Toyota Reveals Scion 01 Concept, A Bold Take on the Future of Side-by-Side Performance
View this post on Instagram
Toyota pulled the cover off something entirely new, and it is turning heads across the off-road world. Revealed in Las Vegas ahead of the 2025 SEMA Show, the Scion 01 Concept is Toyota’s vision of what a next-generation side-by-side could look like when performance engineering, hybrid technology, and real off-road passion collide.
Developed by Toyota’s North American engineering team, the Scion 01 is not a production model. It is a clean-sheet concept designed to explore new territory in the SXS space while showcasing what Toyota performance could look like beyond traditional platforms.
Built by Off-Roaders, Not Just Engineers
This project was led by Toyota engineers who actively live the off-road lifestyle, and it shows. The Scion 01 Concept blends Toyota’s long-standing reputation for durability with the experimental spirit tied to the Scion name. The result is a side-by-side designed to handle high-speed desert runs, technical rock sections, and tight trail systems, all within a compact and balanced footprint.
According to Toyota, the goal was to rethink how performance, efficiency, and adventure can coexist in one platform, without sacrificing reliability or real-world capability.
Turbocharged Hybrid Power With a Twist
At the center of the Scion 01 Concept is a high-output turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain derived from Toyota’s truck lineup. Output exceeds 300 horsepower, placing it well beyond current production SXS offerings.
One of the most interesting features is Silent Mode. This EV-only setting allows the vehicle to operate quietly on electric power, giving drivers the ability to move through trails with minimal noise while staying connected to their surroundings. It is a feature that highlights how hybrid technology can bring more than just power to off-road platforms.
Designed for Racing and Real Terrain
The chassis and suspension were developed to handle a wide range of conditions, from high-speed racing environments to slow, technical crawling. Toyota focused on suspension articulation, stable track width, and maneuverability, aiming to exceed current benchmarks in the side-by-side segment.
Safety and durability were also front and center. The Scion 01 Concept features a Toyota-developed FIA-compliant roll cage designed to meet both SCORE and FIA racing standards. The driveline, suspension, and braking systems pull from proven Toyota components selected specifically for extreme environments.
CALTY Design Brings the Vision to Life
Toyota’s USA-based, CALTY Design Research team handled the styling, blending aggressive proportions with functional design cues meant for real off-road use. The concept is equally at home charging across open dunes or supporting multi-day trail adventures, reinforcing Toyota’s vision of a versatile performance platform.
Every element of the design supports the idea that efficiency, power, and off-road capability do not have to compete with one another.
Off-Road Safety That Matches the Mission
During testing and showcase footage, the Scion 01 Concept has been seen running MRC Helmets’ Stage One Mid-Air Pumper helmets, a setup well known in off-road racing environments. Designed for demanding conditions, the Stage One pumper system highlights the type of race-focused safety gear Toyota paired with this concept. You can check out MRC Helmets and their full lineup on their brand page at UTV Source here: https://www.utvsource.com/brands/mrc-helmets/
Where the Scion 01 Goes Next
Since its debut, the Scion 01 Concept has continued to see activity beyond the show floor. Toyota has been spotted testing the vehicle at its Arizona Proving Ground, hinting that the concept is being actively exercised and evaluated.
While the Scion 01 remains a non-production concept, it offers an early look at how Toyota may approach side-by-side performance and off-road design in the future. For UTV owners and enthusiasts, it is an exciting direction to keep an eye on as it continues to move forward.
