When you’re out on the roads or you think about trucks in North America, you can probably picture any number of domestic vehicles such as the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or RAM 1500. However, there’s a different kind of pickup that’s been gaining popularity in North America: the Japanese Kei truck.
These mini trucks are smaller, quirky, and surprisingly useful for owners despite their size.
They were originally invented and built for the narrow streets of Japan but have since begun to carve out a niche in the U.S. market. Why are they gaining popularity for folks like farmers, business owners, and even car enthusiasts?
We’ll dive into why Kei trucks are worth a second look.
Japan has strict size and engine regulations for specific categories of vehicles. Kei trucks (also known as Keijidōsha in Japanese), In order to qualify and meet these OEM requirements, these trucks are capped at an engine no larger than 660cc, stay under 11 feet long, and meet specific horsepower limits.
Common Kei Trucks models include the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet, and Subaru Sambar. They’re offered in flatbeds, dump beds, or van configurations to suit a variety of use cases, so you’ll find that they’re used for everything from agriculture to delivery services.
Use cases are very similar in the United States where they’re quickly becoming a cheaper alternative for cost-conscious drivers.
New trucks are expensive, and even compact trucks like the Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz can easily hit the $30K mark. However, you might be surprised to learn that you can find used Kei trucks in good condition for anywhere between $6000 to $10,000.
These compact sized vehicles are incredibly fuel-efficient (think 40 MPG), plus they cost less to insure and maintain. The only caveat is that they are imported JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles, so they’ll have considerations to be aware of, which we’ll talk more about.
The short answer: creatively.
Their size also makes them perfect for use in large properties, gated communities, or resorts where full-size trucks feel excessive.
Kei trucks offer a lot, but there are a few things to be aware of:
You can find Kei trucks through specialized importers who handle everything from sourcing the truck in Japan to getting it registered in your state. Websites like JapanCarDirect, Goonet Exchange, and JDM Expo offer large inventories. Some dealerships in the U.S. now even stock pre-imported Kei trucks ready to drive away.
Additionally, for those who already own Kei trucks or are wondering where to get parts for repairs, reputable suppliers like Oiwa Garage offer a wide range of Kei truck parts and accessories to help keep your mini truck on the road.
Kei trucks might not replace your full-size daily driver, but they aren’t trying to. What they offer is something different, something fun, efficient, and surprisingly versatile. As more drivers discover the charm and practicality of these compact imports, their presence on American roads and trails is only going to grow.
Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective work truck, a weekend project, or just something unique to add to your garage, Kei trucks prove that good things really do come in small packages.