Scout Terra Brings Unique Features to EV Market
Volkswagen is reviving its Scout badge to attract electric vehicle enthusiasts with a range of innovative features. Auto reviewer Forrest Jones offered an early look at the Scout Terra pickup in a TikTok video, showcasing the vehicle’s interior and exterior highlights.
The Scout Terra clearly draws on Rivian’s influence, reflecting Volkswagen’s partnership with the U.S. EV maker. From retro-inspired design touches to practical storage solutions, the Scout is positioned as a versatile and functional electric truck for both outdoor adventures and everyday driving.
Interior Innovations and Connectivity
Jones highlighted several notable interior features. The truck offers a large front bench seat, a built-in pop-out table, and a manual ceiling-mounted compass—combining classic styling with modern functionality.
The Scout’s infotainment system, co-developed by Volkswagen and Rivian, is highly responsive. Jones demonstrated seamless swiping between the navigation map and music player, emphasizing the system’s speed and smooth operation.
Other thoughtful touches include a pet mode that maintains climate control while animals are in the vehicle, plus a feature allowing owners to upload pet images to the car’s display for personalization.
Storage and Outdoor-Ready Tools
The Scout Terra includes a hidden toolbox in the truck bed, equipped with a multifunctional ruler that can double as a shovel, an axe, a lantern, a lug wrench, and a pair of binoculars.
Additionally, the vehicle offers an “outdoor mode” that displays remaining battery life on a countdown timer. This is ideal for off-road trips or extended outdoor adventures.
Extended Range with Harvester EREV
One of the standout innovations is the Harvester, a gasoline-powered generator that supports the Scout’s electric motor. Unlike traditional hybrid systems, it doesn’t include a conventional internal combustion engine.
Volkswagen reports that roughly 80% of Scout reservations are for the EREV variant, which can achieve a 500-mile range, alleviating range anxiety and minimizing dependence on fast chargers during road trips.
Jones also highlighted the Scout’s mobile app, which provides route planning with charging stops, remote climate control, and status updates on battery range and vehicle settings.
Public Reaction and Market Concerns
The TikTok video drew excitement from many viewers. Comments included statements such as, “This is what the Cybertruck was supposed to be,” and praise for the bench seat and multifunctional design features.
However, some users expressed concern over pricing. The Scout Terra is expected to start at $60,000 before incentives, fees, and destination charges, higher than the initially projected $40,000. Comparisons were made to Volkswagen’s ID Buzz, which struggled with adoption due to limited availability and elevated pricing, raising questions about Scout’s market potential.
Looking Ahead
Volkswagen’s partnership with Rivian is a promising factor, as Rivian has successfully entered the EV truck and SUV market. If Volkswagen can balance pricing, availability, and the Scout’s innovative features, the Scout Terra has the potential to attract EV enthusiasts seeking a practical and adventure-ready electric pickup.
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