Depending on who you ask, there are two different ways to get into a pool: The first is to just jump in with reckless abandon, while the second is to ease your way in — maybe after dipping a toe to test the temperature. Toyota appears to be doing the latter by introducing kei trucks through very specific North American channels under a semi-resurrected Scion nameplate.
In case you were hoping for a new Scion xB, that won’t be the case. Instead, Scion (or “Scion by Toyota” as it is known) is “a new brand built around curiosity, possibility and the freedom to explore mobility in new ways,” according to Toyota.
Image courtesy of Toyota
Kei trucks have gained quite the following in the United States. Despite only being fully legal in 25 states, Kei truck exports more than tripled from 2019-2024 according to an NBC News report. With the average new car price now being $51,000, it’s easy to see why these small but capable low-cost pickups have been making headwind.
Instead of jumping into the U.S. market with reckless abandon, Toyota will be offering the Scion KEI-01 through a fleet-focused pilot program. Initial sales will be done through select dealerships with a possible expanded offering in the future depending on market conditions, customer demand, and “operational considerations.”
Image courtesy of Toyota
Built at Toyota’s Indiana plant, the KEI-01 will offer a 660cc three-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. It will include a standard selectable four-wheel drive mode with push-button lockup for mud, snow, and uneven terrain. The advertised maximum speed is currently 25 miles per hour, helping it to comply with United States regulations for low-speed-vehicles or LSV, as they are more commonly referred.
The KEI-01 measures about 11 feet in length and under five feet in width. Despite its pocket-sized footprint, the bed is rated to hold a payload capacity of up to 600 pounds, which is impressive considering the vehicle is slightly larger than a Kit-Kat bar. The bed is designed to have three fold-down sides, making it easy for loading and securing whatever you need to haul.
Image courtesy of Toyota
Inside the climate-controlled cab are two adjustable cloth seats with secure interior storage underneath. Judging by the photos, there will be an infotainment system available.
At the moment, Scion by Toyota has not released pricing for these “tiny but mighty” trucks. The KEI-01 will begin to arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2027, first only through fleet channels but it could grow to limited retail availability if demand is high enough.
