'Scouts always come back': First look at Volkswagen Group's revived electric and plug-in hybrid Toyota LandCruiser, Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler rivals, the 2027 Scout Terra pick-up and Traveler SUV

Revived off-road brand Scout has revealed the first pair of electric and plug-in hybrid four-wheel drives it intends to build - the Traveler SUV and the Terra pick-up.

The Volkswagen Group-owned brand will begin production of the two models in 2027 at a brand new A$3bn facility in South Carolina, with what it says is a target price of less than US$60,000 (A$90,416).

Both models will be offered in plug-in hybrid and electric guises, with respective driving ranges of 804km and 563km.

The new models mark the return of the brand since its flagship Scout International Harvester model was discontinued in 1980.

Produced from 1961 to 1980, the original Scout International Harvester is widely considered one of the first mainstream SUVs, and a precursor to iconic nameplates such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

Scout has emphasised the importance of reflecting the International Harvester’s iconic looks in the new model’s respective designs, and while they don’t go overboard in doing so, there are some similarities, particularly in the rectangular front grille and rear fascia.

The old meets the new with integrated lighting that runs as two thin LED strips on both ends, while the Scout maintains its original side window design, which starts as rectangular before contouring towards the end of the vehicle.

2027 Scout Traveler

Unlike most EVs, Scout doesn’t go in for power-retractable door handles, instead maintaining physical ones.

Off-road design is substantiated by off-road underpinnings, with a dynamic body-on frame platform, front anti-roll bar disconnect, and front and rear mechanically locking differentials.

Scout has opted for a solid rear axle for greater wheel and axle rigidity, which is common among traditional four-wheel drives, though largely untested in the EV space.

The Terra pick-up will reportedly be able to tow two-and-a-half tonnes, while the Traveler SUV will be good for about three-and-a-half tonnes.

2027 Scout Terra

Both models will have a one-tonne payload, and be able to accommodate chunky 35-inch tyres that provide over 300mm of ground clearance. Water wading depth will be just short of a metre.

Exact power output figures have not been revealed yet, though torque is estimated to peak at up to 1355Nm, delivering a 0-100km/h time of just 3.5 seconds. Both models are understood to use 800-volt architecture, with up to 350kW of fast-charging capacity.

The length of the Traveler will be approximately 5.3 metres, while the Terra will be closer to six metres thanks to its 1.7m bed.

Inside, the design is clean and relatively minimalist, with retro-look tan leather upholstery and horizontal panelling. There’s a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 16.2-inch multimedia touchscreen, with plenty of physical buttons underneath.

2027 Scout Traveler

The interior seating configuration will reportedly be customisable, allowing for bench seating opposed to individual seats.

Customers will reportedly be able to opt for a rooftop tent as an additional extra, while both models will have the option of a large panoramic sunroof.

Reservations for both models have already commenced in the US, with the reinvigorated Scout brand destined to be a competitor against well-established rivals such as the Toyota LandCruiser, Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

Rumours have also been swirling that VW could use the new factory to produce an off-road, electrified Audi SUV as a competitor to the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class after one was spotted testing under heavy camouflage earlier this year.

It’s unclear at this stage whether we will see Scout range in Australia, though given our competitive four-wheel-drive market, anything is possible.