The fully revived Scout Motors recently introduced the all-electric Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra ute concepts in Nashville, Tennessee.
These vehicles are a modern take on utility and capability, designed to carry on Scout's 60-year heritage with a fully electric setup, solid off-road mechanics and versatile configurations.
Engineered on a custom body-on-frame platform, the Terra ute is projected to tow over 4500kg, with the Traveler SUV targeting a towing capacity above 3100kg.
Both vehicles offer 900kg of payload capacity, making them well-suited for rugged tasks and family travel alike.
Key off-road features include optional 35-inch tyres, more than 30cm of ground clearance, and nearly 90cm of water fording, addressing the demands of both seasoned adventurers and weekend explorers.
The brand kept tactile, functional controls at the core of these vehicles, with mechanical door handles, grab bars and knobs adding to the straightforward design.
As Chief Design Officer Chris Benjamin noted, “A Scout vehicle should always be a helpful companion. It should always enable the customer to do the things they want to do and make their experience easier, better, faster."
Both the Traveler and Terra offer electric and range-extended options to suit different needs.
Fully electric models aim for a range of around 560km, while the extended-range version leverages the Harvester system – a small gas generator integrated to provide over 800km of range without sacrificing the benefits of electric drive.
This flexibility allows drivers to take on longer trips without compromising off-road capability.
Inside, the Traveler and Terra combine rugged simplicity with thoughtful design.
The Terra’s 1.7m bed includes 120V and 240V outlets, while the Traveler features a split tailgate for easy access and weather protection.
Each model is equipped with Scout Community UX, a user interface that pairs touchscreen controls with physical buttons for intuitive navigation. Over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote diagnostics keep the system current and efficient.
Overall, the highly awaited return of Scout Motors combines classic ruggedness with modern utility, delivering options for both off-road capability and sustainable driving.
Skipping traditional dealerships, Scout Motors plans to sell directly to customers, simplifying the purchasing experience. Production is set for 2027 at a new facility in South Carolina, expected to create over 4000 jobs.
Entry pricing for the Traveler starts at around US$50,000 (around NZ$83,200), with the Terra at US$51,500 (NZ$85,700), including available incentives in the US. There's no word yet on an international launch.
