By Tech Target 
To unveil the Scout Motors SUV and Terra truck electric concept cars, Scout Motors welcomed over 300 individuals to the Franklin, Tennessee, hills. Journalists like me, YouTubers, active lifestyle bloggers, experts of the automotive business, and admirers and aficionados of the original International Harvester Scout were all brought in by the carmaker.
The new, tough car is dubbed the Connection Machine by Scout Motors. The purpose of the unveiling event was to create a strong bond between the guests and the concept EVs. During the event, the carmaker also announced that a $100 completely refundable deposit could be used to reserve a Scout vehicle right away.
The legend of the Scout
International Harvester was a manufacturer of commercial vehicles and agricultural equipment. In 1961, IH debuted the Scout as a compact, versatile utility vehicle. The original Scout predated the popularity of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) by almost 30 years. Still, it took on with farmers, hunters, and other outdoor sportspeople who utilized it for off-road excursions when there were few choices other than early Jeeps.
Scouts were initially two-wheel-drive pickup trucks, but there was a rapid increase in demand in four-wheel-drive vehicles with roofs or tops that extended to the back of the truck bed. Over the course of the 19-year production cycle, the majority of Scouts were SUVs. Production of the Scout ended in 1980 as a result of the economic climate and the gas crises of the 1970s.
The community of Scouts
The Scout has retained a cult-like following since International Harvesters ceased production, with active owner and enthusiast organizations, social media groups, and special interest forums all over the world. Scout Motors has pledged on its blog to connecting with current owners and fan communities to preserve the spirit of the original Scout alive, respect the vehicle’s past, and listen to recommendations to enhance the new Scout trucks and SUVs. Many original Scout owners and enthusiasts were invited to the Franklin event by Scout Motors. Some brought cars to show off to guests.
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Scout Motors makes public
On the Franklin mountainside, Scout Motors built a huge compass-face stage and stadium seats for the 300 visitors. Following his description of the International Harvester Scout as the “original SUV,” President and CEO Scott Keogh thanked a number of elected officials from South Carolina, where the Scout Motors factory is being built in Blythewood, and talked about the vibrant Scout community.
“After two years of development, the time has finally arrived to unveil the next generation of Scout vehicles to the world,” Keogh remarked. More than ever, the original concept—rugged, adaptable cars that can be used for both family responsibilities and off-road adventures—remains relevant. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.”
Then, as the audience turned to face the right side of the platform, Keogh pulled the Scout Terra truck and Scout Traveler SUV onto the stage. When the cars pulled into the stadium, I was in the middle row of seats, and I could feel the applause of the audience. The crowd cheered heartily, as one might anticipate if it were only out of politeness, but there were many more grins, giggles, and excitement than normal.
Although this audience was biased toward a favorable response, I felt both cars were stunning, and the majority of people appeared to agree. Chris Benjamin, the chief design officer at Scout Motors, then addressed the stage to present a number of concepts and ideas that influenced the design of the Scout Terra and Scout Traveler. Adaptability and versatility are important design principles.
Benjamin stated, “A Scout vehicle should always be a helpful companion.” “It should always make the customer’s experience easier, better, and faster while allowing them to do the things they want to do.” As Benjamin described a number of significant characteristics that both cars had in common, the crowd responded favorably. Both versions will have a solid rear axle, four-wheel drive, a body-on-frame chassis, and mechanical lockers in the front and back for rugged off-road capability.
- Outstanding payload capacities: The Scout Traveler is expected to be able to tow 7,000 pounds, while the Scout Terra can pull over 10,000 pounds. Both vehicles will have payloads of around 2,000 pounds.
- Fast acceleration: The basic electric engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.5 seconds and has more than 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
- High range: The typical completely electric vehicle can travel up to 350 miles. It is predicted that an inverted hybrid option with a gas generator that provides electricity to the battery powering the powertrain would have a range of over 500 miles.
Yes, a hybrid will be available. In response to customer demand, Scout Motors is introducing a longer-range model that runs on a gas combustion generator.
Scout cars will be able to charge up to 350 kW using the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging connection and 800-volt design. In order to power a residential electrical system, they will also offer bidirectional charging.
- Software for the zonal architecture: They will get remote diagnostics and over-the-air (OTA) upgrades.
- Buttons and dials: Scout Motors will not force customers to utilize displays in order to change the HVAC or audio settings.
- Roomy frunks: Both versions will include several power outlets in addition to front storage big enough for golf bags and other items.
Front bench seat option: A third person can be accommodated in the front seat.
Direct sales and customer service: Scout Motors will deal with clients directly.
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Images of the Scout Traveler
The Scout Traveler’s size caught me off guard. Due to the lack of a visible reference vehicle for comparison, it is most likely larger than the photos would suggest. Compared to a 2025 Ford Expedition, which measures 210 inches long, 93.1 inches wide, and 76.4 inches high, the Scout Traveler is only two inches shorter and two inches thinner, measuring 207.9 inches overall, 91.6 inches wide, and 76.3 inches high. In every way, the Scout Traveler is a far bigger SUV than a 2025 Ford Explorer.
After energy subsidies, Scout Motors anticipates that the Scout Terra will start at $60,000 and cost $50,000. The Scout Terra pickup truck and a 2025 Ford F-150 Supercrew with a 5.5-foot bed are nearly identical in size. The Terra’s overall length of 229.2 inches is three inches shorter than the Ford’s, although its width of 91.6 inches is just four inches smaller. According to Scout Motors, the Scout Terra will start at $60,000 and, including energy incentives, cost $51,500.
Acceptance in the Scout community
Following the Scout Motors unveiling on the summit, the 300 guests were taken to a social hour and then supper. Members of the Scout forum who possessed original Scouts sat with me. We spoke about how we felt about Scout Motors, Scout Terra, and Scout Traveler. Overall, their opinions were very good, which didn’t surprise me.
They praised the cars’ dimensions, off-road capabilities, roominess, and capacities—most notably, the extensive array of extras and alternatives that Scout Motors is creating. One member of the forum group informed me that, while they weren’t present, he had spoken with certain Scout owners who opposed any modernized version and didn’t want anything changed.
It also didn’t surprise me that, within hours of the reveal event, the enthusiasts I ate dinner with had already booked reservations on the Scout Motors website with a $100 fully refundable deposit. When one of the forum users mentioned that their partner recommended making deposits for two new Scouts—the SUV and the pickup—when they called home, I chuckled.