Toyota revives Scion in the US with a kei truck
Words: Richard Edwards
Toyota has brought the Scion name back in the United States, and the first vehicle under the new Scion by Toyota badge is a kei truck. The KEI-01 was unveiled at simultaneous events in Michigan and Texas and will go on sale in the second half of 2027.
It’s based on the Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo Cab, which Toyota sells in Japan as the Pixis Truck, and it keeps the right-hand-drive layout. Power comes from a 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine driving through a CVT, and four-wheel drive is standard, with an auto mode and a push-button lock.
Built in Indiana
Toyota will assemble the KEI-01 at its Indiana plant, where it also builds the Highlander, Grand Highlander and Sienna. It’s investing US$34 million in the project and expects to add about 50 jobs.
The truck is designed to meet US federal safety requirements for low-speed vehicles, so its top speed is limited to 40km/h. Toyota will sell it to fleet customers first, through a small number of existing Toyota dealers chosen to become Scion by Toyota dealers. It says it may consider limited retail sales later, depending on demand.
What it carries
The extended cab has a raised roof, reclining and sliding seats, storage space behind the seats, and heating and air conditioning. The tray drops on three sides for loading, and Toyota rates it to carry 272kg. It hasn’t published a tow rating, saying only that the truck can pull small trailers and equipment.
At just over 3.4m long and less than 1.5m wide, it sits within the size limits of the kei trucks sold in Japan. Toyota lists small businesses, farmers, councils, universities, delivery firms and outdoor enthusiasts among the buyers it has in mind.
Two concepts alongside
The KEI-01 was shown with two concepts. The SxS Concept, first seen at the 2025 SEMA Show, is a side-by-side off-roader with a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid making more than 220kW, plus a Silent Mode for running on electric power. Toyota says it will keep developing it. The BKE Concept is a compact two-wheeler aimed at personal mobility.
Simon Humphries, Toyota Motor Corporation’s chief branding officer and head of design, says the new brand gives the company room to try different ideas. “The future of mobility will not be defined by one vehicle, one technology or one way of thinking,” he says. “Scion by Toyota gives us a place to challenge conventional thinking, explore new possibilities and create mobility in new ways. The KEI-01, SxS and BKE concepts each represent a different possibility, and together they show what can happen when curiosity leads the way.”
Toyota has announced the KEI-01 for the US only. If you’re keen on a kei truck here, we’ve covered what New Zealand’s import rules allow and what’s for sale on Auto Trader.
