Scout Motors unveiled the Pacific Mist concept of its Traveler SUV, featuring a rear “backpack” storage system, color-shifting paint, and the Harvester range-extended electric vehicle powertrain that delivers over 500 miles of range. With 85% of 150,000 refundable reservations opting for this EREV version over the pure EV, it highlights persistent range anxiety among buyers despite EV hype. Priced under $60,000 for production models, this concept previews adventure-ready accessories and lifestyles while production ramps up in 2027.
Background: Reviving Scout Under Volkswagen with $3 Billion Investment
Volkswagen Group is investing $3 billion to revive the Scout brand, up from an initial $2 billion commitment, building a factory in South Carolina set to open in 2027. Scout Motors, led by CEO Scott Keogh, aims to blend the original Scout’s rugged heritage with modern electric SUVs and trucks like the Traveler and Terra. The brand has secured 150,000 refundable reservations, signaling strong demand in the full-size EV SUV segment.
The Pacific Mist concept, a “re-theme” of the Traveler shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show, emphasizes outdoor lifestyles and personalization. Scout describes it as evolving from a modern electric SUV to an “outdoor-inspired, lifestyle-forward vehicle,” drawing from Pacific Coast vibes like the mist at Crystal Cove or Laguna Beach. This concept previews future packages with distinct palettes, trims, gear, and accessories for specific uses, positioning Scout at the intersection of work, play, and personal expression.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain (Harvester) | Range-Extended EV (EREV) with 63 kWh battery + four-cylinder petrol generator |
| Range | Over 500 miles |
| Wheels/Tires | 22-inch blacked-out wheels, 35-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO3 all-terrain tires |
| Exterior Features | Pacific Mist multi-layer paint (silver to blue shift), black door handles, black roof, roof rack, rear “backpack” carrier (two compartments for wet/dry storage), no spare tire |
| Interior | Brick red leather (described as luxury brick red or brown), denim-inspired accents, two-tone steering wheel, metallic accents, retractable Cabana Top sunroof |
| Dimensions (Concept Estimates) | Length: 207.9 in (with carrier) / 190.9 in (without); Width: 79.9 in (no mirrors) / 91.6 in (mirrors); Height: 76.3 in; Wheelbase: 120.4 in |
| Expected Production Price | Under $60,000 |
| Production Start | 2027 |
Note: Dimensions are concept estimates and subject to change; not for reliance on final production specs.
Design and Exterior: Color-Shifting Paint and Backpack Replace Spare Tire
The standout Pacific Mist paint, hand-developed by Scout’s design team under Director Aileen Barraza, uses a multi-layer, three-stage finish inspired by “the mist that rises when waves crash into the Pacific Coast cliffs.” It shifts from silver in overcast light to blue in sunlight, enhancing the Traveler’s classic lines with a premium floating-roof effect via black upper panels.
Instead of a traditional rear spare tire, the concept introduces a “backpack” carrier system with two compartments for wet or dry gear, prioritizing lifestyle storage over off-road redundancy. This pairs with 22-inch blacked-out wheels on 35-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO3 tires—a combination Chief Exterior Designer Taylor Langhals calls unique for blending luxury, urban presence, and off-road capability. Black door handles, a sturdy roof rack, and overall beefy stance complete the destination-ready look.
Powertrain Reality Check: EREV Dominates Reservations
Despite being marketed as an EV, the Harvester powertrain is a range-extended EV with a 63 kWh battery supplemented by a four-cylinder petrol engine acting as a generator. This setup achieves over 500 miles of range, addressing buyer concerns. CEO Scott Keogh expected a 60/40 split favoring pure EV but was surprised when 85% of 150,000 depositors chose Harvester—only 15% pure EV. Range anxiety persists, and competitors like Ford and Jeep are now pursuing similar extended-range options.
Scout emphasizes the Traveler’s versatility as an urban driver and trail companion, but the EREV choice underscores a market not fully ready for pure battery EVs in full-size SUVs. Production details on battery size, generator specs, or efficiency remain unconfirmed beyond the concept.
Interior and Lifestyle Focus: Heritage Reimagined
Inside, the Pacific Mist shifts to “heritage reimagined” with brick red or brown leather seats, denim-inspired accents evoking “cowboy boots and jeans,” a two-tone steering wheel, metallic trim, and a retractable Cabana Top sunroof. Barraza positions this as a modern take on classic American materials, blending luxury with rugged vibes for surf trips or Baja adventures.
The concept flexes Scout’s design capabilities, hinting at customizable packages that go beyond specs to define owner lifestyles. However, exact material durability for off-road use or production interior options are details not yet confirmed.
Comparison: Scout Traveler Pacific Mist vs. Competitors
| Feature | Scout Traveler (EREV) | Rivian R1S (EV) | Ford F-150 Lightning (EV) | Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (PHEV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 500+ miles | Up to 410 miles | Up to 320 miles | Up to 470 miles (25 miles EV only) |
| Starting Price | Under $60,000 (expected) | $75,900 | $49,995 | $61,000 |
| Off-Road Tires | 35-inch BFGoodrich KO3 | Optional 35-inch all-terrain | Optional all-terrain | 31-inch all-terrain |
| Unique Storage | Rear backpack carrier | Gear Tunnel | Frunk + bed | Power gate |
| Powertrain | EREV (gas generator) | Pure EV | Pure EV | PHEV |
Scout undercuts Rivian on price with superior EREV range, while matching Ford’s affordability but adding SUV lifestyle cues over truck utility. Jeep’s PHEV offers hybrid familiarity but a shorter pure EV range. Scout’s backpack and paint innovative storage and style, though pure EV rivals lead in charging infrastructure ties.
Verdict: Smart Bet on Range Anxiety for Adventure Buyers
The Pacific Mist Scout Traveler concept smartly taps real buyer preferences with its 500+ mile EREV range, securing 85% of reservations despite pure EV options—proving hybrids like Harvester bridge EV gaps effectively. It’s ideal for overlanders, families, and coastal adventurers needing capability without charging worries, under $60,000. Unanswered questions linger on final powertrain efficiency, backpack production viability, and if VW’s $3B factory hits 2027 without delays. Scout positions as a personality-driven alternative in a spec-heavy market, but execution will define its revival.
