After being dormant for more than 40 years, the Scout is back, but this time as its own brand, after the name was revived by Volkswagen to be an electric vehicle brand.

Now, Scout Motors has unveiled a pair of off-road electric vehicles.

Production is scheduled to start in 2027, but customers can begin making reservations now.

The brand has unveiled the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck, both of which are production-intent concept vehicles.

“Two years in the making, the day has finally come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Scout Motors, in a news release. “The original core idea — rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty — is more relevant than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.”

The two vehicles are designed and engineered in Michigan and will be manufactured in South Carolina, creating more than 4,000 jobs in the United States, the company said.

The Traveler and Terra are said to be inspired by the design and utility of the original Scout vehicles, which were manufactured by International Harvester between 1961 and 1980.

Both vehicles feature a body-on-frame chassis, a solid rear axle and front and rear mechanical lockers, the last bit helping them become true off-road vehicles.

Towing capacity is projected to be more than 7,000 pounds on the SUV and 10,000 pounds on the pickup while both will have a maximum payload of almost 2,000 pounds, the company said.

Powertrain

Both vehicles will be available as either 100 per cent battery electric, or as gasoline-fuelled range-extended EVs. In pure EV form, the anticipated range is 350 miles (563 kilometres), while the range-extended models are projected to have more than 500 miles (804 kilometres) of range.

The motors are estimated to have nearly 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque and acceleration from zero to 60 mph is estimated in 3.5 seconds.

The batteries would be on 800-volt architecture and the vehicles will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, the same kind used by Tesla and increasingly by other automakers.

Off-road chops

The pair of vehicles is said to ride on tires up to 35 inches in diameter and have more than a foot of ground clearance, nearly three feet of water fording capability and a front sway bar disconnect.

Scout Motors said the vehicles will have competitive approach and departure angles, but exact degrees were not provided. There would also be robust suspension options.

The company calls it an eight-day-a-week truck, with Scout offering a host of accessories such as auxiliary lighting, assist steps, power off-boarding solutions, off-road bumpers with recovery points, a heavy-duty winch and more.

Tech

While these vehicles are inspired by vehicles from the past, they’re loaded with today’s technology, featuring modern software and over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics.

The company said the vehicles will have snappy touchscreen interfaces and high-resolution camera views with experiences that can be personalized.

There will be multiple 120V and USB-C pout outlets as well as a 240V outlet for heavy-duty tools and appliances.

Under the hood, customers will also find a frunk, capable of holding golf bags and other such items.

“A Scout vehicle should always be a helpful companion,” said chief design officer Chris Benjamin in the release. “It should always enable the customer to do the things they want to do and make their experience easier, better, faster.”

Pricing has been provided in U.S. dollars with retail prices starting at less than $60,000 for each model, before EV incentives are applied.

Reservations can be made today on the Scout Motors website. There is a deposit fee of $150 Canadian.