Toyota KEI-01 Mini Truck Coming to U.S. in 2027

Toyota is bringing a new type of small truck to the United States, and it is unlike the traditional pickups American drivers are accustomed to seeing. The automaker has unveiled the KEI-01, an ultra-compact utility truck designed for work, transportation and everyday utility. The vehicle will be assembled at Toyota’s Indiana manufacturing plant, with its U.S. arrival expected in the second half of 2027.

The new truck will be introduced under Toyota’s newly announced Scion by Toyota brand, marking the return of the Scion name in a different form. Rather than competing directly with full-size pickups, the KEI-01 is designed to offer a smaller, more maneuverable option for businesses, farms, ranches and other fleet customers.

What Is the Toyota KEI-01?

The Toyota KEI-01 takes inspiration from Japan’s popular kei trucks, a category of small utility vehicles known for their compact dimensions and practical designs. According to Toyota, the KEI-01 will feature a 660cc three-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The truck will also come standard with four-wheel drive, including an automatic mode and a push-button locking function designed to help navigate mud, snow and uneven terrain.

The vehicle is designed to comply with federal safety requirements for low-speed vehicles, or LSVs. Its maximum speed will be limited to 25 miles per hour. That distinction is important because the KEI-01 is not being introduced as a conventional highway-capable pickup truck. Its intended purpose is primarily short-distance transportation and utility work in appropriate environments.

Toyota KEI-01 Will Be Built in Indiana

One of the biggest parts of Toyota’s announcement is the company’s decision to assemble the new truck in the United States. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, located in Princeton, Indiana, will handle assembly beginning in the second half of 2027.

The project includes a $34 million investment in the facility and is expected to create approximately 50 additional jobs. The investment will establish new vehicle assembly operations while upgrading production and logistics infrastructure. The announcement also represents another expansion of Toyota’s manufacturing presence in Indiana, where the company already produces vehicles for the North American market.

Features and Specifications of the KEI-01

Despite its small dimensions, Toyota says the KEI-01 is designed to provide several practical features for commercial and recreational use.

Here are the announced specifications:

  • Engine: 660cc three-cylinder

  • Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

  • Drivetrain: Standard selectable four-wheel drive

  • Maximum speed: 25 mph

  • Length: Just over 11 feet

  • Width: Less than 5 feet

  • Cargo capacity: Up to 600 pounds in the bed

  • Cabin: Enclosed cab with heating and air conditioning

  • Seating: Sliding and reclining seats

  • Cargo bed: Three-way fold-down design

  • Steering: Right-hand drive

The truck also features an extended cabin with additional storage behind the seats, providing space for tools and equipment. Its three-way fold-down cargo bed is designed to make loading and unloading materials easier.

Who Will Be Able to Buy the Toyota KEI-01?

Drivers hoping to purchase the KEI-01 at a traditional Toyota dealership may have to wait. Toyota says the initial launch will focus on a limited fleet-focused pilot program rather than a widespread consumer release.

Initial distribution is expected to take place through a small network of authorized Scion by Toyota dealerships selected from Toyota’s existing dealer network. Potential customers include farmers, ranchers, small business owners, delivery and service providers, municipalities, universities and corporate campuses.

Toyota says it could eventually consider limited retail sales depending on customer demand, market conditions and operational considerations. The company has not announced official pricing or confirmed whether individual consumers will eventually be able to purchase the truck.

Toyota Is Bringing Back Scion Under a New Brand

The KEI-01 is also significant because it marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Scion name. Toyota introduced Scion by Toyota in November 2026 as a new brand focused on exploring different approaches to mobility, vehicle design and personal expression.

The original Scion brand was discontinued in 2016, with several of its vehicles transitioning into Toyota’s lineup. This new version is being positioned differently, with an emphasis on experimental vehicle concepts and alternative forms of transportation. Alongside the KEI-01, Toyota also showcased two additional concepts, the SxS Concept and the BKE Concept, offering a look at other directions the company may explore.

When Will the Toyota KEI-01 Arrive in the United States?

Toyota is targeting the second half of 2027 for the KEI-01’s arrival in the U.S. market. Assembly at the Indiana facility is also expected to begin during that period.

For now, the company is prioritizing fleet customers through a limited rollout. Additional information about pricing, dealership participation and potential consumer availability is expected as Toyota finalizes its plans.

The KEI-01 could introduce a different kind of utility vehicle to the American market, particularly for businesses and property owners who need a compact truck for short-distance work rather than a traditional full-size pickup.