Texas-based truck startup REO Industries has updated its website with new teaser images and information about the lineup of cheap trucks it hopes to have in production in a couple of years. The REO Runabout T4X is a two-door, two-seat compact pickup with a six-foot bed with a $21,500 target price.
The company says it will be powered by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine; offered with manual and automatic transmissions and either two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive; and will be able to tow up to 4,500 pounds and haul 2,500 pounds.
There will also be a $25,000 Runabout T4C crew cab model with four doors and a second row of seats and a $28,500 Runabout S4C SUV with two rows of seats and center-facing jump seats in the cargo area.
REO has hired former Mini and McLaren designer Frank Stephenson to put the finishing touches on the trucks, which will be revealed in full on Nov. 16. One key element is that they are being engineered to be easy to repair by owners, which includes simply removable body panels and not putting any locks on software. After that, the company plans to start building prototypes next year before launching production in late 2028 or early 2029 in Texas. Reservations are currently being accepted with a $25 deposit.
However, the company’s business plan is tied in part to the Trump administration’s softening of EPA fuel economy and emissions rules, so it is not yet clear what effect the Democratic takeover of Congress and possible 2028 election of a Democratic president could have on its future. A final location for its factory has not yet been announced.
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REO’s prices do not include shipping fees, but If it makes it to production, it’s closest competition will come from the two-door $26,400 Slate electric pickup, the four-door $29,945 Ford Fathom electric pickup and the four-door $29,990 Ford Maverick hybrid pickup.
