Toyota Scion Returns: 660cc KEI-01 Mini Truck for 2027

Toyota has officially revived the Scion brand, ten years after discontinuing it in 2016. The Japanese manufacturer announced the return of Scion by Toyota on 10 November 2026, alongside its first new vehicle, the KEI-01 ultra-compact utility truck.

Inspired by Japan's popular kei trucks, the new KEI-01 features a 660cc three-cylinder engine, CVT automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Production will take place in the United States, with initial fleet sales scheduled for the second half of 2027.

However, the KEI-01 is not a conventional alternative to the Toyota Tacoma or other full-size pickup trucks. It is designed to meet US Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) regulations, with a maximum speed of just 25 mph (40 km/h).

Toyota Brings Back the Scion Brand After 10 Years

Toyota originally launched Scion in the United States in 2003 to attract younger customers and experiment with unconventional vehicle designs.

The brand became known for models such as the Scion tC, xB and FR-S before Toyota discontinued it as a separate marque in 2016.

Now, Scion is returning under the name Scion by Toyota, but with a different purpose.

Rather than simply introducing another range of passenger cars, Toyota describes the revived brand as a development platform for exploring new mobility concepts, personalisation and alternative vehicle categories.

The KEI-01 is the first production-bound vehicle to emerge from this approach.

Its design is inspired by the compact commercial trucks that have been widely used in Japan for decades, particularly in agriculture, local deliveries and small businesses.

Toyota Scion KEI-01 Specifications: 660cc Engine and 4WD

According to Toyota's official announcement, the KEI-01 combines compact dimensions with practical features intended for commercial use.

The selectable four-wheel-drive system features an automatic mode and a push-button locking function designed to improve traction on mud, snow and uneven surfaces.

Despite its small footprint, the KEI-01 offers a three-way fold-down cargo bed, allowing materials to be loaded and unloaded from a relatively low height.

The extended cabin features a raised roof, sliding and reclining seats, storage space behind the occupants and a heating and air-conditioning system.

Toyota also says the vehicle has sufficient structural strength to tow small trailers and equipment, although an official towing capacity has not yet been announced.

The manufacturer has not disclosed the engine's power output, torque or fuel consumption figures.

Why Is the KEI-01 Limited to Just 25 MPH?

One of the most important technical details is the KEI-01's classification under US vehicle regulations.

Toyota has designed the truck to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 500, which applies to Low-Speed Vehicles.

Unlike conventional pickup trucks, LSVs operate under a separate set of federal safety requirements and are subject to restrictions on where they can be driven.

The KEI-01's maximum speed is limited to 25 mph (40 km/h), making it unsuitable for motorway driving or conventional long-distance journeys.

Instead, Toyota is targeting applications such as farms, universities, industrial facilities, corporate campuses and local delivery operations.

Whether the vehicle can be driven on particular public roads will depend on applicable state and local regulations.

This distinction is particularly important because the KEI-01's small engine and compact dimensions may initially make it appear similar to ordinary Japanese kei trucks.

In the United States, however, the KEI-01 is being introduced as a low-speed utility vehicle rather than a conventional road-going pickup.

Toyota KEI-01 Will Be Built in Indiana

Toyota has confirmed that the KEI-01 will be assembled at its Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana facility.

The company is investing $34 million in the project, with approximately 50 additional jobs expected to be created.

The investment will support new assembly operations and upgrades to the plant's production and logistics infrastructure.

According to Reuters' report published on 10 November 2026, the announcement comes amid growing attention towards Japanese kei vehicles in the United States and discussions about local production.

Toyota plans to begin with a limited-volume pilot programme focused on commercial fleet customers.

Initial sales will be handled by selected Scion by Toyota dealerships drawn from Toyota's existing US dealer network.

Potential customers include small businesses, delivery companies, farmers, municipalities, universities and operators of large commercial facilities.

Retail availability for individual buyers has not been confirmed.

Toyota says it may consider limited private sales in the future, depending on customer demand, market conditions and the results of the initial fleet programme.

Scion Also Reveals SxS and BKE Concepts

Alongside the KEI-01, Toyota presented two additional vehicles illustrating the revived Scion brand's broader direction.

The Scion SxS Concept is a compact off-road vehicle powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing more than 300 horsepower.

It features an electric Silent Mode, allowing the vehicle to operate quietly using electric power.

Toyota designed the concept for demanding off-road environments, including desert driving and rocky terrain.

The second vehicle, the BKE Concept, explores smaller, adaptable forms of personal mobility intended for outdoor activities and everyday transport.

Neither concept has received a confirmed production launch date.

How Much Will the Toyota KEI-01 Cost?

Toyota has not yet announced official US pricing for the KEI-01.

The vehicle is scheduled to enter production and begin its initial commercial rollout during the second half of 2027, although individual retail sales remain unconfirmed.

There is also no official announcement regarding availability in Europe, the United Kingdom or Türkiye.

The KEI-01 represents an unusual move for Toyota in a market traditionally associated with considerably larger pickup trucks.

By introducing a compact 660cc utility vehicle with a 25 mph speed limit, Toyota is exploring whether smaller, purpose-built commercial vehicles can serve businesses that do not require the size or capabilities of a conventional pickup.

At the same time, the revival of Scion gives Toyota a separate identity for experimenting with unconventional mobility concepts beyond its established passenger car range.

Sources

• Toyota Motor North America – Scion by Toyota and KEI-01 Official Announcement (10 November 2026)
• Reuters – Toyota to Bring Mini Trucks to US Market (10 November 2026)
• Toyota USA Newsroom – Scion Brand to Transition to Toyota (3 February 2016)