The International Harvester Scout Returns. Sort of.

Growing up in Texas, I enjoyed seeing my share of International Harvester Scouts. If you’re of a certain age, just mentioning the name “International Harvester” probably evokes many memories in you, regardless of where you lived as a child.

Many of the Scouts in my area showed a rusty patina on their pale blue, white, and yellow exteriors. Most were from harsh summers, rain, hail, and all the other God-awful natural weather challenges of East Texas. Many carried battle scars of hard work in the fields like red badges of courage. But there they were, running as if their life depended on 50 cents a gallon gasoline—an homage in my memory to the farming culture surrounding my childhood.

Sure, they may have been one of the first “SUVs,” but similar to their Chevy Suburban counterparts, they weren’t Starbucks wagons ferrying childless DINKs on an adventure to shop nearby at The Grove in LA. No, they were working trucks and a staple for any contractor, farmer, or Texas State Highway Department foreman.

A Modern Revival with Classic Roots

So, if you have any knowledge of Scout’s past, you’ll agree with my skepticism of Scout returning to the market with some grand arrival and open arms. Yes, VW has shown themselves to be masters of nostalgia if you remember the VW Bug revival and the new VW Bus redo. But the bus, for instance, is wildly over-priced and a day or decade late in finally getting here. Oh, and it’s an EV. And the Bug was just a recovered Jetta.

Does nostalgia still work if it’s not really the same thing? I mean, is a VW Bug really a VW bug if it’s not rear-engined? And will the Scout be more than a re-bodied VW or Audi? Whatever your speculation, as the announcement has been buzzing around for over two years, we finally have tangible details about what to expect from the upcoming 2028 Scout Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck.

Volkswagen’s priority was clear: honor the spirit of the original Scout. While the new designs are most definitely not replicas of their predecessors, they capture the essence through subtle nods. The front and rear fascias feature a distinctive black “mask,” echoing the original’s classic rectangular grille and tailgate indent. Thin bougie LED strips outline these sections, giving a modern touch to a nostalgic element. Not my words, but VWs—well, except for “bougie.” So you see where this may be headed.

Design That Marries Heritage with Whatever Today Is

For my eye, the new Terra (Latin for Earth) and Traveler carry a clean, purposeful stance, with short front overhangs like their predecessor that hint at their off-road capabilities. For less old-school Scout-aware eyes, it’s sort of new Bronco-ish and not hateful. The side windows pay homage to the original Scout with an upward sweep along the bottom edge near the rear pillar—a subtle yet effective tribute.

Thankfully, VW, or Scout, stayed with the traditional door handles instead of the retractable ones. Whew, a nod to history and, VWs words again, “reinforcing the rugged, utilitarian feel.” You can choose to believe that or not.

Is it Genuinely Built for the “Rough and Tumble?”

The short version is, “Yes, it seems so.” Okay, so here’s where we get into some lofty things. VW would like you to see that the new Scout(s) aren’t just about looks; they’re engineered for serious off-roading. To their credit, I’m buying what they’re saying. This one is completely different, unlike the other VW MQB platform cars shared between VW, Audi, Lambo, Cupra, and their other brands.

The new Volkswagen Scout is?not built on the MQB chassis but on a body-on-frame platform and a toughened-up version of the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).?

Both models feature a solid rear axle—a rarity in current EV designs. A front anti-roll-bar disconnect and mechanical locking differentials on both axles complement this setup. While official approach and departure angles haven’t been disclosed, Scout assures us they’re competitive.

Towing and payload capacities are impressive. The Terra pickup is rated to tow over 10,000 pounds, while the Traveler SUV can handle over 7,000 pounds. To give you some perspective, the RAM 1500 standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine can tow up to 7,730 pounds. And the HEMI pulls 12,750. So, the Terra is good to tow your stuff. And both can brag about a nearly 2,000-pound payload rating.

Designed to accommodate huge 35-inch tires, they offer over a foot of ground clearance like the Bronco and Wrangler and can ford nearly three feet of water. The Traveler provides an optional rear spare tire carrier for those massive tires, and the Terra provides versatile spare tire storage options.

Powertrain Options That Break the Mold

In an intriguing move, Scout will offer pure electric versions and a series plug-in hybrid option, dubbed “Harvester.” See what they did there? The hybrid employs a small internal combustion engine acting as a range-extending generator, recharging the battery without directly driving the wheels. This setup is reminiscent of systems used in other upcoming vehicles like the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. And I like that they’ve kept a real engine in the thing as an option. I predict that if any prospective buyer buys these, the hybrid will outsell the EV.

The pure EV models aim for up to 350 miles of range per charge, while hybrid models target over 500 miles. Powered by dual electric motors on the front and rear axles, Scout is touting up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque. And they’ll have a very non-International Harvester Scout-like 0 to 60 mph acceleration in as little as 3.5 seconds. An 800-volt electrical architecture allows for rapid charging speeds up to 350 kW, and the inclusion of North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports ensures compatibility with widespread charging networks.

Again, let’s get some perspective on Scouts of the past. The 70s Scout 800 Traveltop 4x3 base engine was the International “Comanche 152” inline-four, which produced 93 horsepower. So yeah, it’s pretty much a modern-day motorcycle liter-bike engine.?Since this engine had to cope with a curb weight of over 4,200 lbs, its 0-60 was almost 20 seconds. We’ve come a long way.

An Interior That Blends Luxury with Practicality

Inside, the Scout vehicles promise a blend of ruggedness and refinement, but there’s no hard metal, sharp knobs, or vinyl from the past. However, there are some excellent analog-style knobs and buttons.

The dashboard features a new Old Scout-inspired horizontal panel framing a digital gauge cluster and central touchscreen. While specifics on screen sizes are under wraps, the system is expected to be responsive and user-friendly, with high-resolution camera views and over-the-air updates.

As mentioned, Scout didn’t fall into the haptic feedback swamp, and physical controls haven’t been abandoned; a row of toggle switches for climate control and a physical volume knob ensure tactile functionality. Someone at VW corporate needs to cast down an edict to its other brands that knobs and buttons are still a thing.

The materials, like rich brown leather and light-colored fabrics shown throughout the cabin, aren’t precisely farm- or contractor-ready. But they definitely look nice. A front bench seat option increases seating capacity to six, catering to larger families or groups—obviously well-dressed versions.

If I were a decision maker in the Scout organization, I’d try to do an honest-to-good old-school and lots less luxury version for the non-luxury working class set. Toyota has done it with the Land Cruiser, so why not VW? Are you listening?

Function Meets Convenience

Both models come equipped with the now-expected frunk, spacious enough for golf clubs, a gym bag, and a small cooler—ideal for those weekend getaways. The frunk includes 120-volt and USB-C outlets, while the Terra’s 5.5-foot bed features additional power outlets, including a 240-volt option. The Traveler SUV offers versatility with a split tailgate and options for a glass roof with a powered shade or a retractable “Cabana Top.”

Customer-Centric Sales Approach

Embracing a direct-to-consumer sales model that’s ruffling a LOT of dealership feathers, Scout aims to simplify the purchasing process, eliminating traditional dealerships. Hopefully, this won’t make them a footnote in automotive history.

But, thankfully, any customer can expect a non-dealer marked-up price transparency and a streamlined buying experience that takes minutes, not hours. Scout Workshops (subtle eye-roll)—dedicated retail spaces—will provide opportunities for test drives, in-person vehicle exploration, and servicing. So basically being Tesla without being Tesla. We’ll see how that goes, but bravo for the price transparency and streamlined experience. To those dealers who mark up their inventory with “market price adjustments,” you’re to blame. If you play stupid games, you get stupid prizes.

Looking Ahead

Designed and engineered in by-god Michigan US of A, production of the Scout vehicles will commence at a new facility near Columbia, South Carolina, creating over 4,000 jobs. And that’s the way it should be. If a company is going to sell products in the US, they need to produce them in the US. Especially those with a US-based history. Bravo to VW for that.

With production set to begin in 2027, the Traveler and Terra are slated for the 2028 model year. Scout mentions that the current design is about 85% of what the final production models will look like.

Positioned to compete with category-leading heavyweights like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler, plus electric newcomers like Rivian, the Scout vehicles are priced to start under $60,000. It is pricey and in a very crowded market. This Scout is definitely not priced like it was in the 70s.

Regardless, reservations are now open, signaling the brand’s confidence and commitment to sort of reviving an icon for the modern age, even if it’s not exactly the same thing.

Final Thoughts

VW most definitely wants the return of the Scout name to be more than just a short-lived nostalgic revival. They hope it ushers a bold step into the future of off-roading and electric mobility during a time when EV sales are peaking, and people still want gas-powered horsepower.

Scout wants to make a significant impact in a market hungry for authenticity and innovation with something “kind of authentic-ish” but not really.

But I’m okay with “kind-of authentic,” these days. As someone who grew up admiring the simple, battle-worn but steadfast Scouts of East Texas, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of these new models hitting the trails—and maybe, just maybe, forging new memories for the next generation. Long live the Scout.