A decade after Toyota shuttered Scion — the youth-focused brand that brought us the boxy xB, the sporty tC, and the beloved FR-S — the name returns in the most unexpected way possible. Instead of another affordable compact aimed at first-time buyers, Toyota’s dusted off the Scion badge for something that would’ve been unthinkable during the brand’s 2003-2016 run: a hybrid-powered, off-road side-by-side concept that just might signal Toyota’s entrance into the powersports arena.
Engineering Beyond the Ordinary
Unveiled at SEMA, the Scion 01 Concept isn’t your typical UTV. Toyota’s North American engineers started with the i-Force Max turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid from the Tacoma pickup, cranking out over 300hp and 465lb.ft of torque, and then packaged it into a purpose-built chassis featuring proven Toyota driveline, suspension, and brake components. The result is a side-by-side that promises to handle high-speed desert runs, technical rock crawling, and multi-day trail adventures with equal capability.
The hybrid system includes a Silent Mode that runs purely on electric power for more silent treks. Once the battery depletes, the gas engine kicks in to keep things moving while recharging on the go.
FIA-Ready From the Factory
Toyota didn’t half-step the safety engineering either. The 01 features a first-of-its-kind FIA-compliant roll cage that meets both SCORE and FIA racing standards right from the factory. Combined with that winch-equipped front bumper, auxiliary LED lighting, and aggressive all-terrain rubber wrapped around 10-spoke wheels, this concept looks ready to tackle Dakar tomorrow.
The cabin stays appropriately spartan with sport buckets and full harness restraints, though the driver gets red upholstery with a digital camo pattern pulled straight from the Tacoma TRD Pro playbook. CALTY Design — Toyota’s California studio — handled the styling, giving the 01 a squared-off, dune buggy aesthetic that’s both vintage and modern.
Spec Sheet
Model: Scion 01 Concept
Powertrain: Turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder hybrid (i-Force Max)
Power: 300+ hp, 465 lb.ft torque
Drive Modes: Hybrid, Silent Mode (EV-only)
Roll Cage: FIA/SCORE-compliant
Design: CALTY Design (USA)
Debut: 2025 SEMA Show
Pricing & Availability
The Scion 01 Concept remains strictly a show vehicle for now — Toyota calls it an “engineering exercise” — with no confirmed production plans or pricing. Still, reviving the Scion nameplate suggests this might be more than just a one-off flight of fancy.
Recap
Scion 01 Concept
Toyota brought back the Scion name after a decade, but instead of another affordable hatchback, they slapped it on a 300-hp hybrid side-by-side that’s basically a Tacoma drivetrain in dune buggy form. It’s got an electric Silent Mode for sneaking through trails and an FIA-compliant roll cage, though for now it’s just a SEMA concept with no production plans.
