Although it disappeared more than 40 years ago, International Harvester is a mythical brand in North America thanks in part to the Scout, one of the world's first SUVs. Now, Explorer engines is back under Volkswagen as a completely new brand and has just revealed its first two models: the land truck and Traveler SUV. Both use an all-new EV platform and will start at less than $60,000 before incentives when production begins in 2027.
Scout Motors says its “priority was to honor the spirit of the original Scout,” sold by International from 1961 to 1980 in various forms. Although the Traveler and Terra have clearly modern designs, they use rounded contours and a “black mask” on the front and rear fascias to evoke the older models. They also come with separate bumpers and side windows that open upwards, once again reminiscent of the classic Scout.
Other design elements are thoroughly modern, such as a thin LED strip around the “grille” and rectangular headlights divided in two by thin daytime running lights. (The models shown here are 85 percent of what we'll see in final production vehicles, Scout said.)
The original Scout and International 150 trucks were practical and rugged (we called them “Inter-smashable” back in the day), and the new models will maintain some of those aspects. Both feature body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle, along with front and rear locking bushings for off-road use. They will offer 2,000 pounds of payload along with 7,000 pounds of towing capacity for the Traveler and 10,000 pounds for the Terra pickup. Both will come with all-wheel drive via front and rear electric motors.
That should keep working and outdoor buyers happy, but the vehicles can also make your hair stand on end. Both will accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.5 seconds thanks to an estimated 1,000 pound-feet of torque and the all-wheel drive system, although the Scout has yet to hit a top speed.
The base trim package will offer up to 350 miles of range, while the extended range version is effectively a hybrid that will go up to 500 miles using a gas range extender. There is no mention of charging times, but they will use an 800-volt architecture that supports speeds of up to 350 kW. It will also feature two-way charging and vehicle-to-home capabilities, along with wireless updates and remote diagnostics.
The cabin is as far away as possible from the Spartan Interior on the originals. It looks luxurious and high-tech with a digital cluster and large screens, along with a promised “responsive” infotainment system and high-resolution rearview cameras. At the same time, it comes with switches and dials for climate and other controls. The seats and panels are upholstered in a mix of brown leather, fabric and a wood-like material.
Both have a closet with 120-volt and USB-C outlets and can accommodate golf clubs, a gym bag, and a small cooler, Scout says. The Terra's 5.5-foot platform will also contain 120- and 240-volt power outlets for tools, compressors, and the like.
Meanwhile, the Traveler will have a split tailgate and come with two roof options. The first is a Cabana roof with panels that fold back for open-air driving, while the second is a glass roof with an electric blind. Both vehicles will be available with a front bench seat to increase passenger capacity.
Like Tesla, Scout will sell its vehicles directly to consumers without a dealership in between. Buying one will take “minutes” and the company promises full transparency in pricing and handling sales, delivery and service. You can check them out in person at exclusive “Scout Workshop” retail and service stores.
Both models are designed and manufactured in Michigan and will be built in a new factory in Columbia, South Carolina, by about 4,000 workers. Production begins in 2027, with vehicles arriving for the 2028 model year. Prices will start below $60,000, according to Scout Motors, and reservations are now open.
