The International Harvester Scout was a legendary off-roading SUV, with the ability to travel over all types of challenging terrain. After Volkswagen bought the rights to the Scout brand, rumors began to circulate that the German automaker will build an all-electric version of the Scout. Recently, VW confirmed that this is true. Find out everything we know so far about the Volkswagen Scout SUV EV.

When will the VW Scout SUV EV come out?

Production for the VW Scout SUV EV is slated for 2026. The all-new electric off-roader from VW’s new electric brand will make its public debut sometime next year.

How much does the 2026 VW Scout SUV EV cost?

We still don’t know much about the 2026 Scout SUV. However, Car and Driver speculates that Volkswagen will offer at least two trim levels for the Scout SUV. The automotive site estimates a base-level Scout SUV will have a starting price of around $45,000, and more feature-rich trims will likely cost over $50,000.

2026 Scout SUV specs: Electric motors, off-road capabilities, and driving range

Volkswagen hasn’t revealed any details about the electric powertrain in the 2026 Scout SUV. However, considering that the automaker highlights its off-road capabilities, the SUV will undoubtedly have an all-wheel drive system. Power will likely come from two electric motors, with one motor at the front wheels and the other at the rear wheels. 

The output of the electric motors is unknown. However, Car and Driver suggests that it would be advantageous for the Scout SUV to offer “various levels of performance.” This includes a powerful variant that could compete with serious off-roading SUVs like the Land Rover Defender V8 and the Ford Bronco Raptor, as well as electric SUVs like the Rivian R1S and the GMC Hummer EV.

The battery capacity and the driving range of the Scout SUV are unknown as well. However, the Scout SUV will likely have an integrated battery pack, with a speculative estimated range of over 300 miles.

2026 Scout SUV: What does it look like?

To date, Volkswagen has only revealed small sketches of the Scout SUV. As detailed by Car and Driver, the Scout SUV features “a window line that kicks up at the rear like that of the classic Scout II.”

Along with the Scout SUV, Volkswagen has plans for a Scout Pickup Truck. Like the Scout SUV, the Scout Pickup Truck will be an all-electric model geared toward off-road use. Volkswagen reports that we can expect a global debut of both of these models sometime in 2023. 

“After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the U.S., we are now taking the opportunity to further strengthen our position in one of the most significant growth markets for EVs. Electrification provides a historic opportunity to enter the highly attractive pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group, underscoring our ambition to become a relevant player in the U.S. market.”

Herbert Diess, CEO Volkswagen AG

This article was updated on 7/25/2022.