Volkswagen’s Revived Scout: The Iconic Off-Roader Goes Electric
After over 40 years, Volkswagen is bringing back the legendary Scout brand, a name associated with rugged off-roading and adventure.
After over 40 years, Volkswagen is bringing back the legendary Scout brand, a name associated with rugged off-roading and adventure. However, this time around, Scout isn’t just about off-road prowess; it’s going all-electric. With production slated for 2026, Scout’s new lineup will consist of an electric SUV and pickup truck, both designed for the U.S. market. Here’s what we know about these upcoming electric high-riders and what they promise for off-road enthusiasts and the EV market.
A New Chapter for Scout
Scout vehicles were once the backbone of the off-roading community, particularly in the 1960s and 70s. These vehicles, built by International Harvester, are cherished by enthusiasts for their rugged design and no-nonsense capabilities. Now, Volkswagen, a major player in the electric vehicle market, has revived the Scout name to offer a unique blend of off-road ability and cutting-edge EV technology.
Key Features of Scout Vehicles:
- 100% electric powertrains (no hybrids or plug-in options).
- Retro-inspired design with modern EV features.
- Body-on-frame construction, a rarity in today’s EV market.
- Expected dual-motor, all-wheel drive systems for maximum off-road capability.
Unlike many current EVs, these Scout vehicles won’t prioritize luxury. Instead, they will focus on usability and ruggedness, aiming to be affordable alternatives to other high-end electric trucks and SUVs. Although there’s still much to learn about the specific features of these vehicles, here’s what has been revealed so far.
Electric Powertrain: What We Know
Both the electric SUV and pickup will be based on a new platform, different from Volkswagen’s other electric models. This new platform is designed to handle the more demanding tasks that off-road enthusiasts expect, such as towing, heavy loads, and extreme terrain. The Scout vehicles will use dual-motor all-wheel drive, which will give them excellent off-road performance and instant torque.
Volkswagen has not confirmed the exact specifications of the motors or power output, but it is expected that the vehicles will have at least 300 horsepower. This power is crucial for off-road performance and ensures that Scout can compete with rivals like Rivian and Tesla in the off-road EV segment.
Possible Ford Collaboration
There’s speculation that the platform for these Scout vehicles may have a Ford connection. In 2019, Volkswagen and Ford entered into a deal to collaborate on pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. While it’s uncertain if this partnership will extend to the Scout brand, it’s worth noting that other Ford-VW collaborations have resulted in successful vehicles, such as Ford’s electric models based on VW’s MEB platform.
This potential partnership could offer Scout vehicles additional capabilities, using Ford’s expertise in truck building combined with VW’s advanced EV tech.
Battery and Charging Capabilities
The details about the battery capacity and range of the new Scout vehicles remain largely unknown. However, in comparison with similar EVs, Scout could aim for around 300 miles per charge. This would make it competitive in the off-road electric vehicle market, where rivals like Rivian offer ranges exceeding 400 miles.
In terms of charging, while it’s not confirmed whether the Scout EVs will feature a 400-volt or 800-volt system, there’s a good chance it will support fast charging capabilities. If Volkswagen goes with an 800-volt platform, this could allow charging speeds of up to 350 kW, matching some of the fastest-charging EVs on the market today.
Scout vs. Competitors
| Feature | Scout SUV/Pickup | Tesla Cybertruck | Rivian R1T/R1S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual-motor, AWD | Single, dual, or tri-motor options | Quad-motor AWD |
| Estimated Range | 300 miles (unconfirmed) | Up to 500 miles | Up to 420 miles |
| Charging Speed | Up to 250-350 kW (estimated) | Up to 250 kW | Up to 220 kW |
| Platform | Body-on-frame, bespoke | Unibody | Unibody |
| Price | $45,000 – $55,000 (estimated) | $39,900+ | $73,000+ |
| Towing Capacity | Likely robust (unknown) | Up to 14,000 lbs | Up to 11,000 lbs |
| Off-Road Focus | Strong emphasis | Limited | Strong emphasis |
Design Philosophy: A Nod to the Past, Built for the Future
The design of the new Scout vehicles is expected to be retro-inspired, paying homage to the original International Harvester Scout. The concept sketches show a short front overhang, a signature of off-road vehicles, and the possibility of large, rugged tires to handle difficult terrain.
The pickup version of the Scout will have a longer wheelbase than the SUV, making it better suited for towing and hauling. The overall aesthetic will likely mirror the blunt and upright design of the Scout II, making it instantly recognizable to fans of the original.
While Volkswagen has not revealed the interior design of the Scout vehicles, it is anticipated to follow the lead of other off-road-oriented vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Expect the interior to prioritize durability and functionality over luxury, making it ideal for adventurers who need a vehicle that can withstand harsh conditions.
Pricing and Availability
Scout has confirmed that the pricing for the electric SUV will start at around $45,000, while the pickup will be priced closer to $55,000. These figures make the Scout EVs some of the most affordable off-road electric vehicles, particularly when you consider that they will likely qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. This incentive will make these vehicles even more appealing to American buyers looking for a capable off-road EV without breaking the bank.
Here is a bar graph comparing the estimated starting prices of different off-road electric vehicles. The Scout SUV and Pickup are expected to be priced around $45,000 and $55,000, respectively, while other competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T/R1S have starting prices of $39,900 and $73,000.
This graph helps visualize the pricing landscape for these upcoming electric vehicles, highlighting where the new Scout models stand in terms of affordability compared to their rivals.
What’s Next for Scout?
Volkswagen is investing heavily in the Scout brand, with a $2 billion factory currently under construction in Blythewood, South Carolina. This facility will be the dedicated home for Scout’s production, with the first prototypes expected to roll off the line in 2025 and full-scale production starting in 2026. The SUV will be the first vehicle to enter production, followed later by the pickup truck.
Volkswagen’s revival of the Scout brand is exciting news for both off-road enthusiasts and EV fans. By blending the rugged capability of traditional off-road vehicles with the latest in electric vehicle technology, Scout is set to carve out a unique niche in the rapidly growing EV market. With pricing that undercuts many of its competitors, a design that nods to its historic past, and capabilities that should match the best in the business, Scout’s electric SUV and pickup could be game-changers.
The real test will come when these vehicles are finally revealed in October. With Ford, Rivian, and Tesla all competing in the off-road EV space, it will be fascinating to see how Scout differentiates itself and whether it can live up to its storied legacy.
Stay tuned for more updates as Scout’s official reveal approaches.
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