The Scout Motors comeback first began when Volkswagen obtained the rights and revived the brand in 2022. Now, the new Scout Motors has unveiled its first duo of production models: the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra pickup. Let’s take a closer look at the Scout Traveler SUV.
This is an off-road-ready electric SUV available as a pure EV or with a range-extending gas engine, effectively making it a plug-in hybrid. The PHEV system is called the Harvester (get it?). Range is estimated at up to 350 miles for the EV and over 500 miles for the PHEV. Horsepower ratings haven’t been revealed, but Scout is boasting “almost 1,000” pound-feet of torque good for a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
“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.”
The Scout Traveler has the off-road chops to back up its rugged appearance. While most EVs are ostensibly unibody, the Scout models have body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle and standard 4-wheel drive with mechanical front and rear lockers.
EV owners with screen fatigue will be delighted to hear that the Scout Traveler has an abundance of tactile knobs, dials, and switches, reducing the need for screen tapping to do basic functions (we’re looking at you, Rivian). A charming blend of retro style, real off-road capability, modern tech, and the choice of EV or PHEV makes the Scout Traveler something unique in the electrified SUV marketplace.
So unique, in fact, that it has no direct rivals from GM. The closest would be the GMC Hummer EV SUV, which is actually similar in size, but the Scout Traveler is considerably more affordable with an estimated starting retail price under $60,000. Scout believes that with incentives, the cost of entry could be as low as $50,000. Also, the Traveler has the PHEV Harvester variant, and the GMC Hummer EV has no such gas engine option.
Production of the Scout Traveler is expected to begin in South Carolina starting in 2027. Incidentally, 2027 is when GM expects to have new PHEV models available in the U.S. Hopefully, at least one will be a charming off-roader to rival the Scout Traveler.
Comments
That’d be decent with a V8.
Nice looking vehicles that look like improved Hummer EV and Rivian R1T.
Interesting new addition to the automotive landscape.
Too bad they chose to make their hybrid version a PHEV instead of a HEV. Literally every consumer study says buyers much prefer a HEV not a PHEV and that’s born out by the fact HEV’s out-sell PHEV’s by a 5-1 margin (and growing). And BEV’s outsell PHEV’s by a 4-1 margin (mostly because of Tesla).
On the other hand, it’s not surprising gm would yet again make the wrong choice once they finally realized their mistake dropping hybrids. They’re so strategically challenged it’s just amazing.