It’s 1961, and the term “SUV” didn’t even exist, but a rugged utility vehicle was already making waves across America’s rocky and muddy trails. Built by International Harvester, the Scout was the Swiss army knife of automobiles, equally at home hauling hay or taking the family camping.
Now, after a four-decade hiatus, Volkswagen has breathed a new lease of life on the Scout nameplate. But this time, there’s an electric twist. The irony isn’t lost on us: a gas-guzzling off-roader that helped birth the modern SUV is set to return as a zero-emission ute. One would be forgiven for thinking that the 2028 Scout Traveler is just another entry in the ever-growing electric SUV market, especially due to its semblance with Rivian’s offerings. But can this reborn legend be VW’s attempt to bottle lightning twice? Or is it merely nostalgia bait?
A Nod to Offroading Roots
While specs are still under wraps, the automaker teased a potent dual-motor AWD setup, 350 miles of range, and up to 1000 lb-ft of torque for the 2028 Scout Traveler. Buyers can also opt for the gas-powered Harvester range extender, bringing the total range to around 500 miles. There’s no word on horsepower yet, but Scout says the SUV will do 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, putting the Traveler in sports car territory. It’s almost comical to think that a vehicle built for mudslinging and rock-crawling can also embarrass dedicated performance cars like the Ford Mustang Ecoboost and Dodge Challenger R/T at traffic lights.
Although it would be playing in an entirely different league, the new EV pays tribute to its ancestor’s go-anywhere capability. We know models will come with 35-inch tires, front and rear mechanical locking differentials, and different suspension options. Additionally, at 7,000 pounds capacity, the SUV can tow most travel trailers and boats without crossing into heavy-duty pickup territory.
Another feature that will excite offroad enthusiasts is the front sway bar disconnect. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon owners will know all about it and the additional suspension articulation it provides on challenging terrain. Combined with substantial ground clearance and a promised three-foot water fording depth, the Traveler is poised to be comfortable both on-road and off.
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Rugged Outside, Refined Inside
The boxy silhouette and old-school body-on-frame setup are pure Scout DNA. But beyond that familiar shape lies an advanced electric platform that would have seemed like science fiction to International Harvester’s engineers. This decision to stick with body-on-frame architecture when many manufacturers are going the unibody route is an indication that the Traveler is, first and foremost, built for punishment. The upright stance points to inspiration from the original without dwelling too much on retro looks.
Inside, Scout Motors walks a tightrope between utilitarian and upscale. Flat surfaces and grab handles are a reminder of the Traveler’s working-class roots. Even the floor coverings, made from washable, stain-resistant materials, invite you to bring in mud, sand, and whatever else your shoes kick up without worrying about pristine carpeting. But that’s not all it’s about. The materials made from recycled fabrics, sustainable composites, and reclaimed wood trim are in sync with the environmental consciousness behind the SUV’s zero-emission powertrain. Scout says the Traveler will have multiple roof options, such as a panoramic glass roof and the Cabana top, for an open-air driving experience.
Tech: Form Follows Function
What’s most impressive about the Traveler’s interior is how Scout integrates tech without letting it dominate the cabin. The dashboard houses a sizeable touchscreen, but unlike the competition, it’s not just a tacked-on tablet. Instead, the design flows naturally, flanked by actual buttons. The physical knobs and buttons deserve special mention and are a testament to the fact that touchscreens and off-roading don’t always mix well.
There’s very little information regarding tech, but we know models will feature a new digital ecosystem called the Scout Community UX. Other features we expect include a native navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and, of course, a sound stereo system. Behind the steering wheel, a customizable digital instrument cluster offers different information layouts based on your driving environment.
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The $60,000 Question
Scout announced its intention to sell direct-to-consumer. If this happens, it would bypass dealerships; think Tesla and Rivian models. As expected, dealerships have kicked against this move, labeling it “disappointing and misguided”
Production is scheduled for 2027 at its South Carolina factory. When it eventually launches, the 2028 Scout Traveler should sell for around $60,000, according to the manufacturer. The timing of the Traveler’s arrival in 2028 could be an advantage. By then, the electric SUV wars will be well underway, with rivals such as Rivian, Tesla, and other automakers having worked through their first-generation growing pains. Scout Motors might be fashionably late to the party, but that comes with the opportunity to learn from other’s mistakes and perhaps incorporate more advanced battery tech.
If International Harvester could have glimpsed 40 years into the future to see their rugged utility vehicle reborn as an EV, they might have been shocked, but we suspect they would have also been proud.
