Meet Scout, the Newest EV Brand From Volkswagen

With bench seats and range extenders, the new Scout Terra pickup and Scout Traveler SUV blend retro-cool utility with modern tech

Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Senior Autos Reporter.

By Keith Barry
Senior Autos Reporter

October 25, 2024

It’s rare for a major car company to launch a new brand from scratch, but that’s what happened when the Volkswagen Group officially debuted the first vehicles from Scout Motors. The Scout Terra pickup truck and Scout Traveler SUV are prototypes of the first models to wear the Scout badge in 44 years, and they aim to mix new technology with what we think are the best kinds of old-school sensibilities.

In this article

What Is Scout Motors? Outside Inside Active Safety and Driver Assistance

Scout Terra and Traveler concepts — The Scout Terra and Traveler electric vehicles.

What Is Scout Motors?

Volkswagen characterizes Scout as a startup with the backing of a major automaker and the heritage of a famous brand. Although it’s part of Volkswagen, it will have its own network of retailers where test drives and some repairs will take place.

The name and design are a tribute to the International Harvester Scout, which was sold from 1960 through 1980 and was one of the first SUVs sold in the U.S. The Volkswagen Group got the rights to use the Scout name when it purchased Navistar, the successor to International Harvester, which now only manufactures commercial vehicles.

International Scout from Consumer Reports magazine, Sept 1972 — The 1972 International Scout II SUV tested by Consumer Reports.

CR reviewed the Scout II in 1972 alongside other “Four-Wheel-Drive Utility Vehicles,” including the American Motors Jeep Commando, Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco, and Toyota Land Cruiser. While those other nameplates have reached iconic status over the decades, the Scout’s 44-year absence means the name is likely unfamiliar to consumers in 2024 outside of a small, dedicated group of superfans, many of whom were present at the Scout’s debut.

Can Volkswagen turn Scout back into a household name? The company has its work cut out for it: We have to turn to the world of politics for the most famous Scout in recent memory, the 1979 Scout II owned by Tim Walz, candidate for vice president. Otherwise, eagle-eyed car spotters might have noticed a vintage Scout on screen in the live-action Jem and the Holograms film from 2015, or 2010’s made-for-TV sci-fi flick Mongolian Death Worm.

International Scout from Consumer Reports magazine, Sept 1972, showing driver — CR testing a 1972 International Scout II SUV.

Outside

Both Scouts are a real mix of retro and modern. If you’ve never seen a 1970s Scout 80 pickup truck, you’ll get a lot of R1T vibes from the Terra. But both the Terra and Traveler (named after trim levels on the original Scout) have an obvious family resemblance to their forebears, including the diagonal line at the base of the rear roof pillar, bumpers that protrude from the vehicle, and—on the Terra—a crease at the top of the bed. The axles are pushed toward the front and rear of the vehicle, which reduces overhangs and helps with approach and departure angles when off-roading. Scout promises tires up to 35 inches, over a foot of ground clearance, and the ability to ford nearly three feet of water.

Scout Terra pickup truck rear — The rear of the Scout Terra has a 5.5-foot bed and a wraparound LED light signature.

Up front, daytime running lights appear to be woven through the false grille and the sides of the fenders. Both have a “frunk” (front trunk) that’s big enough to fit a gym bag, golf clubs, or a “small cooler,” according to Scout. In the back, the Terra features a 5.5-foot bed, two 120V power outlets, and one 240V power outlet. There’s also a built-in step and grab handle for easy access to the bed from the side of the vehicle. The Traveler has a split tailgate designed so passengers can sit on the lower part while the upper portion shields them from weather.

After our experiences futzing around with confusing and unreliable electronic door handles on newer vehicles, we’re especially excited that both the Terra and Traveler feature traditional exterior door handles—what a concept!

Scout Traveler cargo area open — The Scout Traveler gets a split tailgate and an optional external spare tire carrier.

Inside

When Scout designer Chris Benjamin told the crowd assembled at the Scout debut event that both the Terra and Traveler would feature real buttons and knobs for climate and audio controls, the crowd cheered.

“People don’t want to adjust their volume on the screen, and they also don’t want to adjust their temperature on the screen,” he said. We sure hope others at the Volkswagen Group are listening because the current touch-sensitive setups in the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID. Buzz—and which VW has extended to its non-EV models—are some of the most frustrating systems we’ve ever encountered.

Scout Traveler interior — Terra and Traveler interiors feature grab bars, a squared-off steering wheel, and plenty of physical buttons for climate and audio functions.

Sure enough, there’s a row of switches between knobs that sit beneath a touchscreen. Some controls can be “flipped” so that they’re easier for the passenger to control. Physical controls above the windshield control off-road functions. We love this trend toward tactility, and hope that more automakers follow suit.

In yet another throwback, a three-across front bench seat is optional on both the Terra and Traveler. An optional “Cabana Top” fabric roof slides out of the way for open-top driving, while a glass roof is also available. Otherwise, the interior looks fairly modern but not minimalist, with outdoors-inspired finishes, grab handles, and hemp wood trim.

Scout Terra bench seat — A front bench seat is optional on both the Terra and Traveler.

What Drives Them

We don’t know a ton of specifics about the electric powerplant that drives the Terra and Traveler, but we do know that both vehicles have four-wheel-drive systems thanks to electric motors at each axle. Scout says they should be able to do 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and climb a 100-percent slope. Both vehicles get NACS charging ports located on the passenger-side front fender and are built on an 800V architecture that’s capable of DC fast charging at 350-kilowatt public chargers. In addition to the onboard outlets, Scouts will feature bidirectional charging, so you would be able to power your home in the event of an electricity outage.

Scout Traveler frunk — In addition to the "frunk," Scout vehicles feature front hooks big enough to put a climbing rope through.

Although the base powertrain is all-electric and promises a 350-mile driving range between charges, Scout will also offer a “Harvester” range-extender option. It essentially works as a gas generator that recharges the EV battery when necessary, allowing for 500 miles of driving between charges and fill-ups. It’s similar to the upcoming Ram Ramcharger. It’s unclear how or if this will affect cargo space.

We’re curious about the Scout’s suspension and off-road abilities: The Terra and Traveler will get a solid rear axle, which tends to make for better off-roading but a less comfortable ride. Scout also says both vehicles will come with manually locking front and rear differentials and a front sway bar disconnect, all of which should contribute to hardcore off-road ability. The setup also raises questions about how the electric motors are positioned in the vehicle. The Terra will be able to tow 10,000 pounds, while the Traveler can tow 7,000 pounds. Both will be able to carry nearly 2,000 pounds of payload or cargo.

Scout Terra bed — The Terra's 5.5-foot bed is customizable. We're waiting to learn more about which extras will be available.

Active Safety and Driver Assistance

Scout hasn’t shared any information about active safety features, but we are happy to hear the company’s promise that it will not “bury features in menus or screens,” which can be distracting while driving.

Scout Traveler rear — The 2027 Scout Traveler showing off the rear skid plate, which provides protection when off-roading.

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.