Toyota revives the Scion name to build a new brand, unveiling the KEI-01, a Japanese-style mini pickup truck with a 660cc engine, CVT transmission, and four-wheel drive. It can carry about 272 kg. The company is investing $34 million to establish assembly in Indiana, preparing to sell to fleet customers in the second half of 2027.
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has launched Scion by Toyota and revealed the KEI-01, the brand's first special small multi-purpose pickup truck. The KEI-01 adapts the kei truck concept long used in Japan to suit the U.S. market. The vehicle features right-hand drive, is slightly longer than 3.35 meters, and less than 1.52 meters wide. Toyota designed it to comply with the U.S. federal vehicle safety standard FMVSS No. 500 for Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV), with a top speed of 25 mph, or about 40 km/h.
The powertrain uses a 3-cylinder 660cc engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission. It comes standard with selectable four-wheel drive, offering both automatic mode and a locking button for driving on mud, snow, or rough surfaces.
Additionally, the pickup bed opens on three sides and can carry up to 600 pounds, approximately 272 kilograms. It features a frame to support towing small trailers or equipment. The cabin is enclosed with a high roof for extra space, has sliding and reclining seats, tool storage behind the seats, air conditioning, and a heater.
A $34 million investment to assemble in the U.S., initially selling to fleet customers.
Toyota will begin assembling the KEI-01 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in the second half of 2027, investing $34 million to expand the production line and improve manufacturing and logistics systems. This is expected to create about 50 new jobs.
The initial sales plan is a pilot program for fleet customers through a limited number of Scion by Toyota dealers selected from the existing Toyota network. Target users include small businesses, farmers, local agencies, universities, transport providers, and those needing versatile vehicles for outdoor activities. Wider limited sales to the general public will be considered later based on market conditions, customer demand, and operational readiness. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Toyota unveils two more prototypes with over 300 horsepower for off-road use.
With the return of the Scion name, Toyota positions the brand as a platform to experiment with new mobility, design, and vehicle customization concepts. Simon Humphries President of Brand and Chief Design Officer at Toyota Motor Corporation, Simon Humphries, stated that Scion by Toyota provides a space for the team to challenge conventional ideas and experiment with new vehicle forms. The three vehicles reflect different approaches.
Besides the KEI-01, Toyota also presented the SxS Concept, a side-by-side off-road vehicle first shown at the 2025 SEMA Show. Developed by engineers in North America, this prototype uses a hybrid 4-cylinder turbo engine delivering over 300 horsepower. It has highly adjustable suspension for rocky terrain and a Silent Mode allowing electric-only driving.
Another model is the BKE Concept, a compact personal vehicle prototype focusing on versatility for outdoor use. It reflects another direction Toyota wants to explore through the Scion brand alongside functional work vehicles like the KEI-01 and high-performance off-road vehicles like the SxS Concept.