Those looking at a kei truck for the first time might assume these vehicles’ small, practical, and straightforward designs don’t translate to off-road capability — but the opposite is true. Beyond these traits, Kei trucks excel in off-roading due to their lightweight configurations, affordability, upgradeable designs, four-wheel drive (4WD) availability, and fuel efficiency. After more in-depth evaluations of how these characteristics aid off-roading, we’ll highlight some of the most popular kei truck models for paving new paths.
Compact size and maneuverability
Kei trucks dispel the notion that you can’t have quality off-road capability without lots of size, as their small designs facilitate more seamless maneuverability. A kei truck can fit into places off-road that larger vehicles traditionally struggle with, such as tight, wooded trails or other forms of narrow terrain. Their smaller dimensions and shorter wheelbases also provide a tighter turning radius, increasing agility and navigation in confined areas. For example, in the 1990s, kei trucks had a maximum length of approximately 3.3 meters (11 feet) and a maximum width of around 1.48 meters (4.9 feet). The average wheelbase measurements of this class during the 1990s were between 1.8 and 1.9 meters (5.9 to 6.2 feet).
Lightweight Design for Tough Terrain
While heavy vehicles tend to have more power, they’re more likely to get stuck off-road, as many types of off-road terrain require slow and steady progress. Off-road drivers also tend to encounter many soft surfaces, and a kei truck’s lightweight increases flotation on these forms of terrain, reducing your chances of getting stuck experiencing premature wear and tear. If a kei truck does get stuck, its lightweight nature makes recovery, whether via a winch or another vehicle, more manageable. When traveling uphill off-road, kei trucks’ lighter average weight also means they don’t require as much power as larger vehicles.
Affordability and Fuel Efficiency
Let’s face it, off-road-capable vehicles can get expensive, but Kei trucks offer a more affordable solution in more ways than one. First, you can purchase a used kei truck for far less than you’d spend on a larger pre-owned vehicle, even if it’s something smaller like a compact pickup. Imported, used kei trucks in decent condition will run you between $5,000 and $10,000 on average. Once you’ve acquired a kei truck, you’ll also spend less on fuel than other vehicle types. Under optimal conditions, Honda Acty models achieve between 40 and 45 mpg, and you’ll want all the fuel economy you can get, as rougher off-road terrain requires increased vehicle effort.
Upgradeable for Off-Road Performance
Implementing upgrades can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of off-roading, but some vehicles are more conducive to upgrades than others. Kei trucks are highly supportive of off-road upgrades, thanks to their basic foundation that’s easy to modify. Some of the most common kei truck off-road upgrades include:
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Suspension upgrades (lift kits, struts, shock absorbers)
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Off-road tires
While kei trucks feature standard attributes that support off-roading, such as lightweight designs, the upgrades you implement will go a long way in defining your vehicle’s overall off-road capability.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Capability
Kei trucks began offering standard 4WD models more frequently in the 1980s, but they became more widely available in the 1990s. Drivers in the U.S. are more likely to purchase a kei truck for off-road applications than in Japan, where numerous 2WD models are available. One of the most significant advantages of 4WD kei trucks is that the cost difference is significantly less than that of larger trucks. Additionally, RWD kei trucks naturally have a greater likelihood of struggling on loose or slippery surfaces. Wheel slip on steep inclines declines by around 40% in kei trucks with active 4WD, and off-road acceleration can increase by 25%.
Durability and Practical Utility
Regarding durability, kei trucks can hold up because of their sturdy, straightforward box frames — establishing a sound foundation — low center of gravity (combined with their lightweight) that makes tipping less likely on inclines, and many options have a manual transmission with a hi/lo range gearbox. A manual kei truck with a high/lo range gearbox gives the driver more control, helping the engine operate within its optimal power band. While locking rear differentials are less common in kei trucks and more likely to exist in higher-trim off-road variants, you can still find them.
Final thoughts
Drivers access parts and upgrades for all of the most off-road capable kei trucks through Oiwa Garage, as we specialize in the:
Specific variants of the Daihatsu Hijet known for their off-road prowess include the Hijet Jumbo and the Hijet Dump. Honda’s Acty Attack is the most popular Acty for off-road applications, with perks like a locking rear differential and ultra-low range gears, and the Mitsubishi Minicab’s U62T generation (1999-2014) is another reliable choice, thanks to perks such as a sturdy suspension and sometimes higher ground clearance. Subaru Sambars are generally less popular for off-roading capability than options like Honda’s Acty, but the Farming Sambar — which debuted in 1981 — gained popularity among farmers with 4WD. Suzuki Carry models, in general, are quality off-road vehicles due to their ease of modification.
Browse our parts catalogue or contact us for assistance with any questions you have about off-road kei truck solutions
