Kei Truck Information Hub: Specs, History & Guides

The utilitarian capabilities of the Japanese Mini truck are remarkable, making it one of the most versatile vehicles on the planet. Small enough in stature to fit in the bed of an F-150, but amazingly resilient conquering mountainous terrain as a top notch 4wd drive should.

Mark Roehrig
author of "An Introduction to All Things Kei Truck"

Drivers of All Kinds Want a Kei Truck

If you’re searching for an ideal utility or all-terrain vehicle, look no further than kei trucks. Japanese mini trucks are dynamic, fun, and durable vehicles with affordable purchase and maintenance costs. Today, the average kei truck’s sticker price starts at around $1,380 to $2,760 for a 20-25 year-old model sold in a Japanese auction.

Noteworthy kei truck performance traits include but aren’t limited to:

  • Fuel efficiency
  • High maneuverability via compact size
  • Adaptability across applications like agriculture, urban deliveries, off-road recreation

In addition to fuel efficiency and low-cost maintenance, Kei trucks maintain quality resale values, which is why you’ll frequently see drivers behind the wheel of models 25 years or older. While some kei trucks are available in 2WD, essentially all models of this truck have 4WD versions. You’ll also receive hauling and towing capacities.

Despite their compact nature, kei trucks have payloads ranging anywhere from 400 lbs. up to 1,500 lbs.—while towing capacities often span 1,000 to 1,500 lbs. Depending on your area’s regulations, you may be able to take a kei truck on the highway, with many models offering average top speeds of 60 mph to 70 mph. Some models can even reach 75 mph. 

Kei trucks are ideal for modifications due to their customization potential. Common kei truck modifications include custom paint, lift kits, larger tires, cargo racks, powertrain enhancements, and dump truck conversions. Kei trucks were first introduced in Japan, but their popularity is increasing in countries like the United States, Italy, and Canada.

Japanese Kei Truck Export FAQ: What is the Best Kei Truck?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to identifying the best kei truck model for exporting. Kei trucks have gained notoriety for their ability to do more with less across a wide range of models, so if you’re looking for a particular “best” option, it’s helpful to examine different models’ pros and cons of examples to determine whether they meet your needs and preferences. Regarding US imports from Japan, Suzuki’s Carry and Daihatsu’s Hijet are among the two most popular models, but notable mentions are Subaru’s Sambar, Honda’s Acty, and Mitsubishi’s Minicab.

Many kei truck shoppers prioritize cost-efficiency in maintenance and parts availability, and Suzuki’s Carry is ideal in this respect. The Carry’s parts and maintenance affordability stems from its relatively simple mechanics. Suzuki Carry drivers also benefit from the model’s exceptional full-on low range or crawl ratio in 4WD, which provides additional torque and control during instances like climbing steep grades. This low-range prowess allows the Carry to expertly double as an off-road titan, both pre-1998 and post-1998 versions. Still, newer model Carry mini trucks can feel a bit wishy-washy and clunky when going into gear—which is great news for Americans and Canadians looking to import given the countries’ fewer restrictions on later models.

Acclaim for Daihatsu’s Hijet, which is Japan’s Kei truck with the longest production history, stems from:

  • Solid build quality
  • Responsive engine shifts
  • Smooth transmissions
  • Boxy exterior and bed optimizing cargo storage
  • A long line of collectors creating a passionate community

We’d be remiss not to mention the pre-October-1998 Subaru Sambar. While the low-range isn’t as high-performing as Suzuki’s Carry, its 6-speed transmission’s Extra Low gear more than completes the job—especially in off-road conditions. Transmissions in late-1980s Sambar models provided a firm mechanical feel for a greater sense of connectedness during drives. Interior controls are also conveniently placed alongside handy features like dashboard pockets. 

Some take issue with the Sambar’s handling due to its extreme rear engine placement, noting instances of oversteering on challenging road surfaces. However, we’ve experienced oversteer with two Honda Acty models, underscoring the importance of arranging a test drive if possible. 

The bottom line is that whichever kei truck model you buy, you’ll get something that’s worth your money.

The Advantages of Kei Trucks Listed

  • Cost-efficient, robust, and versatile, all-season utility vehicles
  • Smooth highway operation at an average speed of 96 km/hr (60 mph)
  • Average vehicle dimensions: 3.4m/11’2″ long, 1.48 m/4’8″ wide, 1.8 m/6’56″ high
  • Average truck bed dimensions: 1.8m/6’5″ long, 1.48 m/4’8″ wide, and 29 cm/11.4″ deep
  • Seamless loading and unloading via fold-down rear and side gates, plus a low bed height
  • Low ground stress and quality torque for climbing, pulling and hauling
  • Low average weight: 700-900 kg/1,500-2,000 lbs.
  • Durable, liquid-cooled 3 or 4-cylinder gasoline engine
  • Excellent average mileage: 14.8-19.13 km/l (35-45 mpg)
  • Ideal for varied on- and off-road use: agriculture, hunting, lake lots, golf course maintenance, campgrounds, construction sites, vineyards, orchards, airports, landscaping
  • Fully functional, spacious cab for two adults
  • Standard cab amenities like heater, defrost, and optional air conditioning.

Common Uses for Kei Trucks

Kei trucks provide an efficient source of transportation in rural and urban areas. More remote regions can use a kei truck for farming, transporting goods, and traveling around properties, such as golf courses, parks, lumber yards, warehouses, and more. City kei truck applications include but aren’t limited to deliveries, mobile vending, and landscaping. There’s little a kei truck can’t do when it comes to utility, but some may buy kei trucks purely for their fun factor, which commonly manifests itself in off-roading and can be increased with modifications like lift kits and larger tires.

550cc vs. 660cc engines

Mini trucks manufactured before March 1990 have 550cc engines, but those manufactured after contain 660cc engines. The Daihatsu Hijet and Subaru Sambar originally had a 356cc engine before changing to a 550cc motor in 1976 following regulatory changes. Engines of 550cc and 660cc displacements deliver more than enough power at low-to-medium speeds, but later-developed 660cc models provide more apparent power at higher speeds, giving you the ability to pass vehicles and travel uphill with greater ease.

Generational Differences

Different Kei truck generations represent carmakers’ responses to shifting Japanese government regulations impacting length, width, height, and engine displacement limits. The most recent Kei truck regulations, implemented by Japan in October 1998, stipulate maximum dimensions of 3.4 m (11.1 feet) length, 1.48 m (4.8 feet) width, a height under 2.0 m (6.5 feet), and an engine displacement of 660cc or less.

Performance, size, weight, and refinement often increased over time, but maximum load capacity has stayed at 350 kg (771.61 lbs.). Earlier models have risen in popularity with their lightweight, simple, and affordable nature, which often includes quality mileage. Kei truck models older than 25 years are also eligible for the US’ 25-year rule, exempting them from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and emissions compliance requirements during the import process.

First-generation Kei Trucks
(1976 – 1990)

Most countries approve first-generation Kei truck imports, which measure up to 3.2 meters (10.4 feet) long and 1.4 meters (4.5 feet) wide, with engine displacements ranging from 356cc to 550cc. A standard 550cc kei truck engine typically produces around 35 horsepower, but these models’ lightweight and low-geared transmissions help make this horsepower suitable for city and off-road travel. Kei trucks began upping their power with turbochargers and superchargers in the mid-to-late 1980s to produce about 63 horsepower. At the same time, these vehicles added complementary features like 4WD and air conditioning. Honda’s Acty, which ended its production in 2021, was part of the first generation of kei trucks.

Second-generation Kei Trucks
(1990 – 1998)

Used second-generation Kei trucks can be imported from Japan to most countries except Australia. These vehicles have longer bodies and more robust engines than their first-generation counterparts, with a maximum length of 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) and a peak engine displacement of 660cc, which is good for 63 maximum or 39 average horsepower. The 660cc engine’s additional horsepower helped support newly required safety equipment like cabin and chassis reinforcements while delivering higher speeds during uphill driving. Suzuki’s Carry, Daihatsu’s Hijet, and Honda’s Acty were the most popular second-generation kei trucks.

Third-generation Kei Trucks
(1998 – today)

Third-generation used Kei trucks are larger, more powerful, safer, and more comfortable than their predecessors while providing additional amenities. They measure up to 3.4 meters (11.1 feet) long and 1.48 meters (4.6 feet) wide, with the majority of added length dedicated to a mandatory front safety extension. This generation’s engines are 660cc, but produce more average horsepower at around 47.

Kei Trucks Age Like Fine Wine

Unlike many vehicles, Kei trucks maintain their value and can be found with low mileage in quality condition on Japanese lots and via dealer auctions. Whether you’re looking to import a first-, second-, or third-generation Kei truck, Oiwa Garage streamlines your ability to source these popular models with import services like purchases, inspections, registration, driveway delivery, and more conducted on your behalf. Learn more about our Japanese kei truck export pricing to find a service tier that fulfills your needs and budget. 

Available Models

Do you want a quality kei truck, but don’t know what models to look for? Below you’ll find a list of the most popular kei trucks, along with descriptions of their most noteworthy attributes.

Suzuki Carry

It’s always a good sign if a kei truck has been in production since 1961, as with Suzuki’s Carry. Japanese farmers and businesses have leveraged this truck’s talents for decades, which include fuel efficiency, a more powerful mid-1980s fuel-injected engine with 45 horsepower (or up to 64 horsepower with a turbocharger), 4WD, increased cabin and luggage space from the early 1990s, and more. Ninth-generation Carrys, which Suzuki produced from 1991-1999, offered a 772-lb maximum payload capacity. The 10th-generation Carry, launched in 1999, features an even larger body. You’ll also receive reliability and a good value for the price.

Subaru Sambar

Subaru’s Sambar, which has also remained in production since its launch in the early 1960s, features a rear-mounted engine behind the bed across all its generations. The Sambar experienced significant advancements during its golden KS3/KS4 generation from 1990 to 1999. KS3/KS4 models featured a competitive EN07 660cc inline-four engine producing 39-55 horsepower, depending on whether Subaru used a standard carburetor, fuel-injected, or supercharged engine. During the 1990s, Sambar Classic models were especially popular with their aesthetics reminiscent of the original 360 Sambar from the 1960s.

Honda Acty

Honda produced its Acty from 1977 to 2021. This model’s second-generation, which ran from 1988 to 1999, is one of its most popular due to specs like a 656cc E07A SOHC I3 engine delivering 38-44 horsepower. The debut second-generation Acty contained a 547cc three-cylinder engine with 34 horsepower. Post-1990 4WD models came exclusively with a manual transmission, while earlier second-generation versions offered a 4/5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The second-generation Acty also featured an “Acty Attack” special edition variant optimized for farming with features like a differential lock and Ultra-Low forward and reverse gears. 

Daihatsu Hijet

The Daihatsu Hijet has remained in production since its launch in 1960. This Kei truck model evolved from a conventional layout with a driver behind the engine to a cabover configuration, allowing for optimal cargo space while meeting dimension regulations. Separate noteworthy changes include a conventional rehinging of the front doors in the late 1960s, new sheet metal in the 1970s, and a wider body, a 550cc engine, and 4WD during its sixth generation from 1977 to 1981. You’ll find more legroom in early-to-mid-1990s models, and while used, Hijets tend to cost more than models like the Acty, as its parts are more common in the United States than the Acty or Sambar. Dumptruck Hijets are especially popular.

Mitsubishi Minicab

Mitsubishi’s Minicab separates itself from the herd with its unique styling, including a prominent hood, angular headlights, and larger windows optimizing visibility. Manufactured since 1966, the Minicab’s fifth generation, running from 1991 to 1999, has a special place in the hearts of Kei truck enthusiasts. Engine choices for a fifth-generation Minicab are a 657 cc 3G83 I3 engine or a 659 cc 4A30 I4 engine with 37-41 horsepower, respectively, although a turbocharged variant supplied an extra 22-26 horsepower. Transmission options in the fifth generation were a 4/5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic, and its front-engine RWD or 4WD configuration facilitated a sturdy and reliable ride feel.

Spec Comparison

First Generation Models
Second Generation Models
Third Generation Models
Honda
Acty HA2
1988-1990		 Suzuki (Mazda)
Carry DB51T
1986-1990		 Daihatsu (Toyota)
Hijet S81P
1986-1990		 Mitsubishi
Mini Cab U15TG
1990-1990
Length 3.25m 10’6″ 3.3m 10’8″ 3.2m 10’5″ 3.2m 10’5″
Width 1.4m 4’6″ 1.4m 4’6″ 1.4m 4’6″ 1.4m 4’6″
Height 1.7m 5’7″ 1.7m 5’7″ 1.7m 5’7″ 1.7m 5’7″
Wheel Base 1.9m 6’2″ 1.8m 6’0″ 1.8m 6’0″ 1.8m 6’0″
Wheel Bolt Pattern 4/100 4/114.3 4/110 4/114.3
Ground Clearance 16cm 6’3″ 17cm 6’7″ 16cm 6’3″ 15cm 5’9″
Drivetrain 4WD 4WD 4WD 4WD
Engine Mid EO5A Inline 3 SOHC Mid F6A Inline 3 SOHC EB water cooled Inline 3 OHC Mid 3G81 Inline 3 OHV
Fuel Injection No No No Optional
Displacement (cc) 540 657 547 548
Horse Power (ps/rpm) 34/5500 38/5500 30/5500 46/6000
Torque (kgm/rpm) 4.5/5000 5.3/4000 4.5/3500 6/4000
Transmission (floor) MT4/MT5 MT4 MT4 MT5
Weight 670kg 1476lbs 680kg 1498lbs 700kg 1542lbs 740kg 1630lbs
Payload Capacity 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs
Power Steering No No No No
Turning Radius 3.8m 12’4″ 4m 13’1″ 3.6m 11’8″ 3.8m 12’4″
Fuel Tank(liter/gallon) 37 9.8 36 9.5 35 9.2 36 9.5
MPG/KPL 47.9 MPG 21.1 KPL 37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL 37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL 37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL
Front Suspension Macpherson Strut Strut Strut/Coil Spring Strut
Rear Suspension Trailing Arm Rigid Axle Rigid Axle/Leaf Spring Half Oval Leaf Spring
Brakes Front/Rear Disk/Drum Disk/Drum Disk/Drum Disk/Drum
Tires 5.00-12-4PR 5.00-12-4PRULT 145R12-6PRLT 145R12-6PR
A/C No No No No
Make Model Year Subaru Sambar KS4 1990-1998 Honda Acty HA4 1990-1999 Suzuki (Mazda) Carry DB52T 1990-1999 Daihatsu (Toyota) Hijet S83P 1990-1998 Mitsubishi Mini Cab U42T 1991-1998
Length 3.3m 10’8″ 3.3m 10’8″ 3.3m 10’8″ 3.3m 10’8″ 3.3m 10’8″
Width 1.4m 4’6″ 1.4m 4’6″ 1.4m 4’6″ 1.4m 4’6″ 1.4m 4’6″
Height 1.8m 5’9″ 1.7m 5’7″ 1.7m 5’7″ 1.8m 5’9″ 1.7m 5’7″
Wheel Base 1.9m 6’3″ 1.9m 6’3″ 1.9m 6’3″ 1.8m 6’0″ 1.8m 6’0″
Wheel Bolt Pattern 4/100 4/100 4/100 or 4/114.3 4/100 4/114.3
Ground Clearance 19cm 7.5″ 19cm 7.5″ 16cm 6.3″ 17cm 6.7″ 17cm 6.7″
Drivetrain 4WD 4WD 4WD 4WD 4WD
Engine Rear EN07 Inline 4 SOHC Mid E07A Inline 3 SOHC Mid F6A Inline 3 SOHC Mid EF Inline 3 SOHC Mid 3G83 Inline 3 SOHC
Fuel Injection Optional No No No No
Displacement (cc) 658 656 657 659 657
Horse Power (ps/rpm) 40/6500 38/5300 42/5500 38/5600 42/6000
Torque (kgm/rpm) 5.5/3500 5.5/4500 5.8/4500 5.5/4000 5.7/5000
Transmission (floor) MT5 MT4 MT5 MT4 MT5 MT4 MT5 AT3 MT4/MT5
Gear Ratio Km/h@RPM 4th: 90 @ 6500 5th: 110+ @ 6500 4th: 91 @ 7500 5th: 110 @ 7500 44th: 98 @ 6500 5th: 118 @ 6500 4th: 89 @ 6200 5th: 100 @ 6200 4th: 92 @ 6000 5th: 108 @ 6200
Diff Lock Selective (Opt.) Attack Model Optional Optional No
HI/LO 4wd Available Selective AWD Ultra Low 1st and R Yes Yes Yes
Weight 740kg 1628lbs 710kg 1562lbs 700kg 1540lbs 700kg 1540lbs 710kg 1562lbs
Payload Capacity 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs
Power Steering No No No Optional(’94) Optional(’94)
Turning Radius 3.9m 12’8″ 3.8m 12’5″ 3.8m 12’5″ 3.7m 12’1″ 3.7m 12’1″
Fuel Tank(liter/gallon) 40 10.5 37 9.7 36 9.5 35 9.2 40 10.5
MPG/KPL 35.7 MPG 15.2 KPL 37.1 MPG 15.8 KPL 36.2 MPG 15.4 KPL 36.4 MPG 15.5 KPL 36.7 MPG 15.6 KPL
Front Suspension Strut Strut Strut Strut Strut
Rear Suspension Semi Trailing Arm De Dion Bouton Leaf Spring Rigid Axle Leaf Spring
Brakes Front/Rear Ventilated Disk/ Drum Disk/Drum Disk/Drum Disk/Drum Disk/Drum
Tires 145R12-6PRLT 145R12-6PR 5.00-12-4PRULT 5.00-12-4PRULT 5.00-12-4PR
A/C Optional Optional No Optional No
Make Model Year Subaru Sambar TT2 1999-2003 Honda Acty HA7 1999-2005 Suzuki (Mazda) Carry DB62T 1999-2005 Daihatsu (Toyota) Hijet S210C 1999-2002 Mitsubishi Mini Cab U62T 1999-2002
Length 3.4m 11’2″ 3.4m 11’2″ 3.4m 11’2″ 3.4m 11’2″ 3.4m 11’2″
Width 1.5m 4’9″ 1.5m 4’9″ 1.4m 4’6″ 1.5m 4’9″ 1.5m 4’9″
Height 1.8m 5’9″ 1.7m 5’7″ 1.8m 5’9″ 1.8m 5’9″ 1.8m 5’9″
Wheel Base 1.9m 6’3″ 2.4m 7’8″ 2.4m 7’8″ 1.9m 6’3″ 2.2m 7’2″
Wheel Bolt Pattern 4/100 4/100 4/100 4/100 4/100
Ground Clearance 19cm 7.5″ 19cm 7.5″ 16cm 6.3″ 16cm 6.3″ 15cm 5.9″
Drivetrain 4WD 4WD 4WD 4WD 4WD
Engine Rear EN07 Inline 4 SOHC Mid E07Z Inline 3 SOHC Mid F6A Inline 3 SOHC Mid EF-SE Inline 3 SOHC Mid 3G83 Inline 3 SOHC
Fuel Injection All Models All Models All Models All Models All Models
Displacement (cc) 658 656 657 659 657
Horse Power (ps/rpm) 46/6400 46/5500 50/6000 43/5900 48/6000
Torque (kgm/rpm) 5.9/4000 6/5000 6.3/3500 5.8/3600 6.3/4000
Transmission (floor) MT5 MT4 MT5 MT4 MT5 AT3 MT5 AT3 MT4/MT5
Gear Ratio Km/h@RPM 4th: 110 @ 6500 5th: 130 @ 6500 4th: 110 @ 7500 5th: 135 @ 7500 4th: 105 @ 7000 5th: 120 @ 6800 4th: 98 @ 6200 5th: 120 @ 6200 4th: 80 @ 6000 5th: 120 @ 6000
HI/LO 4wd Available Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Weight 770kg 1697lbs 830kg 1829lbs 730kg 1608lbs 750kg 1653lbs 770kg 1697lbs
Payload Capacity 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs 350kg 770lbs
Power Steering Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Turning Radius 3.9m 12’8″ 4.6m 15’0″ 4.1m 13’5 3.8m 12’5″ 4.4m 14’4″
Fuel Tank(liter/gallon) 40 10.5 37 9.7 40 10.5 38 10 40 10.5
MPG/KPL 38.1 MPG 16.2 KPL 38.1 MPG 16.2 KPL 37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL 37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL 38.6 MPG 16.4 KPL
Front Suspension Strut Strut Strut Strut Strut
Rear Suspension Semi Trailing Arm De Dion Bouton Leaf Spring Rigid Axle Leaf Spring
Brakes Front/Rear Ventilated Disk/ Drum Disk/Drum Disk/Drum Disk/Drum Disk/Drum
Tires 145R12-6PRLT 145R12-8PRLT 145R12-6PRLTT 145R12-6PR 145R12-6PR
A/C Optional Optional Optional Optional No

Optional Features on Kei Trucks

When drivers think about available features, images of options like posh upholstery and interior trim inserts come to mind. However, in the world of kei trucks, optional features place emphasis on utility via features like: 

  • Dump beds (ex: heavy-duty, 3-way dump)
  • Scissor lift beds
  • 4WD
  • Differential or axle locks
  • Jumbo cabs
  • 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transmissions 
  • Off-road modifications (ex: lifted suspensions, larger tires)

Customization is especially popular within the Kei truck community, as this vehicle type is an exceptional canvas for modifications because of its simple engineering and compact size. In addition to optimizing performance in areas like off-roading, modifying a kei truck will alter its appearance for added appeal. Other common kei truck modifications include but aren’t limited to bed liners, window tinting, new radio systems, and LED light conversions.

Oiwa Garage can help with Kei trucks of all shapes, sizes, and capabilities, like window tinting battery, seat belt and shift knob covers, body lift kits, decals, and more. With our many modifications at your disposal, importing a kei truck is just the start of your journey.

Image Gallery

Kei trucks are available in standard and refrigeration unit types to accommodate different cargo transportation temperature requirements.

Kei Trucks with dump beds are ideal for farmers, ranchers, and construction or landscaping work sites.

Kei trucks optimize deliveries with compact dimensions fostering peak maneuverability in congested areas, fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and application versatility.

Farm tanker Kei trucks are especially helpful for efficiently transporting liquids like water or fertilizer with compact dimensions fostering easy travel through conditions like narrow paths.

Gas tanker kei trucks can benefit business owners needing to transport smaller quantities of fuel in areas where larger tanks can’t operate or aren’t necessary.

Fire Kei trucks are more affordable to purchase and maintain than traditional fire engines, and their compact dimensions can facilitate quick deployment in areas where parking for their conventional counterpart would otherwise be too tight.

Kei trucks commonly use soft-top covers, which fit on all stock models.

Kei Mini trucks featuring lifts increase ground clearance, visibility, safety, and load capacities for more comfort and higher performance.

Kei trucks with lifts make every heavy job safer and easier.

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