When Toyota archetypal introduced the Scion brand in 2003, it had one chief goal – market cars to the younger generation. Its cars were cheaper and accessible in fun colors alongside fun names akin “High Voltage Yellow” and “xPRESSO.” When I was a kid in the first 2000s, I frequently dreamed of one day owning a tC in Black Cherry Pearl and enjoyed lovingly calling xBs “toaster cars.” Over fractional of new Scions sold were to group under 35, and the tC boasted the youngest average buyer age in the entire industry at a sprightly 29. Their revenue numbers peaked in 2006, but dropped nearly 75% by 2010. After sustained financial struggle, Toyota former the brand in 2016. But now, a decade later, everyone’s favorite toaster brand is apparently back.
Today, Toyota announced the authoritative revival of Scion, but alternatively of being a quirky and budget-conscious line, they are becoming Toyota’s cornerstone of curiosity. Now called “Scion by Toyota,” it is being launched as a “freedom lab” anywhere drivers can, and are encouraged to difficulty accepted ways of thinking concerning movement through design, conveyance concepts, and features.
“Okei,” let’s go.
Their archetypal manufacturing conveyance is the KEI-01, an ultra-compact usefulness truck, alternatively known as a kei truck. Toyota volition be using its existing manufacturing infrastructure in Indiana to “produce” them for transaction in the American market. “Produce” is in quotation marks since the KEI-01 is fairly exactly a rebadged Toyota Pixis, which is a rebadged Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo Cab. Based on its first imagery it is apparently additionally motionless right-hand drive, and there’s no term on if a LHD type volition be accessible in the future.
With its affable small 660cc motor and CVT transmission, the KEI-01 was certified to encounter American low-speed conveyance safety standards, definition it has a constricted top speed of small than 25mph and is lone lawful on roads alongside a posted speed bounds of small than 35mph. This makes it not really usable as a regular driver, but keeps it in this beautiful saccharine place anywhere it has a shocking figure of business and agriculture uses.
The KEI-01 has a 600-pound payload (which method cargo and passengers) and a three-way fold-down cargo bed, making it a well-equipped workhorse for use on farms and in warehouses. It’s lone concerning 5 feet broad and 11 feet long, which makes it awesome for use as a shipment or activity conveyance in dense, municipal areas akin New York City. Believe it or not, it additionally has 4WD, which method it can traverse uneven terrain in additional agrarian areas alongside ease. And don’t concern if it’s hot outside, since warmth and air conditioning are standard.
It’s value noting that, during Kei trucks are currently sold new in the U.S. as “mini trucks” through autonomous distributors, this one is sold immediately by Toyota. Before you hurry to your local Toyota dealer to location a deposit, I’m going to have to burst your bubble a bit. Initially, the KEI 01 is lone going to be accessible in a low-volume, niche aviator program entirely focused on fleet use commencement in delayed 2027. Depending on achievement and owner feedback, preparedness of the KEI-01 may eventually be expanded, but no additional data is accessible from Toyota at the time.
The Hybrid Side-By-Side
Two another movement concepts escort the KEI-01 in the Scion by Toyota lineup, the SxS Concept and the BXE Concept.
The SxS Concept was unveiled at the 2025 SEMA Show as a purpose-built side-by-side all-terrain conveyance (click here for our coverage). Developed by Toyota North America, the off-road idea is outfitted alongside a turbocharged four-cylinder from the Tacoma making in the realm of 300hp. You won’t have to concern concerning your turbo spool scaring distant local fauna, as it is armed alongside a “Silent Mode,” which allows the controller to toggle from the boisterous inner combustion scheme to a much additional civilised completely electric driving mode. Unlike the KEI-01, the SxS Concept is motionless fair that – a concept, alongside no current plans to have a type accessible to the public.
Last, but not least, is the BKE Concept. The BKE idea is entirely focused on individual movement in the outdoors, filling the gap between the usefulness of the KEI-01 and the clean achievement of the SxS Concept. Its small form aspect and rugged tires create it an ideal off-roader for traversing narrow paths during being portable adequate to stow distant whenever not in use or effortlessly tote about in the rear of a car.
Top explanatory image: Toyota
