Although it disappeared more than 40 years ago, International Harvester is a mythical brand in North America, thanks in part to the Scout, one of the world’s first SUVs. Now Scout Motors is back under Volkswagen as an all-new brand and has just unveiled its first two models: the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV. Both use a brand new EV platform and will start at less than $60,000 (excl. incentives) when production starts in 2027.

Scout Motorcycles says its “priority was to honor the spirit of the original Scout,” which was sold in various forms by International from 1961 to 1980. While the Traveler and Terra have distinctly modern designs, they use rounded contours and a “black mask” on the front and back to appeal to the older models. They also come with separate bumpers and upward-facing side windows, again reminiscent of the classic Scout.

Other design elements are completely modern, such as a thin LED strip around the ‘grill’ and rectangular headlights, intersected by slim daytime running lights. (The models shown here are 85 percent of what we’ll see in the final production vehicles, Scout said).

The original Scout and International 150 pickup were practical and rugged (we used to call it ‘Inter-smashable’), and the new models will retain some of those aspects. Both feature body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle, along with front and rear locking hubs for off-road use. They offer 2,000 pounds of payload capacity along with 7,000 pounds of towing capacity for the Traveler and 10,000 pounds for the Terra pickup. Both will come with all-wheel drive via front and rear electric motors.

That should continue to work and make outdoor buyers happy, but the vehicles can also make your hair stand on end. Both accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds thanks to an estimated 1,000 Nm of torque and all-wheel drive, although the Scout doesn’t have a top speed yet.

The basic equipment package offers a range of up to 560 km, while the longer range version is essentially a hybrid that can travel up to 800 km with the help of a gas-powered range extender. Charging times are not mentioned, but they will use an 800-volt architecture supporting speeds up to 350 kW. It will also offer bi-directional charging and vehicle-to-home capabilities, along with over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.

The cabin strays as far as possible from the spartan interior of the originals. It looks luxurious and high-tech with a digital cluster and large displays, along with a promised ‘responsive’ infotainment system and high-resolution reversing cameras. At the same time, it comes with switches and dials for the climate and other controls. The seats and panels are upholstered in a mix of brown leather, fabric and a wood-like material.

Both have a frunk with 120-volt and USB-C outlets and can fit golf clubs, a gym bag and a small cooler, Scout says. The Terra’s six-foot bed will also include 120- and 240-volt outlets for tools, compressors and the like.

The Traveler, meanwhile, gets a split tailgate and comes with two roof options. The first is a Cabana roof with panels that fold back for open-air driving, while the second is a glass roof with an electric sunshade. Both vehicles will be available with a front bench seat to increase passenger capacity.

Like Tesla, Scout will sell its vehicles directly to consumers, without going through a dealer. Buying it will take “minutes”, with the company promising full price transparency and handling sales, delivery and service. You can view them in person at special ‘Scout Workshop’ store and service locations.

Both models are designed and developed in Michigan and will be built by approximately 4,000 employees at a new factory in Columbia, South Carolina. Production will start in 2027 and vehicles will arrive for the 2028 model year. According to Scout Motors, prices start under $60,000, and reservations are open now.