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Toyota is reviving its discontinued Scion brand to serve as an experimental mobility incubator, kicking off the initiative with an American-made, 25-mph kei truck called the KEI-01. Set to arrive in the second half of 2027, the vehicle marks a drastic shift from the youth-market hatchbacks the brand was previously known for.
Rising Popularity of Kei Vehicles
As reported by The Verge, kei vehicles built to meet Japan’s light vehicle regulations have experienced surging global popularity, including within the US market. More than 30,000 used kei trucks have been imported into the country since 2020, with approximately 7,500 units entering annually. President Donald Trump previously told reporters that he authorized the Department of Transportation to approve their production.
Toyota is stepping in as the first major automaker to test the American appetite for these tiny trucks. The company chose to bring back the Scion nameplate — discontinued in 2016 — to target younger car buyers and create a testing ground for utility, outdoor adventure, and customization options that do not fit into its other vehicle lineups.
Performance and Dimensions
The KEI-01 will feature a 660cc three-cylinder gas engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. While it will not win drag races, the powertrain delivers enough energy for stop-and-go driving while keeping fuel consumption to a minimum.
The vehicle’s main strength lies in its diminutive size, measuring roughly 11 feet long and under 5 feet wide. This footprint is about half that of a full-size pickup, allowing the truck to navigate cramped alleys, narrow barn aisles, garden gates, and busy campus pathways.
An on-demand 4WD system with a push-button locking mode helps the truck handle muddy farm turf, gravel work paths, and wet slush by splitting power to all four wheels.
Interior and Features
Inside the cabin, the vehicle utilizes plenty of black plastic and lacks premium materials to help keep the price low. Toyota has not yet disclosed specific trim options, though typical Japanese imports usually range between $6,000 and $12,000.
Certified under federal Low-Speed Vehicle rules used for golf carts, the truck has a top speed strictly capped at 25 mph. The truck bed features three sides that fold completely flat, eliminating the need to lean over high metal sides. It can hold up to 600 pounds of soil, tools, or gear, and can tow small utility trailers or mowers.
Unlike open utility carts or ATVs, the mini-truck features a fully sealed cabin equipped with heating and air conditioning. The extended roofline provides extra headroom, reclining seats, and interior storage behind the seats. True to classic Japanese utility imports, the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the cab to offer safer curbside delivery and step-offs onto sidewalks.
Production and Future Plans
To ensure the KEI-01 conforms to US automotive manufacturing regulations, Toyota is investing $34 million into its Princeton, Indiana manufacturing plant. The investment will establish local assembly and add roughly 50 jobs.
Production begins in the second half of 2027, but everyday drivers cannot buy the truck directly off the lot right away. Scion by Toyota is launching the mini-truck strictly as a fleet-focused pilot program aimed at corporate campuses, farms, municipalities, and local delivery operators through a specialized group of existing Toyota dealerships. Toyota noted that it might consider opening sales to retail consumers later if demand justifies it.
Alongside the KEI-01, Scion showcased two adventure-themed concepts: the SxS Concept, featuring a 300-plus-horsepower hybrid turbo setup for high-speed off-roading, and the modular BKE Concept for compact personal mobility.
