2027 Scout Traveler Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
The Scout name makes its return to the American auto market with a new SUV and truck. Pictured here in concept form, the Traveler is an electric SUV that follows in the footsteps of the rugged International Scout from the 1960s and 1970s. Rivals include other off-road ready vehicles like the Rivian R1S, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota Land Cruiser.
What’s New
- Body-on-frame chassis
- Solid rear axle
- Front and rear mechanical lockers
- Front stability bar disconnect
- Dual-motor four-wheel drive
- Fully electric variants with up to 350 miles of range
- Batteries with 800V architecture and 350-kW charging
- Range-extended EV models with gasoline generators with more than 500 miles of range
- Thirty-five-inch tires
- A spare 35-inch tire in the rear
- Physical switchgear and dials
- A split tailgate
- An available wide-opening Cabana Top
- Available glass roof
- Over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics
A Brief History of the Scout
The first Scout was introduced by International Harvester in 1960 for the 1961 model year. The first run of vehicles was called the Scout 80, which received an inline-four with two- or four-wheel drive. The Scout 800 was used from mid-1965 onward. Updates to the Scout 800 included a stronger Dana 44 axle and standard four-wheel drive. Later, the Scout 800 offered a 3.2-liter I-4, a 3.8-liter I-6, and a 4.4-liter V-8. A toughened Scout 800A arrived in 1968 and the final 800B series with minor cosmetic tweaks was introduced for a short time from August 1970 to March 1971.
In 1971, the Scout II was introduced as the first-generation model’s replacement. These models received fresh exterior cosmetics, two- or four-wheel drive, and a range of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines over its lifespan. Disc brakes were introduced as standard equipment at the end of 1974.
The Terra and Traveler names, which are now being used for the current range of Scout products, were manufactured from 1976 to 1980 and utilized fiberglass tops and an extended wheelbase. Ultimately, International Harvester discontinued the Scout in 1980. Over the 20-year span of the Scout’s production, 532,674 units were produced. Scout Motors became a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group in 2022, with groundbreaking of its South Carolina factory taking place in March 2024.
Range, Charging, and Performance
The 2027 Scout Traveler’s dual-motor four-wheel-drive system cranks out as much as 1,000 lb-ft of torque. Scout claims a 0-60 mph time of as little as 3.5 seconds. Scout claims a maximum range of 500 with an available built-in gasoline generator. All-electric models should be able to travel up to 350 miles. Scout says all models will use the Tesla-based North American Charging Standard (NACS), have 800-volt architecture, and be capable of a 350-kW charging rate.
Off-Road Capability
In addition to the Scout Traveler’s four-wheel-drive system, the electric SUV makes use of the 35-inch tires and rides with over a foot of ground clearance. That allows for nearly three feet of water fording capability. Front stability bar disconnect, front and rear mechanical lockers, and a solid rear axle should bring comparable off-road capability to that of a well-equipped Jeep Wrangler. Scout claims that the fully electric Traveler targets the ability to climb a 100-percent grade.
Towing and Hauling
Scout claims that the 2027 Traveler can tow over 7,000 pounds and haul nearly 2,000 pounds of payload. That puts the Rivian R1S directly in its sights. Its all-electric rival tows 7,700 pounds and has a payload rating of 1,764 to 2,161 pounds depending on configuration.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
There are few details available for the 2027 Scout Traveler’s dimensions, but the automaker says the SUV’s front trunk will be large enough to fit “golf clubs, a gym bag, and a small cooler.” The SUV’s split tailgate is intended to “shield passengers and cargo from the weather” according to Scout’s literature. An available Cabana Top aims to be one of the widest-opening roofs on the market, while another available glass roof provides a fixed-in-place option. The Scout Traveler carries a full 35-inch spare out back, which the automaker says has a minimal effect on aerodynamics.
Technology
Scout has kept details to a minimum for interior tech, but the automaker claims that its infotainment suite will feature customizable displays and high-resolution camera views for parking and off-roading. Infotainment comes courtesy of the brand’s Scout Community UX, supported by buttons and knobs rather than menus. The automaker claims its “zonal software architecture” enables over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics. The front trunk can power multiple devices with 120V and USB-C power outlets. Further planned accessories include auxiliary lighting, assist steps, vehicle-to-load capability, off-road bumpers with recovery points, and a heavy-duty winch.
How Much Does a 2027 Scout Traveler Cost?
Scout claims that the Traveler will begin as low as $50,000 when all available incentives are included, which brings the actual MSRP to just under $60,000. Expect higher trims to climb to $80,000. Reservations are currently open with a fully refundable fee of $100.
