Japanese Kei Truck Top Speed: What Is The Fastest One

Japanese mini trucks are very versatile and can be used in multiple industries and for multiple needs, from construction to farms. Though they will not be the fastest vehicles on the road, they pack a punch regarding performance and reliability. When talking about speed, what is the Japanese Kei truck top speed and what’s the fastest one? Well, that depends on several factors. Let us look at this in-depth below.

Japanese Kei Truck Everything You Should Know 

A Kei truck, known in Japan as a keitora (light truck) is a style of pickup truck built to meet the Japanese standards class of light vehicles. Compact, right-hand drive vehicles and rear-wheel drive (available four-wheel drive) are the popular features of these trucks. These small and versatile vehicles are loved across borders, not only in the Japanese domestic market but are found almost anywhere globally. Kei trucks are produced by a wide range of Japanese automakers including Daihatsu, Subaru, Suzuki, and Honda…

Kei trucks are built to meet Japan’s strict kei regulations, including both size and engine capacity. Japanese kei trucks are only about 3,352 mm long and 2,133 mm high and were developed from the long-standing 3-wheel truck model. 

This compact dimension means that the towing capacity will naturally be much lower than that of a typical pickup. However, these trucks are rated as surprisingly capable, with an average weight of around 700 kg (1,500 lb), and they can carry around 350kg. 

The other requirement is the engine capacity. The kei truck engine is usually limited to 660 cc, producing no more than 64 horsepower. This, combined with its small size results in surprisingly peppy acceleration for its size. 

You might wonder what’s the point of these regulations. These rules are designed to promote fuel efficiency and affordability, making kei cars accessible to a wider range of drivers.

>> Related post: Best Kei Cars That That’s Worth Importing From Japan

Japanese Kei Truck Top Speed: The Fastest Ones  

Known for its compact size, practicality, and fuel efficiency, what about its speed? Most of the Japanese mini truck top speed have a range of between 60 to 75 miles an hour. However, according to the vehicle class and by law, the maximum speed of kei trucks is just limited to 50 mph. 

If you are driving a kei truck in the United States, you have to make sure that you abide by the set laws of that particular state about the top speed. The legal speeds are usually lower as compared to the maximum speed of the kei truck allowed in Japan. Most states will not allow speeds above 50 miles an hour.   

In this part, we will list the fastest Japanese kei trucks you can consider If you have a plan to buy a kei truck

Please note that: These top speed figures are not the same across all models and are dependable on various influencing factors. 

1. Subaru Sambar truck – 87 mph

The first kei truck that has the highest top speed on the list is the Subaru Sambar truck. Under ideal conditions, its top speed hovers more comfortably in the real of 140 km/h (87 miles). So when it comes to speed, the Subaru Sambar is the King of the kei trucks. 

The Sambar kei truck was introduced in 1961 by Subaru automakers and it has remained in production until now. Like other mini trucks, the Subaru Sambar truck has used a rear wheel drive layout and a rear engine. However, something is interesting about the Sambar kei truck. Most Kei vehicles will stick with the 660 cc but they use 3 cylinders, however, the Subaru Sambar Kei truck has its unique 4-cylinder engine. This offers some distinct advantages compared to the more common 3-cylinder setups found in other kei trucks. 

While still meeting the Kei car regulations, a 4-cylinder engine can produce slightly more power and torque than the same engine displacements. The engine can run smoother with less vibration compared to the 3-cylinder engines. This unique feature also explains why the Subaru Sambar can reach higher speeds than other mini trucks.

2. Daihatsu Hijet top speed – 81 mph

Reaching around 81 mph, the Daihatsu Hijet truck is in the second position on this list. The speedometer seems to say they’re good to about 140 km and Googling reveals they’re good to about 80 mph, which would check out on the 140kph speedometer. 

Having a long history from 1960, now the Daihatsu truck has been in the eleventh generation. This kei truck has been loved by a lot of customers in a wide variety of industries from farming, and transportation to construction. 

Most Daihatsu Hijet truck has the maximum kei-sized engine allowed at 660 cc with 3-cylinder, following the kei car regulation. The outputs of this engine will range from around 40 to 64 horsepower. 

During its development, the Daihatsu has continuously improved and updated the Hijet mini truck. The Hijet truck became the first-ever kei truck to be equipped with the Smart Assist IIIt crash avoidance system to boost safety awareness. In this way, the company aims to provide as many customers as possible with safety and peace of mind.

3. Suzuki Cary truck – 75 mph 

The Suzuki Carry truck is a Japanese market truck that has been sold continuously in Japan for over 60 years. Known for its versatility, and reliability, the Carry mini truck has been cherished by many drivers over the years. So how fast a Suzuki Cary truck can go? 

Though in some countries, the Carry is limited to a top speed of 50 miles per hour, in certain models and generations, the Suzuki Carry truck was equipped with a turbocharged engine, so it can reach the speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). 

The standard 660cc, three-cylinder engine is located in the middle of the truck which can make a unique and ergonomic cab-over design. It gives pretty good performance for such a small capacity. The Suzuki Carry offers a surprisingly capable and enjoyable driving experience for a kei truck. It’s not a speed demon, but its peppy acceleration, nimble handling, and impressive fuel efficiency make it a practical and versatile vehicle. 

If you’re looking for a truck for the farm, work, or even daily driving – the Suzuki Carry makes for the ideal partner. 

4. Honda Acty Truck top speed − 65 mph

Although not having the ideal speed compared to the Sambar or Hijet, the Honda Acty truck has become the most popular model among the Kei trucks, especially in America due to its utility and affordability. 

Produced by the Japanese automaker Honda from 1977 to 2021, the Acty truck has stood out not just for its versatility but for its impressive fuel efficiency of around 40-45 mpg thanks to the reliable and straightforward carburetor system. This makes it one of the market’s most fuel-effective pickup trucks.

When it comes to the Acty truck speed, for street versions, the Honda Acty can reach a top speed of 71 mph (115 km/h), while the 4WD versions only could attain 65 mph (105 km/h). Whether used for agricultural purposes, small business deliveries, or as a recreational vehicle, the Honda Acty truck has proven to be a reliable workhorse.

5. Mitsubishi Minicab truck – 55 mph

The Minicab trucks are generally called “Mitsubishi kei trucks” in Japan. The Mitsubishi Minicab is built and sold by Japanese automaker – Mitsubishi Motors since 1966. These trucks are known for their lightweight and compact design. 

With a top speed of 55 mph, the Minicab truck can meet the needs for daily driving and you can drive on the highway with this kei truck. Current Mitsubishi Minicab imports are powered by a 660 engine capable of making upwards of 45 hp. Transmission options include a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual paired with an RWD or selectable 4WD drivetrain.

The Mitsubishi Minicab is a good choice for those seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and maneuverable kei truck. Its practicality, affordability, and availability make it a popular option for both personal and commercial use.

Beyond Speed Limit: Other Outstanding Features Of Japanese Kei Trucks

Japanese Kei trucks are descendants of the Kei car and have been around for many decades which has become a very successful business in the automobile industry. Novelty factor. But the top speed isn’t the Kei truck’s point of appeal. Their affordability and unique, toy-like image also lend them a sense of novelty:

• Japanese Kei trucks will give you the best performance in the range. These vehicles are innovatively crafted and engineered to deliver high-quality performance and serve you for a very long period. Not only are they known for their performance but also their low maintenance. Mini trucks are supposed to give optimum efficiency, thus saving you the fuel cost. The prices of Japanese mini-trucks range from $8000 to $16000. So it depends if you are buying a new one or a used mini truck. 
• Mini trucks are one of the best options for you to consider when it comes to the value quotient. It’s also significantly easier to maintain and even easier to find mini truck accessories both online and offline. 
• Driving a kei truck will give you tax benefits due to driving a small vehicle. 

The Japanese-made trucks have gained a popular interest, attracting small-business owners seeking affordable alternatives to traditional pickup trucks. As trucks in the U.S. get bigger and more expensive, demand has surged for a cheaper, smaller alternative from across the Pacific Ocean: Japan’s Kei trucks.

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Wrapping up

Ultimately, the fastest kei truck isn’t necessarily the one with the highest top speed, but rather the one that best suits the needs and driving style of its owner. Whether you prioritize acceleration, handling, or simply the joy of zipping through city streets, the kei truck world offers a diverse and engaging driving experience. Models like the Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, and Honda Acty, each with their unique strengths and quirks, demonstrate that speed isn’t everything. Their charm lies in their practicality, fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and undeniable character.

So, while the top speed might be capped, the fun and utility of these miniature marvels are boundless.

We hope that this article will give you useful information when you have a plan to buy a kei truck for yourself.