Scout Motors is developing its first pair of vehicles, which will begin production in late-2027. The Scout Traveler SUV, alongside the Scout Terra pickup truck, will mark the relaunch of the nameplate (International Scout) that went out of production in 1980.
Interestingly, Scout will offer the SUV and truck with a range-extender (EREV) option. Our analysis shows that it’s among the 11 EREVs coming to America by 2028, where the engine is used solely as a generator to charge the vehicle’s battery, which powers the traction motor.
Here are six lesser-known features of the body-on-frame Scout Traveler Hybrid SUV. Some of these are from the insights shared by Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh during his appearance on Jay Leno’s Garage:
1. Real Key & Switches
The Scout SUV will have a physical key, with the CEO confirming that they are going back to this feature. With almost all big brands offering ultra-wideband (UWB) for proximity-based access or NFC (Near Field Communication), where the smartphone/device doesn’t even have to be removed from the pocket to unlock the car, Scout could be taking the old-school approach for vehicle access and start-up.
The Terra and Traveler will also have plenty of switches for safety and practicality. We notice physical controls for both the accessories (temperature control, fan speed, seat heaters, and window defrosters) and for functions like the 4WD system.
2. Rear-Mounted Four-Cylinder Engine
Keogh shared on a Motor Trend podcast that the EREV version will employ a four-cylinder gasoline engine mounted just ahead of the rear axle. He did not divulge the cubic capacity, but referenced a “small,” naturally aspirated engine already “industrialized in the region.” This suggests a variant of the 1.5L or 2.0L engine used in the VW Taos or Tiguan, without a turbocharger.
3. Optional Air Suspension
Keogh said that customers will have the option of an air suspension on the Traveler. While details are awaited, the optional air springs should feature active damping, besides a solid rear axle to handle rugged terrain. The company is also planning to offer a Scout Off-road Package in which the dampers are tuned for off-road application. Buyers can also expect features like front and rear mechanical lockers and a fording capability of 3 feet.
4. Detox Mode
While driving around the air strip in the prototype vehicle, Keogh turned on the ‘Detox’ mode on the infotainment screen which turns off the display, only having the dual-zone temperature readout. If you find yourself or the driver being distracted by the screen, this is a useful feature to focus on the road. Another time it’ll come in handy is during night driving when the brightness from the large screens often proves uncomfortable.
5. Three Roof Options
Scout Motors will offer buyers in the U.S. three roof options. The standard steel roof is the low-cost option, the full glass roof offers a view of the stars without exposing occupants to the elements, and a foldable fabric roof called the ‘Cabana’ for an open-air experience.
6. Heavy Duty Mode
Keogh confirmed that drivers will be able to operate the Traveler Hybrid in three modes. ‘Pure EV’ provides up to 150 miles of electric-only range. ‘Hybrid Mode’ is where the engine and the battery mix to maximize range. In ‘Heavy Duty Mode,’ the engine provides additional power for tasks like towing. The hybrid variant will have about 5,000 pounds of towing capability.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
