Volkswagen-owned Scout Traveler SUV, Terra Pickup Unveiled Ahead Of 2027 Launch
Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup have been showcased in pre-production form. The Volkswagen-backed American 4×4 brand Scout will introduce two electric models – the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck – but the launch is expected in 2027, and the company is almost approaching its near-production form. This marks the comeback of the Scout SUV brand, after 44 years, which was earlier known as the International Harvester Scout.
While the Scout Traveler electric SUV will compete with the Land Rover Defender and the Terra pickup truck is going to rival against the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck and Chevrolet Silverado SUV. Both models will have a body-on roll-frame platform. This platform is completely different to the Volkswagen Group’s MEB and PPE architectures for electric cars with 800V electricals. A Canadian firm Magna will be supplying the batteries and electronics.
The SUV will now also be offered with optional of petrol-powered range extenders, as they were originally conceived as a pure-electric revival of the original Scout models made between 1960 and 1980. There is a downturn in interest in electric cars coupled with buyers expressing concerns about the ability to recharge while on the road raising concerns about range anxiety.
The Terra and Traveler will be capable of driving over 800 km between fill-ups, up from the standard of around 560km with the help of range extender. Scout has yet to confirm a battery size, but it said its platform can support up to 350kW charging. The Traveler and Terra have a dual-motor four-wheel-drive powertrain wherein, the Traveler can reach 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds, although it has yet to disclose a power figure.
Both models share similar design and styling cues with the original Scout line-up from decades ago. It has an affinity with the long bonnet and a well-defined shoulder line, short overhangs, reinforced bumpers, skid plates and body-on-frame construction. The central infotainment touchscreen is placed centrally much above physical toggles and switches that control functions such as climate control. Both models offer over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics. Both SUV’s, the Traveler and Terra will be made at the firm’s factory in South Carolina, with the VW Group planning to gradually increase the factory capacity to 200,000 units per year. These models will initially be sold in North America and shall be brought to the Indian shore gradually.
