(TestMiles) – For those old enough to remember the original International Scout — that rugged off-roader your dad always promised to fix up but never did — the name conjures nostalgia for adventure, dirt roads, and mechanical reliability akin to that of an anvil. Sixty-three years since its original debut, the Scout is set to make a triumphant return under the wing of none other than the Volkswagen Group. Yes, the Germans are bringing back an American icon, and they’re doing it with more torque, more technology, and an electrifying twist.
Why the Scout Is Back – and It’s Better Than Ever
Volkswagen is reviving the Scout with a plan to launch fully electric models by 2027. For the purists worried that going electric means the Scout has lost its edge — fear not. This thing is a beast. The new Scout Terra pickup and Traveler SUV are set to redefine off-road expectations while offering enough creature comforts to rival your favorite luxury vehicle.
The Terra starts at just over $51,500 (with incentives), while the Traveler SUV is projected to retail for under $60,000. For that price, you’ll be towing over 10,000 pounds with the Terra or a still-impressive 7,000 pounds with the Traveler. Whether it’s a boat, a trailer, or half your family tree packed into an RV, the Scout can handle it.
Speed and Range: Because Why Should Off-Roading Be Slow?
Now, here’s where things get really interesting: Scout is offering two variants of their new off-road juggernauts — fully electric and range-extended options. The all-electric version will offer up to 350 miles of range, which should be more than enough to get you lost in the wilderness and back. And for those who have an irrational fear of charging stations in the wild, there’s a range-extended version with over 500 miles of range. That’s the sort of range that makes you feel like Lewis and Clark with a Tesla battery pack strapped to your back.
Performance-wise, the Scout won’t just take you over rugged terrain; it’ll do it quickly. With nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque, this electric beast accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. If you’re more accustomed to off-road vehicles that take all day to get to 60, prepare to have your mind — and your spinal alignment — blown.
Built for Off-Road Royalty
It’s not just about speed and towing power. This new Scout is a serious contender in the world of off-roading. With over a foot of ground clearance and the ability to ford through nearly three feet of water, it’s essentially amphibious. Whether you’re traversing rocky trails or muddy river crossings, Scout’s got you covered. Want to outfit it with monster 35-inch tires? Go right ahead — it can handle that too.
And for those of you who are already picturing the gadgets — think powered off-boarding solutions, recovery points, and winches built to pull a small mountain if needed.
Technology That Makes It Smarter Than the Average Off-Roader
The Scout also gets a hefty dose of technology. It will come equipped with a body-on-frame chassis, solid rear axle, and mechanical lockers — perfect for all the rock crawlers out there. But that’s not the half of it. The Scout Connection Machine, a new multifunctional interior space concept, is designed to keep drivers and passengers more connected than ever, without resorting to shouting over the roar of the engine (because electric motors, you know).
Over-the-air software updates, remote diagnostics, and bi-directional charging capabilities mean that your Scout will be smarter than the average bear — or Land Rover, for that matter.
An American Icon with a German Twist
All this from a vehicle that’s going to be built in South Carolina, creating over 4,000 American jobs. Talk about a cultural exchange program. The Scout will still carry that rugged, American grit, but with a healthy dose of German precision engineering thrown in for good measure.
The Verdict? Prepare to Be Surprised
Volkswagen’s resurrection of the Scout might raise a few eyebrows, but the specs suggest they know what they’re doing. This isn’t just an homage to a beloved off-roader; it’s a serious player in the electric vehicle and off-roading market. With competitive pricing, impressive capabilities, and the kind of technological flair that VW is known for, the Scout is set to give the likes of Rivian and Ford a run for their money.
So, ready your wallets (and your off-road gear) — the Scout is back, and it’s better than ever. Just don’t expect your dad to fix this one.
