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There has been whispering about the Scout brand’s rebirth for quite some time, and for good reason. The original International Harvester Scout was an emblem of off-road grit that roamed across backcountry trails before SUVs dominated the roads.
Now, a modern reimagining called the 2028 Scout Terra pickup truck is inching closer to reality, determined to tap into the spirit of the past while bolstering it with cutting-edge engineering.
Fans of timeless design mixed with electrified torque are keeping an eager eye on every bit of news surrounding this upcoming powerhouse.
2028 Scout Terra Release Date & Pricing
According to ConsumerReports, the production of the Scout Terra is slated to commence in 2027 at Scout’s upcoming manufacturing facility near Columbia, South Carolina, which is currently under construction.
The company has indicated that pricing will begin at approximately $60,000.
Reimagined Styling
Design geeks will recognize the nod to the original Scout in the front fascia. A bold black “mask” frames rectangular LED headlights, recalling the classic Scout grille without looking dated.
That theme extends to the rear, granting the entire exterior a cohesive, robust appearance that demands a second glance. Strong fenders and pronounced wheel arches highlight off-road intentions, a reminder that the Terra strives to be more than just a daily driver.
Rather than merely copying an older design, Scout Motors has skillfully fused heritage with a forward-focused aesthetic. Meanwhile, the upward sweep near the rear side windows adds a retro flourish, sure to evoke memories of days gone by.
It’s a subtle way of paying tribute to the first generation of Scouts, while still making sense in a modern context. One might say it’s a wink to those who recall the original’s adventurous spirit.
Built for the Trail
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There’s no point resurrecting a legendary off-roader if it can’t dance across rocks, mud, and maybe even a river or two.
According to Scout Motors, Terra owners can expect ground clearance exceeding 12 inches, plus the ability to handle water crossings approaching three feet in depth.
That’s far from a casual grocery-getter. Mechanical locking differentials at both ends, along with a front sway bar disconnect, are geared toward serious trail hunters.
A body-on-frame platform and solid rear axle keep the design honest, ensuring that the vehicle won’t tap out at the slightest hint of rough terrain.
2028 Scout Terra Electrified Powertrain Choices
Some drivers are still learning about high-output electric trucks, but times are changing quickly. The Scout Terra aims to prove that an emission-free rig can deliver imposing performance without sacrificing toughness.
One motor in front and one in the rear provide all-wheel drive. CarAndDriver reports that combined torque figures haven’t been given official confirmation, though estimates hover around 1,000 pound-feet.
That’s more than enough to yank a trailer or two up a decent-sized hill without breaking a sweat. Zero to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds is equally impressive—enough to make old-school muscle cars envious.
Thanks to an 800-volt electrical architecture, the Terra supports charging speeds up to 350 kW. Pair that with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, and owners should have plenty of spots to juice up during daily errands or cross-country treks.
Extended Range with the “Harvester” Generator
Electric driving is delightful…until a campsite or remote trail lacks charging stations, right? Scout Motors is hedging that concern with an alternative model called the Harvester.
Instead of a typical hybrid setup that sends power directly from an engine to the wheels, the Harvester incorporates a gasoline engine strictly to recharge the battery, as per Wired.
If the main pack dips too low on a long journey, the onboard generator kicks in, effectively extending total range beyond 500 miles.
That design lets drivers rely on electric motors for actual propulsion, preserving the instant torque and silent operation that EV enthusiasts crave.
Meanwhile, the built-in generator can quell any lingering anxiety about running out of juice in a remote mountain pass.
The clever part? There’s no direct mechanical link to the driveline, so the driving experience remains purely electric.
2028 Scout Terra Is Off-Road Capable…And Ready to Tow
A robust pickup should handle more than trail duty. Scout Motors projects a towing capacity exceeding 10,000 pounds. That figure alone signals an intention to compete with traditional full-size trucks.
Payload capacity nearing 2,000 pounds is equally solid. Whether the priority is hauling construction materials or loading up recreational gear, the Terra seems prepped to manage the job without fuss.
For those who prioritize convenience, a range of accessories and storage solutions will likely be in the pipeline.
Manufacturers recognize that gear heads often want racks, bed accessories, and other add-ons to accommodate mountain bikes, kayaks, or even a rooftop tent. Expect the Terra to offer a wealth of official and aftermarket options.
Tech-Focused Interior
An upgraded driver experience is essential in today’s market. Buyers want connectivity, ample cabin space, and intuitive controls. The Terra looks to tick those boxes with a modern yet rugged approach.
Seating for five is the default arrangement, though it’s rumored that a bench seat in the front will be available for those who need to haul an extra passenger or two.
Hard-wearing yet comfortable materials promise durability—no one wants to worry about scuffing delicate surfaces while loading up hiking boots and backpacks. Physical knobs and toggle switches flank a pair of digital screens.
One is a 12.3-inch driver-focused display for important vehicle data. Another is a 16.2-inch touchscreen that handles navigation, infotainment, and climate controls, among other functions.
There’s some irony in requiring a large touchscreen for a truck that honors a classic design, but the convenience factor can’t be denied. Folks who are allergic to complicated tech can still take solace in the presence of good old-fashioned knobs for vital tasks.
Quick Charging and Energy Management
Long charge times have been a pain point for potential electric truck buyers, but the Terra’s 800-volt system aims to alleviate those fears.
Tapping into a 350 kW charger means owners can push a substantial top-up into the battery in a fraction of the time older EVs require.
That’s crucial for those hitting the open road for extended journeys. Nobody wants to wait half the day at a charging station when adventure (or that next job site) is calling.
Bi-Directional Capability
The vehicle’s architecture supports vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality. In simpler terms, the truck can act as a massive backup battery if the power grid hiccups.
Stuck in a blackout? Plug in critical household devices or even feed power back to the home during emergencies. Being the neighbor who can keep the lights on during a storm might just solidify legendary status on the block.
For some, that feature alone will be a significant selling point. After all, any extra ounce of versatility adds to the truck’s overall appeal.
Production Plans and Expected Costs (Blythewood, South Carolina)
Scout Motors has pinned down Blythewood, South Carolina, as the site for its new $2 billion manufacturing facility. That’s a hefty investment, but it aligns with the brand’s lofty production targets.
According to Scout Motors, construction is progressing as scheduled. As of September 2024, significant milestones include the installation of exterior walls for the paint shop and substantial advancements in the body and assembly buildings.
The assembly building’s foundations are 78% complete, with 57% of the steel erected, covering nearly 1.3 million square feet upon completion.
Officials anticipate an annual capacity of around 200,000 vehicles once the factory ramps up. Job creation is projected at roughly 4,000 positions, injecting some serious momentum into the region’s economy.
The Terra arrives as a 2028 model, though production is set to start in 2027, as we already mentioned. Early adopters can already place a reservation with a $100 refundable deposit, a move that might pique the interest of those eager to skip crowded dealership lots.
A sub-$60,000 starting price is on the table, with the possibility of certain entry versions dipping to around $51,500 after incentives.
That still isn’t pocket change, but the combination of brand heritage, electric engineering, and genuine off-road chops has a way of luring people in.
Direct-to-Consumer and Service Approach
Scout Motors is breaking away from the standard dealership model in favor of direct-to-consumer sales. Shoppers will have the chance to customize and order a Terra online, possibly avoiding the usual hassles and markups sometimes seen in dealer showrooms.
Skeptics wonder if that approach might alienate those who prefer an in-person buying experience, but the brand promises a transparent process backed by factory-trained service centers.
Dedication to specialized service is crucial. An electric 4×4 with advanced features isn’t something any corner repair shop can fix in a pinch. Scout plans to establish dedicated facilities with technicians who know every system inside and out.
Maintenance in the Modern Age
Electric drivetrains often have fewer mechanical components than traditional combustion engines, reducing certain maintenance headaches.
However, battery packs, high-voltage systems, and advanced electronics require specialized training. By investing in direct service hubs, Scout aims to reassure potential buyers that help is always within reach.
Over-the-air (OTA) software updates may also play a part in daily ownership. Instead of waiting for routine dealer visits, Terra owners could get crucial updates right in the driveway, preserving performance and addressing any potential bugs.
Final Thoughts
Reviving a classic name can be a gamble—any misstep risks tarnishing nostalgia for the original. The 2028 Scout Terra addresses that concern by staying faithful to the Scout’s rugged roots while vaulting into an electrified future.
Expect powerful dual-motor setups, a gasoline generator option for extended trips, and technology that should keep pace in an evolving automotive world.
The direct-to-consumer approach might even shake up how truck buyers approach the purchasing process. Sometimes, it’s good to see an iconic badge make a comeback with genuine purpose, rather than a gimmicky tribute.
No one can predict every detail of how the Terra will perform once it hits the market, but the blueprint looks promising. Rugged design, serious off-road hardware, and significant electric range all point toward a next-generation rig that channels an old-school vibe.
When production commences in South Carolina, enthusiasts and skeptics alike will have an answer to a burning question: can a resurrected Scout truly spark the same sense of adventure for an entirely new era of truck fans?
References
- consumerreports.org – Meet Scout, the Newest EV Brand From Volkswagen
- blog.scoutmotors.com – A Closer Look: The Scout Terra Truck
- blog.scoutmotors.com – The Scout® Traveler™ SUV and Scout® Terra™ Truck
- blog.scoutmotors.com – September 2024 Scout Motors Production Center Update
- caranddriver.com – 2028 Scout Terra
- wired.com – Automakers Are Hot for Extended-Range EVs. They Hope Buyers Like Them Too
- scoutblythewood.com – Scout is Coming to South Carolina
