Japanese Mini Trucks vs. Traditional Pickups

Instead of just comparing one pickup truck model to another, here we’ll look at pickup trucks as a whole and compare them to what could arguably be called their “anti-thesis,” the Japanese mini trucks, also known as Kei trucks.

What Are Japanese Mini Trucks, aka Japanese Kei Trucks?

Kei trucks, or Kei-tora, as they are known in Japan, are small, versatile, maneuverable, fuel-efficient, and affordable trucks made for both urban and rural load carrying. And, as any American pickup truck owner can probably already attest to, all these features make them arguably the exact opposite of the pickups most Americans are used to.

Yet, these Japanese mini trucks are steadily being imported more and more into the US, especially in some states. What’s more, they are garnering a very passionate following of people buying them not only for their cult status but out of a genuine practical need for a small, lightweight, cheap, and fuel-efficient truck that can do a lot of work both in the city and around a farm.

So, let’s see how exactly they stand up to most traditional American pickups below.

How Do Japanese Mini Trucks Compare to Traditional Pickups?

We’ll go over ten key criteria relevant to any type of work truck vehicle and see how Japanese Kei trucks and traditional pickups compare.

Obviously, because we’re comparing two general categories of trucks, we won’t go over too many specific numbers. There are countless types and models of pickup trucks, and there is a fair bit of variation with Kei trucks, too. However, these two broad categories are so different from each other that comparing them and drawing clear distinctions between them is still quite easy.

Power

Japanese mini trucks are specifically made with engines of 660 cc four-stroke whereas many pickups are at or around the 2,500 cc range. So pickups are several times more powerful.

Prices

The difference in prices is even sharper than that in power. Whereas many pickup trucks cost $60,000 and above, buying a Kei truck in perfect condition for $6,000 and below is very easy. In fact, if you look hard enough, you can find Kei trucks for as little as $1,000-2,000 or even less.

Replacement Parts

When it comes to “uncommon” vehicles, a big concern is finding replacement parts. And, indeed, it can be harder to find replacement parts for a Kei truck in the US than it would be for a traditional American pickup. Still, it’s far from impossible either, as there are merchants that deal with Kei truck parts. The Oiwa Garage is one prime example of that.

Maneuverability

Kei trucks are not just small, they are also endlessly maneuverable. So much so that they can go to and fit in places where no pickup can even dream of.

Carrying Capacity

The average Kei truck can carry up to 770 lbs or 350 kg. The average pickup is powerful enough to tow entire boats.   

Fuel Efficiency

Kei trucks are ridiculously fuel-efficient, with many going around 40 miles per gallon. Many newer models are made to be electric, too. The average medium pickup truck nowadays gets around 6 to 8 miles per gallon.

Speed

The top speed of a Kei truck is technically up to 75 mph, but anything above 55 mph is ill-advised as the truck will get stressed. Most new pickups have no trouble going over 100 mph or more.

Versatility

Both Kei trucks and pickups can be called very versatile, they are just used for different things. There are things a pickup can do that a Kei truck can’t and vice versa.

Safety

Most Kei trucks lack traditional safety features, the likes of airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, crumple zones, etc. They have seatbelts, and that’s about it.

Value Retention

Kei trucks are such simple and durable vehicles that they tend to retain their value for years and decades and can often be resold for as much as you’ve bought them for. That’s far from true for most pickups.

Which Is Right for You?

As you can see, the comparison between Japanese mini trucks isn’t a matter of “better” or “worse” but a question of two opposites. Which is better for you depends on your needs. 

All in all, as long as the carrying capacity, power, and speed needs you have are within the Kei truck’s limits, this is likely the better and more practical option. For anything above those limits, a Kei truck simply won’t be powerful enough.