at a new factory north of Columbia, South. Carolina, in 2027.

    A Scout Traveler SUV seen head-on

    The horizontal daylight running lights are reminiscent of the Scout II SUV.

    Scout engines

    The front of a Scout Terra pickup

    Scout says 80 percent of repairs can be done on site.

    Scout engines

    “The original core idea – rugged, versatile vehicles suitable for off-road adventure and family duty – is more relevant than ever,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Scout Motors. “We couldn't be more proud to revive this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs and put American ingenuity back to work.”

    The technical specs – at least the ones Scout shared with Ars – are encouraging. The electric powertrain runs on 800 V and can fast charge up to 350 kW using the NACS plug. The Terra and Traveler can charge bi-directionally, and the Terra pick-up offers two 120 V and one 240 V AC sockets in its 1.5 meter long loading floor.