The Legend is Back: Scout Traveler Reinvents the Rugged Electric SUV
I’ve always had a soft spot for “comeback stories,” especially when they involve icons like the International Harvester Scout. If you’re a fan of classic off-roaders, you know the Scout name carries a lot of weight. Now, under the wing of Volkswagen Group, the legend has officially returned with a modern electric heart, and I have to say—the specs on the new Scout Traveler are making me rethink everything I know about electric SUVs.
I was looking at the reveal of the Traveler Pacific Mist version, and it’s clear the designers didn’t just want to build a “tech box” on wheels. They wanted to build a machine that actually wants to get dirty.
Nostalgia Meets 800 Volts
What immediately caught my eye is how the Traveler balances that 1961 “boxy” heritage with futuristic tech. It’s painted in a stunning blue shade called Pacific Mist, sitting high on 35-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires. It looks aggressive, but in a refined, “I can handle a mountain pass and a valet parking spot” kind of way.
But the real magic is under the hood (or the floorboards). Here is what stood out to me:
- Mind-Bending Speed: This giant SUV hits 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. That’s supercar territory in a vehicle designed for mud.
- The “Harvester” Secret: While the pure electric range is around 240 km, Scout is offering an optional range extender called the “Harvester.” With this system, the total range jumps to over 800 kilometers.
- Built for the Wild: It features a 300 mm ground clearance, differential locks, and a towing capacity of over 3.2 tons. This isn’t a “soft-roader”; it’s a legitimate tank.
A Cabin You Can Actually Live In
Inside, I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of the cold, sterile plastic you see in many modern EVs, Scout went with brown leather mixed with durable denim fabric. It feels cozy and rugged—like a premium jacket you’d wear on a hike.
The “Cabana Top” is probably my favorite feature. It’s a massive retractable roof that gives you that open-air experience without the hassle of removing heavy doors or panels. Imagine driving through a forest with the roof back, hearing nothing but the wind because the motor is silent. That sounds like a dream to me.
My Take: Is This the Rivian Killer?
When I look at the projected starting price of $60,000, I think the folks over at Rivian might be sweating a little. The Scout Traveler (and its bigger brother, the Terra pickup) feels more “approachable” and soulful than a lot of the current EV offerings.
I’ve always been a bit skeptical about taking electric cars into the deep wilderness because of “range anxiety,” but that 800 km range-extended option completely changes the game for me. It’s the perfect bridge for people who want the torque of an EV but the security of a backup generator.
VW is putting a lot of weight behind this, and with production slated for late 2026, we won’t have to wait much longer to see these hitting the trails.
What do you think about the return of the Scout? Does the 800 km range extender make you more likely to consider an electric SUV for long trips, or do you still prefer a traditional engine for off-roading?
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