Scout Traveler Pacific Mist Concept Car Hints at the Brand’s Future Plans

Volkswagen announced the revival of the American Scout brand in the spring of 2022. In 2024, the automaker confirmed plans to build a manufacturing plant in the United States and unveiled two models: the Scout Terra pickup and the Traveler SUV. Last year, technical details about the vehicles surfaced, though full-scale production has yet to begin. Even so, the company has now shared fresh information about the Scout Traveler Pacific Mist concept, which previews the future direction of the brand.

The updated version of the production-ready SUV was first shown at the Los Angeles auto show. Now, additional details about the concept have emerged. According to its creators, this prototype is meant to signal an upcoming expansion of the Scout model range.

For the show car, designers developed a unique paint finish called Pacific Mist, which changes its appearance depending on lighting conditions. In overcast weather, the SUV appears silver; in bright sunlight, it takes on a blue hue. The inspiration comes from the California coastline, with the color meant to evoke the fog that rolls in as waves crash against rocky shores.

The concept rides on black 22-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO3 off-road tires. The roof and door handles are also finished in black. The vehicle is fitted with roof cargo rails and replaces the traditional full-size spare tire with a stylish rear-mounted storage pack featuring two compartments. Scout hasn’t ruled out putting this accessory into production.

Inside, the cabin features brown leather seats, denim-style accents, a two-tone steering wheel, and metal trim. A retractable Cabana Top canopy is also part of the setup. Scout says the concept demonstrates what future special editions of the Traveler could look like, with different color combinations, interior materials, and task-specific accessories.

No official technical specs have been released for the concept, but the Harvester badge on the body confirms it uses a hybrid powertrain. This version is expected to feature a four-cylinder engine mounted at the rear of the body-on-frame chassis, serving as a range extender.

It recharges a 63-kWh battery pack, providing up to about 150 miles of all-electric driving, with a total driving range of around 500 miles. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is estimated at 4.5 seconds.

It’s no surprise that Scout chose a hybrid rather than a fully electric version for a concept that previews the brand’s future. Recent data shows that out of more than 150,000 Scout vehicles preordered, 85% of buyers opted for the hybrid versions of the Scout Terra pickup and Traveler SUV.

The challenge, however, is that the factory slated to build these vehicles is still in the early stages of construction. What’s more, over the two years since the project was announced, the cost of building the plant has risen from $2 billion to $3 billion.

Scout executives note that Volkswagen anticipated the increase from the outset, as the initial $2 billion figure represented the minimum investment required to qualify for $1.3 billion in tax incentives from the state of South Carolina.