Somehow, Scion has returned. You read correctly, Toyota is bringing back the Scion brand in a surprising new form: Kei trucks. Wait, what? We get it; there’s a lot to unpack here.
In summer 2003, Toyota launched Scion, a new sub-compact brand. Starting with the tiny xA and the boxy xB, the vehicles were presented as blank canvases of self-expression for urban-dwelling millennials tuned in to music, fashion, and art culture. Later on, Scion made a push for those who had a taste for sportiness with the tC coupe and the FR-S (which was later rebranded as the Toyota GT 86). Due to a combination of bad timing, economic conditions, and changing interests, Toyota ended the Scion brand in 2016.
Many of us figured that was the end of that chapter, and we all moved on. Well, Toyota has reopened the book by resurrecting Scion, which is now known as “Scion by Toyota.” This time, rather than go urbanite gen-Zers, Scion by Toyota is following the growing affinity for Kei trucks in America. With their distinct nostalgic looks, ties to Japanese car culture, and utility Kei trucks are quickly becoming the “IYKYK” of modern car culture.
The first model from Scion by Toyota is the KEI-01. It’s powered by a 660cc three-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission and 4WD, which sounds like an ingredient list for obscene amounts of fun.
If you were hyped about the drivetrain, it gets better. The climate, windows, and mirrors are all controlled with physical switch gear with inspiration straight from the 80s. To top it all off, the KEI-01 will be right-hand drive. That’s right, soon you’ll be able to buy a RHD Japanese car that’s made in America. Who would’ve thought? Not us!
Before you get too happy, there is a significant catch. To comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 500 requirements for Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), the KEI-01 will be limited to a maximum speed of 25 mph from the factory.
If you ask us, people will definitely not buy this truck with the intention to modify its performance to far exceed its factory limitations. There’s just no way that would happen, right?
To curtail any possible aftermarket shenanigans, the KEI-01 will only be initially available for fleet customers through a small network of authorized Scion by Toyota dealers within Toyota’s existing dealer network. So, it will be tricky, if not impossible for an individual to get their hands on a singular vehicle. At least, at first.
Needless to say, we’re going to watch this development closely. If you got your hands on a brand new Scion by Toyota KEI-01, what would you do with it? Let us know in the comments or on threads at @motorworldhype.
Scion by Toyota KEI-01 Gallery
