Scout Terra and Travelers: 7 Details You May Have Missed

Scout Motors is making a comeback that’s part reinvention and part nostalgic homage. International Harvester was once a pioneer in the SUV field in the United States, helping to introduce the concept of “sport utility vehicle” before the Scout was born. But the company went bankrupt in 1980, and its reputation faded from the automotive world. Now, thanks to the backing of Volkswagen Group (which acquired the rights to the name when it acquired Navistar International in 2021), Scout is reinventing itself as an all-electric brand.

Read: These are the new Scout Terra trucks and Traveler SUVs

Just this week, more than two years after we first heard about Volkswagen’s plans, Scout finally took the wraps off two production concept vehicles: the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup, which are meant to preview the 2027 lineup. Both models sit on a unique body-on-frame EV platform that offers durability and off-road capabilities, making them truly competitive in today’s market. It’s a return to Scout’s roots, but with a high-voltage twist.

As the brand prepares to launch both models, we’re taking a closer look at some of their more unusual and standout features today.

small roof

One of the more unexpected options is the Cabana Top, which will be one of the largest retractable roofs available on an SUV. Scott didn’t say much about it, but images show the canvas roof can slide back to reveal the first and second rows. In fact, it sounds a lot like the Sky Slider roof offered on the Jeep Liberty.

Customers won’t be limited to the Cabana Top, as Scout is envisioning “a variety” of roof types. One of them is a panoramic glass roof, which combines “expansive views of the sky with the privacy and thermal benefits of electric sunshades.”

Rich accessories

The automotive aftermarket is worth nearly half a trillion dollars, and Scout wants a piece of that pie. As such, they promise a range of accessories including auxiliary lighting, side steps and sturdy bumpers with recovery points. Customers also have access to winches and a variety of land-based equipment.

Since many accessories require power, Scout envisions integrating them into vehicles. This means there can be built-in auxiliary switches and possible aftermarket device application integration.

tactile control

Unfortunately, modern interior design is mostly focused on screens. We see this all the time when automakers try to beat the competition with bigger displays, front passenger displays, or lower “command centers.”

This leaves many models feeling cold, aloof, and mediocre—even those from luxury brands. Scout isn’t completely shaking things up, but they’re aiming for a “real” hands-on experience, complete with physical switches and dials as well as armrests and old-school door handles.

front seats

Like the original International Harvester Scout, the Bench has been dead for decades. While there are some survivors, they are the exception rather than the rule.

These are typically found in fleet-focused pickups, so it’s surprising that the Scout will offer a bench seat on the Traveler and Terra. It replaces the floating center console with a wide seat whose center section seems to protrude slightly.

Extended range power system

One of the biggest surprises of the night was the introduction of an extended-range powertrain called the Harvester. Volkswagen Group has been heavily promoting electric vehicles, but they are finally admitting the obvious and listening to consumers who aren’t ready to go fully electric.

This recognition of common sense has led to vehicles being equipped with small internal combustion engines that act as gas generators. Scout didn’t reveal many details, but said the extended-range version should be able to travel more than 500 miles (805 kilometers).

quite affordable

Pricing is expected to start below $60,000, though given the timing, it might be wise to take it with a grain of salt. Scout said the entry-level model will likely cost around $50,000 with incentives applied, as production will take place at Volkswagen’s South Carolina plant. That’s significantly less than other off-road EVs from GMC and Rivian.

However, it’s on par with the Rivian R2, which is set to be available in the first half of 2026 and will cost around $45,000. Details are unclear, but the automaker has previously said there will be two different battery packs, one of which could provide more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) of range. We can also expect single, dual and triple-motor configurations, the latter allowing 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than three seconds.

Direct sales model

One development that U.S. Volkswagen dealers don’t like is the direct sales model that excludes them. Scout says this will allow them to “build one-on-one relationships with customers based on trust and transparency by directly selling and servicing…vehicles.”

Realistically, we can’t trust dealers not to ruin the Scout experience with price increases and other questionable behavior. This is an interesting change and seems to put the customer first.

scout traveler

scout land