Name: 2028 Scout Traveler
Brand: Scout

2028
Scout Traveler

EPA Range: 350 miles

Scout Traveler First Drive

Summary

Introduction

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

Overview

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.

Although they’re EVs at heart with up to 350 miles of all-electric range, an optional “Harvester” gas-powered range extender promises 500 miles between charges and fill-ups. But unlike so many new EVs, the two Scouts don’t replace the tried-and-true for the sake of change. Scout owners will find real buttons and knobs for infotainment and climate control, traditional exterior door handles, and even an optional three-person front bench seat. Both Scout models are based on an all-new, rugged, body-on-frame design that’s not shared with other electric vehicles from Volkswagen and Audi.

When they go into production in 2027, the Terra and Traveler will be built in Scout’s new factory outside Columbia, S.C., which is currently under construction. Scout says that prices will start around $60,000 before any incentives and that consumers should be able to purchase one directly from Scout as of Oct. 24, 2024. Since they are built in the U.S., both vehicles should qualify for federal tax incentives. Customizability is also a key selling point, including off-road accessories such as front and rear skid plates, an off-road winch, auxiliary lighting, and an exterior spare tire carrier on the Traveler. We expect prices to climb well above $60,000 as buyers add these extras.

Although they’re closer in scale to full-sized SUVs and pickup trucks, the Terra and Traveler will certainly siphon off some buyers from the relatively smaller Rivian R1S and R1T. Curiously, the timing of the introduction comes just a few months after VW announced plans to invest $5 billion in a joint venture with Rivian to create vehicle software that both companies will share.

Impressions

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.