The New Scout Traveler
Coming in 2028

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

At the recent mid-May 2025 Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Spring Rally, Scout Motors, a new brand from the Volkswagen Group, provided an in-person look at their new Scout Traveler Concept.

The MAMA Spring Rally is held each year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin where automakers are invited to present their newest vehicles through detailed product briefings. In addition, MAMA members can drive a wide variety of new vehicles on the famed racetrack, over a challenging off-road course, in an autocross competition, and of course, the way most cars and trucks spend their life, on the public roads like those around Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine.

The production-intent Scout Traveler Concept was available for viewing and photography. Scout designers were on hand to provide a product overview and answer questions.

The Traveler is a mid-size, all-electric SUV designed and engineered in Michigan. It's designed as a capable off-roader, drawing inspiration from the classic International Scout vehicles of the 1960s and 1970s. The Traveler will be offered with both fully-electric (BEV) and range-extender electric (EREV) powertrains.

The Traveler is designed with a body-on-frame construction, solid rear axle, and front and rear mechanical locking differentials, making it suitable for off-roading. Projected towing is over 7,000 pounds for the Scout Traveler with nearly 2,000 pounds of payload..

The Traveler with its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system is targeted to hit 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds, with its nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque. The BEV powertrain is expected to offer up to 350 miles of mixed city/highway driving range on a single charge. The EREV powertrain uses a gasoline VW engine-powered generator, called Harvester, that provides electric charge to the battery and is projected to extend the total range to over 500 miles. The Traveler will support the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and utilize an 800-volt architecture with up to 350 kW charging capability.

The interior has seating for two or three up front and three in the rear. A large central screen, real knobs and tactile climate controls, and mechanical door handles, reminiscent of the classic Scout II, are featured.

The Traveler is slated to enter production in 2027 at a new factory in Blythewood, S.C. More than likely debuting as a 2028 model, Scout says starting price will be under $60,000.

Scout Motors is offering reservations now. https://www.scoutmotors.com

© 2025 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy