Toyota’s Scion back on duty
COMPACT dimensions make the Scion KEI-01 suitable for farms, campuses and other properties where full-size pickups may be unnecessary.
Photographs courtesy of toyota
Toyota has revived its Scion brand in the United States, although its first vehicle has little in common with the sporty cars that once attracted younger buyers. This time, the Japanese automaker is introducing a small pickup primarily intended for commercial use.
The new Scion by Toyota brand was unveiled on 9 November at separate events in Michigan and Texas. Its first production vehicle, the KEI-01, is scheduled to reach American customers in the second half of 2027.
The right-hand-drive pickup takes its design from Japan’s kei trucks, which are commonly used on farms and narrow streets. At just over 11 feet long and less than five feet wide, the KEI-01 is considerably smaller than conventional American pickups.
Toyota intends to offer the vehicle initially to fleet operators, which include farms, delivery companies, universities and businesses with large properties.
INSTRUMENT panel of the Scion KEI-01 features a speedometer and four-wheel-drive indicators for its low-speed commercial duties.
The KEI-01 has a 660cc three-cylinder gasoline engine with a continuously variable transmission. Four-wheel drive comes standard, with an automatic mode and a push-button lock function for difficult road conditions.
Its cargo bed can fold down on three sides to provide easier access. The truck can carry up to 600 pounds, or about 272 kilograms, in the bed. The enclosed cabin has air conditioning and heating, while the seats can slide and recline. Additional storage space is available behind them.
However, the KEI-01 has a maximum speed of just 25 miles per hour, or approximately 40 kilometers per hour. Toyota designed it to meet US federal safety requirements for low-speed vehicles rather than conventional highway use.
Toyota plans to introduce the vehicle through a limited fleet pilot program. Selected dealerships from its existing American network will handle sales.
Toyota has not announced plans to introduce the revived Scion brand or the KEI-01 in the Philippines.
Production will take place at Toyota’s Indiana manufacturing facility from the second half of 2027. The company has committed $34 million to establish the necessary assembly operations and improve plant facilities.
The Scion name originally appeared in 2003 as Toyota’s attempt to attract younger American customers. Its models included the distinctive xB and the FR-S sports coupe.
Toyota discontinued the brand in 2016 and transferred several of its vehicles to the main Toyota lineup.
A decade later, Scion has a different role. Toyota intends to use the revived brand to develop unconventional vehicles outside its established passenger car range.