What is a Kei Truck?

What Constitutes a “Kei Truck?”

Kei trucks, or “Keitora” in Japanese, are a subset of Japanese kei-jidousha, roughly translating to “light vehicle.” Kei vehicles are characterized by their slight stature and compact size—it’s Japan’s smallest vehicle class, which places strict limitations on weight and engine displacement. 

These vehicles are often praised for their simplicity, reliability, and versatility. They’re commonly used for urban deliveries, agriculture, and trades work, as their small size and utility make them ideal for transporting goods in cramped urban areas where traditional trucks would have difficulty.

Are Kei Trucks Legal in the United States?

The US didn’t adopt kei vehicles for several reasons, including the lack of necessity and difficulty meeting US safety standards. America’s infrastructure is built around the automobile, with sprawling highway systems, wide streets, and millions of miles of paved roads that are plenty wide to accommodate even the largest vehicle classes.

Apart from the lack of necessity, there’s also an issue of legality. Kei trucks are legal in certain areas of the United States, but not all. Being that these vehicles were never sold new in the US, importing and registering a kei vehicle stateside can be challenging. 

Additionally, most kei vehicles also have trouble meeting the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). US standards are far more stringent than those in other countries, and kei vehicles’ small size and minimal safety features don't translate well to the American market.

Are Kei Trucks Legal in California?

While plausible, importing and registering a kei vehicle in the United States isn’t a simple task. Kei vehicles imported to the US have to fall under the 25-year rule, which states that any vehicle with a manufacturing date of 25 years or older can legally be imported into the US under federal law. 

However, specific states may have additional rules and regulations regarding imports. California, for example, has exceptionally strict emission and safety standards that prevent most foreign-market vehicles from being registered in the state, even if they fall under the 25-year rule. 

Even if you find a kei vehicle that satisfies state and federal regulations, purchasing and importing it can be a hassle. As many have experienced, finding a reputable importer and dealing with customs can be challenging.

Pricing can also be a factor, considering the purchase price is only one part of the equation. The purchase price is often lower than the cost of import, customs, and registration fees—anticipate spending at least a few thousand dollars from when you buy a kei vehicle to when it’s roadworthy. 

Before purchasing a kei vehicle, it’s important to look into your state’s laws and restrictions to ensure that you can legally register it once it arrives in your state.

Best Kei Trucks

Various manufacturers have produced kei vehicles for Japan, including Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Honda—but which are best? Check out our list of the top five kei trucks, renowned for their reliability and utility.

Suzuki Carry

The Suzuki Carry is a dependable workhorse in the Japanese domestic market. It is often found moving supplies around farms and making deliveries through tight urban streets. Manufactured since the 1960s, the Carry is one of the longest-running kei trucks. 

Part of the kei truck’s popularity comes from its versatility, as Suzuki offers the model in various bed and drive configurations. From early models packing basic 359cc engines to later models powered by compact 1.2L and 1.3L four cylinders, the Carry comes spec’d out to appease any driver. 

Daihatsu Hijet

Yet another popular kei truck is the Hijet, manufactured by the Japanese company Daihatsu. While a less familiar name than some of the other brands on this list, the Hijet is one of the best-selling kei trucks in Japan. 

Like the Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu has continuously manufactured the Hijet since its release in the 1960s. The model is known for its versatility and hearty design, as most are manufactured in a four-wheel drive configuration. This setup makes the Hijet a popular choice for rural areas and farm applications.

Honda Acty

One of the most durable kei trucks known to man is the Honda Acty, short for “Activity.” The model is known throughout Japan for its outlandish reliability and low maintenance costs, making it an economical option—especially on the second-hand market. 

While not as long-running as the previous two models, the Acty had a solid production run of 44 years, from 1977 to 2021. Unfortunately, Honda left the kei vehicle market altogether when new emissions and safety regulations required a significant redesign and increase in production costs.

Subaru Sambar

The Subaru Sambar debuted alongside the Daihatsu Hijet and Suzuki Carry in 1961. The model quickly gained recognition as a well-built competitor, featuring a reliable powertrain and simplistic design. 

Unfortunately, the Sambar was discontinued in 2012 after Subaru’s growing relationship with Toyota, the parent company of Daihatsu. To decrease competition, the Sambar was rebadged as the Daihatsu Hijet S500, which is still sold today.

Mitsubishi Minicab

Lastly, the Mitsubishi Minicab is a reliable and long-running kei truck, first released in 1966. The Minicab is known for its reliability, fuel economy, and low entry cost, making it an ideal choice for budget-minded individuals. 

The Minicab is still in production today. Its small-displacement three-cylinder engine produces less than 100 horsepower. Still, the truck is a common option throughout Japan.

Should You Import a Kei Truck?

To wrap things up, should you invest your money into buying, importing, and registering a kei truck in the United States? If you’re in the market for something unique and live in an area without the hurdles of California or Cali-emission states, a kei vehicle can be a fun addition to your collection. However, doing so isn’t for the faint of heart. 

You should expect to spend a solid amount of time and money on the importing and registration process, plus, you’ll need to wait several months for shipping and customs clearance. 

If you’re merely in the market for a light-duty work truck, several other USDM options will save you countless headaches. Platforms like a nineties Ford Ranger, early 2000s Nissan Frontier, or an eighties Toyota Pickup are far more readily available. Plus, you’ll have better access to repair parts, more aftermarket support, and a roomier, more powerful, and more feature-packed vehicle.