2027 Scout Terra & Traveler : Forty-four years after the original International Harvester Scout rolled off its last production line, the legendary American off-road nameplate is making a comeback — this time under Volkswagen Group ownership and powered by electricity. The 2027 Scout Terra (pickup truck) and Scout Traveler (three-door SUV) are among the most eagerly anticipated new vehicles of the next two years, blending genuine heritage credibility with a modern powertrain strategy that offers both battery-electric and range-extended electric options.
For anyone who has spent time with the original Scout II — the rugged, boxy 4×4 that helped define American off-road culture in the 1960s and 70s — this revival carries serious emotional weight. But the 2027 Scout is not a nostalgia play. It’s a ground-up, purpose-built American vehicle designed to compete directly with the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Rivian R1T, and the incoming Hyundai/Kia truck lineup.
The Scout Story: Why Volkswagen Revived It
Volkswagen Group announced the Scout brand revival in 2022, establishing a standalone company — Scout Motors — based in the United States, specifically targeting the American market. The decision was strategic: VW recognized that its ID.4 electric SUV, while a competent vehicle, lacked the rugged American identity needed to break into the truck and off-road SUV segment. Buying the Scout trademark and building a dedicated American brand from scratch was the answer.
Scout Motors is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, where it is also building its manufacturing plant — a $2 billion investment creating approximately 4,000 jobs. The plant is designed specifically for Scout vehicles, and building in America is not just a marketing talking point; it means Scout trucks are insulated from the 25% Chicken Tax tariff on imported pickups that would otherwise dramatically inflate prices.
The original Scout was made by International Harvester from 1960 to 1980 and was, in many ways, the original American adventure SUV — predating the Ford Bronco and Jeep Cherokee as a mainstream off-road vehicle. It has a passionate following among off-road enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who grew up when the Scout roamed American trails.
The Vehicles: Terra Pickup and Traveler SUV 
Scout Terra — Pickup Truck
The Terra is a midsize pickup designed for genuine off-road and work use. Key confirmed details:
Body-on-frame construction with a dedicated truck platform built from the ground up. Not a repurposed passenger car chassis — a proper truck architecture designed for payload, towing, and trail capability.
Two powertrain options: a full battery-electric version and a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) that uses a small gasoline engine to charge the battery, extending total range well beyond what a pure BEV can achieve. The EREV setup is increasingly popular in the truck segment — Ram’s REV uses a similar architecture — because it addresses range anxiety on long hauls and towing situations where battery drain is accelerated.
Expected range on the EREV: 500+ miles of total range combining electric driving and range-extender operation. EPA-rated electric-only range is expected to be competitive with similarly priced electric trucks.
Scout Traveler — Three-Door SUV
The Traveler is the SUV companion to the Terra, designed with the same off-road DNA but in a shorter, more maneuverable body. Think modern spiritual successor to the original Scout II’s three-door layout. It shares the Terra’s platform and powertrain options but is oriented toward adventure seekers who want an SUV over a pickup.
Both vehicles share the same design language — boxy, upright, unabashedly rugged, with clear visual cues to the original Scout. The design team has been careful to honor the heritage without producing something that feels like costume jewelry. The proportions are right, the stance is proper, and the details feel authentic to what a modern Scout should look like.
Pricing and Specs: What We Know 
Pricing has not been finalized, but Consumer Reports estimates suggest:
Scout Terra (EREV): Approximately $55,000–$70,000 Scout Terra (BEV): Approximately $50,000–$65,000 Scout Traveler (EREV): Approximately $55,000–$70,000 Scout Traveler (BEV): Approximately $50,000–$65,000
These are meaningful numbers in the context of the segment. The Rivian R1T starts at $57,990 for the Performance trim. The Ford Bronco Raptor approaches $60,000. A Scout at competitive pricing with genuine off-road capability and the heritage factor would enter the market with real leverage.
The NACS charging port is confirmed for both vehicles — full Supercharger network access standard.
Off-road hardware is expected to include: a proper low-range transfer case, front and rear locking differentials, significant ground clearance, and multiple terrain modes. Scout Motors has been clear that these will be vehicles capable of real off-road use, not just styling exercises.
When Can You Buy One?
Scout Motors is targeting vehicle deliveries in late 2026 and into 2027. Production at the South Carolina facility is ramping up, and the company has been taking reservations. Pre-orders open to the general public with a refundable deposit.
Why Scout Matters in 2026
The Scout Terra and Traveler arrive at a moment when the off-road and adventure vehicle segment has never been more competitive. Rivian has proven that adventure-brand EVs can build a loyal following. Ford’s Bronco has proven that heritage matters to buyers. Jeep continues to dominate with genuine off-road credibility.
Scout has an advantage that none of its direct electric competitors possess: genuine American heritage going back 44 years, combined with a blank-slate powertrain strategy that lets buyers choose between the convenience of pure electric and the unlimited range peace-of-mind of the EREV system.
If Scout Motors executes on its promise — capable vehicles, competitive pricing, American manufacturing — the Terra and Traveler could become the most significant new off-road truck launches since the Rivian R1T. For the buyers who remember the original, or who simply want an American adventure vehicle that stands apart from the crowd, the Scout’s return is worth watching very closely.
Considering pre-ordering a Scout? Our EV vs Gas Cost Calculator helps you compare EREV running costs against a gas truck. Our Car Loan EMI Calculator estimates your monthly payment, and the Car Ownership Cost Calculator gives you the full annual picture on ownership costs.
