Scout Terra Revealed As Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV Rival

The revival of Scout Motors has been a long time coming, and Scout has finally pulled the wraps off the first production models from the brand’s comeback. It’s a pickup truck/SUV duo, both available as an EV or with a range-extending gas engine, effectively a plug-in hybrid system. For now, we’re focusing on the pickup: meet the Scout Terra.

“Two years in the making, the day has finally come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world,” Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh said. “The original core idea – rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty – is more relevant than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.”

Keogh throws around the word “American” a lot, and these are, indeed, being built in America. But it’s worth noting that the new Scout is a subsidiary of Volkswagen.

Much more than just a “lifestyle” truck, the Scout Terra was engineered for serious off-roading. Unlike most electrified trucks, which are ostensibly unibody, the Scout uses old-fashioned body-on-frame construction, a solid rear axle, and front and rear mechanical lockers. Naturally, 4-wheel drive comes standard.

Horsepower ratings haven’t been announced, but the Scout Terra is estimated to produce “nearly 1,000” pound-feet of torque and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The range is estimated at up to 350 miles for the EV and more than 500 miles for the plug-in hybrid.

For anyone frustrated by everything being controlled through a screen in the Rivian R1 models, the Scout Terra goes back to basics with more tactile dials and switches. It even has mechanical door handles.

Overall, the Scout Terra appears to do an excellent job combining modern technology and engineering, real off-road chops, and a charmingly retro design with plenty of fun, outdoorsy quirks.

Its closest competitor is the Rivian R1T, but the Scout Terra could also be considered a rival to the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV (specifically, the upcoming Trail Boss and AT4 variants). The plug-in hybrid Harvester variant will rival the Ram Ramcharger, which is slated for the 2025 model year, as well as expected PHEV variants of the next-generation Silverado and Sierra light-duty pickups.

Compared to the GM full-size electric trucks, the Scout Terra has a longer wheelbase and a shorter overall length. It’s also wider and has a lower overall height. As for the bed size, the Terra has a 5.5-foot bed, while the bed of the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV is five feet, eleven inches long. Of course, GM has the advantage of the available Avalanche-like Multi-Flex Midgate, allowing for a bed length of over nine feet with the tailgate closed. The Terra tows up to 10,000 pounds (same as GM) and has a payload rating of “nearly 2,000 pounds” (more than GM).

Scout says the Terra will have a retail price starting under $60,000 but will go as low as $51,500 with incentives. Being built in the U.S., it’s clear Scout intends to get the federal EV tax credit for the Terra pickup and Scout Traveler SUV. If and when these trucks go on sale in the targeted 2027 timeframe, the Scout Terra will be a reasonably priced alternative to GM’s electric trucks.