The legendary Scout name is making a triumphant return, not with a whisper, but with a roar into the electric vehicle landscape. Volkswagen Group is resurrecting this iconic moniker for a new generation, embodied by a rugged electric SUV – or Rugged Utility Vehicle (RUV) – and a robust electric pickup truck. Set to roll off the production line in a dedicated US-based Scout factory starting in 2025, these off-road electric vehicles are poised to hit the market shortly after, marking a significant moment for both the brand and the electric SUV segment.
While still in the early stages of development, the buzz around the New Scout Suv and its pickup sibling is already palpable. Teaser glimpses hint at the design direction of these reborn Scout models, promising trail-ready capability and performance metrics that will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other established off-road SUVs. Volkswagen has made it clear: the new Scout brand is not just about nostalgia; it’s about forging a new path in the electric off-road arena.
As we eagerly anticipate more details about the Scout SUV and pickup in the lead-up to their production, here’s a comprehensive overview of what we know so far about the exciting new Scout SUV.
Design Vision: Ruggedness Reimagined for the New Scout SUV
Early teasers of the new Scout SUV suggest a boxy silhouette characterized by minimal overhangs, practical four doors, and a balanced wheelbase. Visually, the design language appears to draw inspiration from off-road stalwarts like the Ford Bronco, aiming to capture the essence of the original International Harvester Scout while injecting modern design sensibilities. A glimpse at initial sketches reveals a high beltline and a boxy aesthetic for both the SUV and pickup, echoing the rugged appeal of vehicles like the Rivian R1T and the Bronco.
Chris Benjamin, Scout’s Chief Design Officer, offered valuable insights into the design philosophy of the new vehicles. He emphasized a departure from the overtly aggressive “conquer everything” approach often associated with off-road vehicles. Instead, Benjamin envisions Scout as embodying community and connection with nature. This ethos will be reflected in a design language that is capable and rugged, yet approachable and inviting, fostering a sense of togetherness rather than intimidation.
To visualize these teasers and design principles, renderings have emerged, painting a picture of a rugged electric off-roader brimming with retro charm. The hope is that the final production model will capture this compelling blend of vintage inspiration and modern EV aesthetics.
The interior of the new Scout SUV remains under wraps, but expectations are for a functional and durable space, mirroring the practical nature of classic off-road vehicles. Elements like rubberized floor mats, resilient vinyl seating, and comprehensive waterproofing are highly anticipated, combined with seamlessly integrated advanced technology to meet the demands of modern drivers.
Interior Focus: Prioritizing Practicality and Tactile Controls
In a refreshing departure from the trend towards touchscreen-heavy interfaces, Scout is reportedly prioritizing physical, tactile controls in its new models. Rejecting the capacitive touch controls and screen-buried functions that have become common in Volkswagen vehicles, the Scout SUV is expected to offer real, hard buttons for essential functions.
Chris Benjamin highlighted the importance of manual controls in an interview, emphasizing the need for everyday usability and tactile feedback. “Manual is important,” Benjamin stated, “We want to make sure that things you use every day are not buried somewhere in the screen. Easy, functional, tactile, all super important. Scout was a machine that always worked. We want to make sure the new one always works, too.” This commitment to practicality and user-friendly design suggests an interior focused on functionality and durability, perfectly suited for the adventurous spirit of the new Scout SUV.
Potential Names: A Nod to Heritage and New Beginnings
Scout’s parent company, Volkswagen, has engaged in extensive trademark filings, hinting at potential names for the new vehicles. A list of 50 trademarks includes a mix of names that evoke the heritage of the original International Harvester Scout and fresh monikers that could signal a new direction.
The trademark list includes: Aristocrat, Baler, Cultivator, Forma, Grade, Harrow, Harvester, Rallye, Scout 80, Scout 800, Scout Hauler, Scout II, Scout Reaper, Scout Spirit, Scout Terra, Scythe, Sno-Star, Sportstar, SR-2, SSII, Super Scout, Swather, Tellus, Terra, Terrastar, Thresher, Trailstar, Travelstar, Travelstar XL, Traveltop.
Several trademarks directly reference the original International Harvester Scout lineage, such as Scout 80 and Scout 800. The Scout II, another trademarked name, offered trims like Terra, Traveler, and Super Scout, which also appear on the list. Historic names like Sportstar, Terrastar, Trailstar, and Travelstar, which were special models customized near the original Scout headquarters, are also included.
Alongside these heritage-inspired names, new possibilities emerge, such as Cultivator, Reaper, Spirit, Harrow, and Rallye. These names could lend themselves well to the new Scout SUV and pickup, potentially signifying a blend of rugged capability and modern appeal.
Electric Powertrain and Off-Road Prowess: Powering the New Scout SUV
The new Scout SUV and pickup will be powered exclusively by electric powertrains, aligning with the industry’s shift towards electrification. While Volkswagen possesses a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive MEB platform, Scout will utilize a distinct platform engineered specifically for off-road performance, as confirmed by CEO Scott Keogh in an interview.
A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration is almost certain for the new Scout SUV, with the possibility of even more powerful three- or four-motor setups depending on pricing considerations. This dedicated platform could potentially be shared with other VW Group brands, with reports suggesting Audi is exploring a Mercedes-Benz G-Class rival based on the Scout platform.
To effectively compete with established off-road vehicles like the Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, the new Scout SUV will need to boast serious off-road equipment. Features such as locking rear differentials and long-travel suspension are expected to be part of the package. Furthermore, the electric Scout SUV will need to offer robust towing and hauling capabilities, alongside sufficient range to tackle trails and return with confidence.
Current EVs based on VW’s MEB architecture offer ranges exceeding 310 miles. However, the new Scout SUV is anticipated to aim for a range closer to 400 miles or even greater upon its debut. In terms of power output, a target of around 300 horsepower would position the Scout competitively against the base Bronco and Jeep Wrangler models.
Scout CEO Scott Keogh emphasized the brand’s commitment to robustness and capability in an interview, stating, “We want to build something that’s highly robust and highly capable. And I think Scouts came from that, so we thought it was smart to say, let’s keep that integrity.” Jan Spies, Scout Motors’ head of production, further highlighted the unique nature of the platform, affirming, “This is not a twin, or a brother, or daughter to any of the other platforms that we’ve ever had.”
Pricing Strategy: Aiming for Competitive Positioning
Volkswagen intends to price the electric Scout off-roader competitively within the existing off-road SUV market, targeting rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler. Scout CEO Scott Keogh indicated a starting price of $40,000 or “just north of there” for the new Scout SUV.
Currently, the base two-door Bronco starts slightly above $36,000, while the two-door Wrangler is priced approximately $3,000 lower. Four-door versions of both models are closer to the $40,000 mark. While it remains unclear if Scout will offer both two- and four-door configurations, teaser images suggest a four-door model, implying a price point aligning with the four-door Bronco and Wrangler.
Manufacturing Location: US-Based Production
Volkswagen Group is investing in a dedicated Scout factory in Columbia, South Carolina, representing a significant $2 billion investment. This facility will serve as the production hub for both the Scout SUV and pickup, with potential for future models to join the lineup. The factory is projected to have an annual production capacity of up to 250,000 vehicles and create 4,000 permanent jobs in the region.
The development of the Scout SUV platform is being undertaken in Austria in collaboration with Magna Steyr, a renowned automotive engineering and manufacturing company responsible for vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Toyota Supra. While development investments amount to $492 million for both the SUV and pickup, all assembly operations will be concentrated in the US.
Anticipated Release Timeline: Approaching the Horizon
Enthusiasts may get their first glimpse of a Scout SUV prototype as early as next year. Prototypes are expected to emerge in late 2024, preceding production commencement in 2025 and a projected on-sale date in late 2026. CEO Keogh also confirmed that the SUV variant will debut first, followed by the larger electric pickup “in quick succession.”
The retail strategy for the new Scout electric off-roaders is still under development. The National Automobile Dealers Association and state associations have engaged with VW seeking clarity on the Scout brand’s retail approach in the US. Given the growing trend of online EV sales, Scout may explore a similar direct-to-consumer sales model.
Gallery: Exploring the Scout Electric SUV Vision
Explore more images of the Scout Electric SUV Rendering
Image of Scout Electric SUV Rendering 1
Image of Scout Electric SUV Rendering 2
Stay tuned for more updates as the exciting journey of the new Scout SUV unfolds, promising a blend of heritage, electric innovation, and off-road capability.
