Pick your kei
22 models broken down by what they do. Specs, price, and the one or two things each is actually best at.
Kei Trucks
Cab over utility. Farm work, hauling, property work.
Kei Vans
Cargo and people movers. Camper conversions, mobile work.
Kei Sports Cars
Lightweight, high revving, mid engine roadsters.
Kei 4x4s
Body on frame trail rigs. Real low range four wheel drive.
#1 most popularSuzuki Carry: Complete Guide
1969-Present
$5,000 - $15,000
Best for: Farm work, biggest parts pipeline
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#2 most popularHonda Acty: Complete Guide
1977-2021
$6,000 - $18,000
Best for: Daily driving, mid engine smoothness
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#3 most popularDaihatsu Hijet: Complete Guide
1960-Present
$5,500 - $16,000
Best for: Cheapest entry, factory dump option
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Subaru Sambar: Complete Guide
1961-Present
$6,000 - $18,000
Best for: Snow traction, supercharged 4 cylinder
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Mitsubishi Minicab: Complete Guide
1966-Present
$5,000 - $14,000
Best for: Cheapest at auction, EV variant
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Mazda Scrum: Complete Guide
1989-Present
$5,000 - $12,000
Best for: Carry mechanics for less money
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Nissan Clipper: Complete Guide
2003-Present
$6,000 - $14,000
Best for: Documented service records, Nissan network
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Toyota Pixis Truck: Complete Guide
2011-Present
Not Yet Importable
Best for: Toyota badge, full Hijet parts
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Suzuki Every: Complete Guide
1982-Present
$4,000 - $8,000
Best for: Camper platform, cheaper than the Carry
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Honda Vamos: Complete Guide
1999-2018
$6,000 - $12,000
Best for: Mid engine van, turbo Hobio camper
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Daihatsu Atrai: Complete Guide
1981-Present
$5,000 - $10,000
Best for: Turbo cargo van, big interior
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Honda Beat: Complete Guide to the PP1 Kei Roadster
1991-1996
$6,000 - $20,000
Best for: Weekend toy, 8,100 rpm naturally aspirated
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Suzuki Cappuccino: Complete Guide to the EA11R and EA21R
1991-1998
$6,000 - $25,000
Best for: Top down driver, front engine RWD
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Autozam AZ-1: Complete Guide to the Gullwing Kei Supercar
1992-1995
$20,000 - $40,000
Best for: Collectible mid engine, gullwing doors
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Mitsubishi Pajero Mini: Complete Guide to the Kei SUV
1994-2012
$4,000 - $10,000
Best for: Refined kei SUV, turbo, real interior
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Suzuki Jimny: Complete Guide to the Kei 4x4 Legend
1970-Present
$7,000 - $25,000
Best for: Real low range four wheel drive trails
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Daihatsu Copen: Complete Guide to Japan's Tiny Convertible Sports Car
2002-present
$8,000 - $25,000
Best for: Power hardtop, turbo torque
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Honda S660: Complete Guide to Honda's Mid Engine Kei Roadster
2015-2022
$25,000 - $55,000 (grey market)
Best for: Modern targa roadster, turbo mid engine
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Suzuki Alto Works: Complete Guide to Japan's Kei Hot Hatch Legend
1987-2000
$5,000 - $18,000
Best for: Hot hatch power to weight, AWD turbo
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Subaru Vivio RX-R: Complete Guide to the Supercharged Kei Rally Legend
1992-1998
$4,000 - $12,000
Best for: Supercharged AWD, 9,000 rpm rally heritage
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Daihatsu Midget II: Complete Guide to the Single Seat Micro Truck
1996-2001
$8,000 - $25,000
Best for: Single seat oddball, 57 mpg
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Honda N-Van: Complete Guide to Honda's Modern Kei Workhorse
2018-present
$15,000 - $30,000 (Japan new) / Not yet importable
Best for: Camper conversion, flat floor
View specs →How They Stack Up
The five most popular kei trucks compared on the specs that matter for utility work.
Swipe to compare all models →
| Spec | Suzuki Carry | Honda Acty | Daihatsu Hijet | Subaru Sambar | Mitsubishi Minicab |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 660cc 3-cyl | 660cc 3-cyl | 660cc 3-cyl | 660cc 4-cyl SC | 660cc 3-cyl |
| Horsepower | 37–50 hp | 37–48 hp | 37–50 hp | 40–58 hp | 37–50 hp |
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD | MR / 4WD | RWD / 4WD | RWD / 4WD | RWD / 4WD |
| Transmission | 5MT / 3AT | 5MT / 3AT | 5MT / 4AT | 5MT / CVT | 5MT / 3AT |
| Payload | 350 kg (770 lb) | 350 kg (770 lb) | 350 kg (770 lb) | 350 kg (770 lb) | 350 kg (770 lb) |
| Bed Size | 2,030 × 1,410 mm | 2,030 × 1,410 mm | 2,030 × 1,410 mm | 1,940 × 1,410 mm | 2,030 × 1,410 mm |
| US Price Range | $5,000–$15,000 | $6,000–$16,000 | $5,000–$14,000 | $6,000–$16,000 | $4,500–$13,000 |
How to Choose the Right Kei Vehicle
Best for Farms & Work
The Suzuki Carry and Daihatsu Hijet are the workhorses. Best parts availability, cheapest to buy, and the Hijet offers a factory dump bed option. Read our farming guide.
Best Off Road Kei
The Suzuki Jimny is the most capable kei off roader ever built: body on frame, solid axles, and low range 4WD. For a more refined alternative, the Pajero Mini offers turbo power and independent front suspension at a lower price.
Best Value
The Mitsubishi Minicab and Hijet are typically the cheapest at auction. Both are reliable, well supported, and start under $5,000 landed. Check our pre-purchase checklist.
Best for Daily Driving
The Honda Acty is the smoothest to drive thanks to its mid engine layout and Honda engineering. The Sambar's CVT is also great for commuting. Read our daily driving guide.
Easiest to Find Parts
The Carry wins here. It is the most produced kei truck in history and shares parts with the Mazda Scrum, Nissan Clipper, and several overseas Suzuki models. See our parts sourcing guide.
New to Kei Vehicles?
Start with our what is a kei truck guide, then browse the dealer directory to find importers near you. Check your state's legality before buying.