Volkswagen has just resurrected an iconic car brand: Scout. Two electric cars (Terra and Traveler) are in preparation and we were able to discover them. Here’s our first look at these vehicles that have a bit of Rivian in them.
In October 2024, Volkswagen formalized the launch of the Scout electric car brand in the United States. With an SUV (Traveler) and a pickup (Terra), thanks in particular to a major partnership with competing electric cars from Rivian.
In January 2025, Volkswagen showed these new Scout electric cars to the general public around the world for the first time at CES in Las Vegas. We obviously stopped at the brand’s stand to discover these two vehicles, both magnificent and impressive.
A unique architecture
We are not going to go into detail on the technical sheet, since we do not have many details, other than a charging power of 350 kW (thanks to the new 800 volt architecture at Volkswagen), a couple of 1,355 Nm, an EPA range of 800 km in range extender version or even the capacity to tow more than 4.5 tonnes.
What’s nice about approaching the Terra and Traveler is their design. They are even more magnificent in real life than in photos. These are still prototypes (produced by hand), but the choice of colors, textures and materials is perfect. A little neo-retro wink that draws its inspiration from the brand’s old thermal cars, marketed between the 60s and 80s.
The matte gray of the pickup is simply sublime, while the orange of the SUV presented suits it perfectly, with its adventurous side reinforced by the 4×4 tires and the spare wheel at the rear. The small can of gasoline hanging on the trunk reminds us that it is possible to choose the Harvester option which adds a small gasoline engine allowing the battery to be recharged at any time. 100% electric versions are of course on the program.
The pickup is massive, really very massive. The two bench seats allow six people to fit on board, compared to five on the SUV.
The lighting signature of the two cars is brilliantly achieved: a backlit logo, two sober but effective LED daytime running lights at the front, and a huge LED strip at the rear.
A Rivian interior (or almost)
Inside, we are struck by the quality of presentation: up-to-date colors, with a real touch that will surely not please everyone, but which reinforces the brand’s identity. There is space, a lot of space given the size (not yet communicated) of the machines.
What’s most striking inside is the infotainment screen. It is horizontal, rather elongated, and above all, the interface is new at Volkswagen. There is a reason for this: the software part was entrusted to Rivian, even if Scout carried out the finishing touches, such as the UX and UI. But the entire architecture is signed Rivian and this is rather good news since we appreciated this system during our test of the Rivian R1T in 2024.
And in Europe?
Coming out of the Scout stand, we only want to get behind the wheel of these cars. But you will have to be patient. The brand announces the start of marketing for 2027 in the United States from $60,000, but no announcement for Europe. These are clearly cars designed for Americans.
Scout could, however, want to come to Europe, like Rivian, which intends to sell its R2 and R3 on the Old Continent. Wait and see as the Americans say.
Source: www.frandroid.com
