Update (November 15, 2024): ‘Interior’ and ‘Price & Release Date’ updated.
As part of its heightened efforts to reach its targeted market share of 10% in the U.S. by 2030, Volkswagen Group is introducing a new truck brand called Scout. The company has already given two models the green signal for launch, one of which is an SUV called the Scout Traveler.
Here are the preliminary details on the exciting future launch from Scout Motors, which will land at dealers in 2027 in electric and hybrid versions.
Why Scout?
As demand for large, rugged SUVs (R-SUVs) continues to grow in the United States, Volkswagen Group sees electrified models as feasible in this segment. With the company’s recent embrace of electric powertrains, the company is well-positioned to enter this growing segment.
Scout Motors, a newly established company under Volkswagen Group, independent of present American operations, will handle Scout EVs. Scott Keogh became the President and CEO of Scout Motors on September 1, 2022. Before joining Scout Motors, Keogh was the President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) and the CEO of Volkswagen North American Region.
In an interview with TechCrunch (via YouTube), Dr. Herbert Diess, former CEO of Volkswagen Group, explained why the company decided on a new brand for its truck models, and why the Scout name. After acquiring Navistar in 2021, Dr. Diess said that the company had the idea to use the rich history of America’s first off-road SUV, the International Harvester Scout. Relaunching an American brand, in the words of Dr. Diess, “is a huge opportunity.”
Design
The Scout SUV will look like a proper American utility vehicle. It will have short overhangs that work in the favor of approach and departure angles, an upright front-end, straight lines and smooth surfaces, a sleek and angular greenhouse, chunky wheels wrapped in off-road tires, and tail lamps with ‘3’-shaped LEDs. Big glass panels all around should give great visibility of the surroundings and let in plenty of natural light.
The Scout logo is subtly offset on the front, and the tailgate integrates a spare tire carrier that fits up to a 35-inch spare. The Traveler will get optional roof types, such as a Cabana Top for open-air driving or a glass roof with a powered shade for privacy and thermal insulation.
Interior
The interior of the Scout Traveler uses a combination of physical controls and a digital interface, which the company says prioritizes ease of use. In addition to more convenience, regular switches, buttons, and knobs should prove to be more reliable than capacitive touch surfaces in the long run. The vehicle gets a small digital gauge cluster, and a bigger infotainment screen capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote diagnostics.
The instrument panel has a bold upper brow, reminiscent of the original Scout II, with a horizontal layout that frames the digital screens. Toggle switches and knobs control essential functions like air conditioning and seat heaters. A pass-through type center console provides additional storage for small bags and equipment, and flexible seating options are available, including a front bench seat in place of the center console.
The infotainment system, driver information display, and other electronics of the Scout Traveler will feature technologies co-developed by Rivian and Volkswagen Group. Rivian has an edge in software and electrical hardware technology and is likely to lead the development.
Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid and Volkswagen Group Chief Technical Engineer Carsten Helbing are heading the technological joint venture, officially called ‘Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC.’ On October 30, 2024, Bensaid told TechCrunch that Scout Motors will utilise the technologies of the new company.
Specifications
New platform
The design work and engineering of the Scout Traveler is taking place in the U.S. This model will be based on a new dedicated EV platform honed for off-road prowess. Scout Motors will pay special attention to core American SUV attributes like ground clearance, approach angle, axle robustness, and payload capacity while developing this model.
The Scout Traveler will be built on a body-on-frame chassis with a solid rear axle, front and rear mechanical lockers, and offers 35-inch tire compatibility. It has a projected towing capacity of over 7,000 pounds and a payload capacity of nearly 2,000 pounds.
Pure-Electric & Range-Extender powertrains
The powertrain options will include an all-electric variant, anticipated to offer up to 350 miles of range, and a range-extended variant with over 500 miles, powered by an integrated gas generator. The four-wheel-drive system includes an electric drive unit on each axle, providing nearly 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque and enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 3.5 seconds.
Charging & NACS port
The company has confirmed that Scout EVs will have an NACS port, which will allow customers to charge them at the wide and rapidly growing Tesla Supercharger network that currently consists of more than 15,000 Superchargers spread across North America. It has said that the Traveler will feature an 800-volt electrical architecture, and support up to 350 kW charging. It’s also noteworthy that Electrify America plans to start rolling out a charging solution for EVs with the NACS port by 2025.
Frunk
The front trunk or frunk, Scout says, can accommodate golf clubs, a gym bag, and a small cooler, with 120V and USB-C power outlets available for powering multiple devices.
Additional Features
While speaking to TechCrunch, Dr. Diess discussed several features that the Scout EVs could have. He suggested that vehicle-to-load (V2L), rear-wheel steering, and solar charging would be among the key features of these electric truck models. Since the Scout SUV would have a large, flattish roof, the solar panels could offer tangible benefits in range.
Production
Production of the Scout SUV will take place at a dedicated Scout Motors factory in Blythewood (South Carolina), USA. The first unit will roll off the assembly line in 2027. Built with an investment of USD 2 billion, the new EV factory will have an annual production capacity of over 200,000 units. Volkswagen Group may task its future U.S. plant with the production of Audi EVs as well.
Scout Motors has hired Dr. Jan Spies, the Head of Planning and Production Technology for Volkswagen AG, as its Chief Production Officer. The veteran automotive production expert oversees the establishment of the Blythewood factory, the construction of which began on February 15, 2024.
Price & Release Date
Reservations for the Scout Traveler opened on October 24, 2024, with initial production slated for 2027. Scout Motors says that starting prices for the Scout Traveler will be as low as USD 50,000 with incentives. We expect high-end configurations with more kit and off-road capability to set customers back by around USD 70,000.
According to an article The Verge released on October 29, 2024, Scout Motors will open 25 Scout Studios (showrooms) and Scout Workshops (service centers) in the U.S. between 2025 and 2029. The company will directly operate the sales outlets, ensuring customers find the purchase process seamless and don’t have to pay hidden fees or hefty markups. As for servicing, the company will give customers living far, outside a 45-minute radius, an option to get mobile service through certified partners.
Canadian launch
Scout Motors will launch the Traveler (and Terra) in Canada, as per a report Automotive News Canada published on November 6, 2024. The company plans to open showrooms and service centers in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
TopElectricSUV says
Volkswagen Group’s Scout Traveler is shaping up to be a unique and innovative model, and unlike any other from the brand’s history. Our expectation is that it should look, perform, and offer vast customization capabilities similar to a Wrangler or Bronco. It could be perfect for the buyer who prefers something more luxurious than the Atlas, one that is fun and off-road-ready, and has none of that maintenance, fumes, or noise of a gas engine!
Scout Traveler FAQs
What is the Scout SUV’s release date?
The Scout Traveler enters production in 2027 as the reborn brand’s first model.
What will be the Scout Traveler’s price?
The Traveler will begin at around $50,000 after incentives.
Which models will be the Scout Traveler’s rivals?
Rivian R1S and basic versions of the GMC Hummer EV SUV.
Featured image: Scout Motors
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
