TOYOTA SCION O1 SXS REVEALED | News
Toyota Scion 01 SXS Concept Revealed, UTV Action Magazine Gets the Inside Line
Toyota’s long-rumoured entry into the high-performance side-by-side world is finally taking shape, and UTV Action Magazine was first to get the deep dive on the machine that’s been quietly in development for the past 18 months. Known internally as Scion 01, the concept is being built by Toyota’s U.S. engineering team in Ann Arbor, with much of its DNA drawn from the brand’s existing automotive parts bin. Multiple versions are said to exist, each testing different powertrain configurations.
The SEMA-displayed prototype runs the 2.4-litre hybrid i-Force Max powertrain from the Tacoma pickup, delivering over 300 horsepower and huge torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It even features a short-range Silent Mode using its integrated electric motor. The hybrid battery currently sits under the rear spare, a compromise Toyota admits won’t be ideal for off-road weight balance but avoids potential water immersion. Cooling is handled by a traditional front radiator plus a dedicated system for the hybrid hardware.
NASCAR engineers assisted with the Scion 01’s beefy tube chassis, which appears every bit as tough as Toyota’s trucks. Estimated weight is around 3500 pounds, riding on 35-inch Maxxis Carnivores, 17-inch wheels, and a wide 76-inch stance. A 133-inch wheelbase and 17 inches of ground clearance pair with huge 3-inch adjustable shocks and clamshell A-arms up front, plus a trailing-arm/rear-radius-rod setup reminiscent of Can-Am’s X3.
Inside, the cabin offers spacious accommodation for four with adjustable front seats, big digital displays, and plenty of storage, though fit and finish remain early-stage. Toyota hasn’t ruled out a sport-focused HVAC system in later iterations. Whether Scion 01 reaches production is still unknown, but if it does, Toyota’s mix of mass-produced components and off-road engineering know-how could shake up the SXS market. For now, UTV Action Magazine will continue tracking every development as Toyota refines the concept.
