Kei Truck Top Speed | Everything You Need to Know—Oiwa Garage

While primarily built for practicality and versatility, knowing a kei truck’s top speed saves you hassle in more ways than one. The Japanese vehicle is handy in agriculture, construction, camping, fire fighting, and other industries. Praised for its compactness, its seamless navigation of bends and narrow roads proves valuable when bigger vehicles would be impractical. Kei trucks are complemented by their small engine’s exceptional performance on a relative scale and budget-friendliness. 

Knowing Kei truck speed capabilities is a prerequisite to discerning whether the vehicle meets your needs. While Kei trucks might be perfect for a farmer, a speed enthusiast may feel otherwise, Keep reading learn more about the ins-and-outs of this nuanced topic. 

What Is The Top Speed of a Kei Truck?

Kei trucks’ maximum speed is road-safe, averaging between 50 and 80 mph, depending on the model. Due to safety concerns, Kei trucks newer than 25 years old imported into the USA for off-road use are capped at a speed range of 25 mph.

These concerns relate to its smaller size and limited speed capabilities, especially when sharing roads with bigger vehicles. Moreover, the manufacturing of these trucks does not comply with the 1988 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

When a Kei truck is 25 years older, it is reclassified as a classic car, exempting it from many restrictions imposed by bodies such as the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and DOT (Department of Transportation), making it easier for US imports.

For example, a 1999 Suzuki Carry has no restrictions, whereas Suzuki Carrys manufactured between 2001 and 2005 must be speed-limited, as they can only be imported for off-road use.

Kei trucks use speed limiters, a programmable device installed within the engine’s management system, to help them follow the law. The use of Kei truck speed limiters and other restrictions varies from state to state.

Common Kei Trucks And Their Speed Limit

Below are some maximum speeds of Kei trucks:

How to maintain a Kei truck for optimal performance

Adhering to the following guidelines helps Kei truck owners properly care for their vehicle to achieve longevity and seamless drives:

• Keep up with routine maintenance tasks like tire rotations, oil changes, and brake inspections

• Before carrying out any modifications, consult with Oiwa Garage for expert consultation on appropriately altering the structure of the vehicle

• Whether or not your truck is modified, driving within the recommended speed limit prevents unnecessary engine strain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Drive a Kei Truck at Highway Speed in the US?

Kei trucks that are 25 years or older may be driven on the highway and at highway speeds, as such vehicles are exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Still certain states’ laws prohibit road use, like Maine. 

Is It Possible to Increase the Top Speed of a Kei Truck?

Kei truck owners can safely increase speed past the factory limit by consulting with modification experts at Oiwa Garage. 

How Does Weight Impact the Top Speed of a Kei Truck?

Generally, the lighter a vehicle is, the more speed it can achieve. A truck’s weight is generally dictated by what it’s built to do. Certain Kei trucks such as dump trucks or scissor lift trucks may experience decreased speed due to their added weight.

Can I Go Above the Speed Limit While Driving a Kei Truck?

While Kei trucks can hit higher speeds, it's essential to stick to the recommended speed limit to avoid damaging your vehicle, compromising safety, and encountering legal issues.

Final Thoughts 

While understanding speed capabilities is paramount to kei truck ownership, this vehicle class’ uniqueness lies in its multifaceted utility, which includes, but isn’t limited to, fuel efficiency and smooth maneuverability. 

When people focus too much on speed, the Kei truck reminds them that the journey and its experience are more important than how fast you travel.