Which Kei Truck Is Best? Daihatsu Hijet vs Suzuki Carry vs Honda Acty vs Subaru Sambar
If you're looking to buy a Japanese Kei truck in the UK, you'll quickly come across four big names: Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty and Subaru Sambar.
They're all compact Japanese utility trucks, but there are differences between them. So which Kei truck should you buy?
Here's our quick guide.
Daihatsu Hijet – A Great All-Rounder
The Daihatsu Hijet is one of the most recognisable Kei trucks and a popular choice for buyers looking for a practical little workhorse.
Depending on the year and specification, Hijets can be found with 2WD or 4WD, while certain versions offer additional off-road-focused features.
One particularly interesting model is the Hijet Jumbo. Its extended cab provides additional space behind the seats, making it attractive to buyers who want a little more comfort and storage without moving to a larger vehicle.
Great for: Farms, estates, landscaping, conversions and general utility use.
Suzuki Carry – Simple and Practical
The Suzuki Carry has built an excellent reputation over multiple generations.
Its straightforward design is one of its biggest attractions. You get a compact cab, useful load bed and the manoeuvrability that makes Kei trucks so appealing in the first place.
4WD versions are particularly interesting for rural buyers.
The Carry is a strong option if your priority is simply having a compact, practical Japanese truck that can get on with the job.
Great for: General work, farms, narrow access, gardening and commercial conversions.
Honda Acty – The Honda Alternative
The Honda Acty has developed a loyal following among Japanese vehicle enthusiasts.
Like its competitors, the Acty was designed around Japan's strict Kei vehicle dimensions, giving it an extremely compact footprint.
Its Honda engineering and distinctive design make it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who want something slightly different from the more commonly seen Hijet and Carry.
Great for: Enthusiasts, light commercial use and unique builds.
Subaru Sambar – The Quirky Choice
The Subaru Sambar is another name with a huge amount of history in the Kei vehicle world.
Older generations are particularly interesting because of Subaru's unusual approach to the Kei truck formula, and they've developed a strong following among enthusiasts.
Depending on the generation, however, the mechanical layout can differ significantly, so it's important to understand exactly which Sambar you're buying.
Great for: Enthusiasts, collectors and buyers looking for something different.
What About 4WD Kei Trucks?
If you're buying a Kei truck for rural work, 4WD is definitely worth considering.
Many Japanese Kei trucks were designed for farms, mountainous areas and other locations where additional traction was useful.
Depending on the exact model and specification, you may find features including:
Selectable 4WD
High and low range gearing
Differential locks
Extra-low gearing
Don't assume every 4WD truck has all of these features. Always check the specification of the individual vehicle.
Which Kei Truck Should You Buy?
There isn't one Kei truck that's automatically better than all the others.
If you want a strong all-rounder, we'd certainly consider a Daihatsu Hijet or Suzuki Carry.
If you're looking for something a little different, the Honda Acty and Subaru Sambar are well worth exploring.
More important than simply choosing a badge is finding the right specification and a good-quality vehicle.
Mileage, condition, auction history, 2WD or 4WD, transmission, cab configuration and optional equipment can make two examples of the same model very different vehicles.
Buying a Kei Truck in the UK
Because these vehicles were originally produced for the Japanese market, buying a Kei truck in Britain is different from walking into a normal used-car dealership.
That's why we believe the quality of the vehicle you start with matters.
At Kei Trucks UK, we carefully select our Japanese stock before it arrives in Britain and prepare our vehicles for their new life in the UK.
Whether you're looking for a Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty or Subaru Sambar, we're happy to help you find the right truck for what you actually need it to do.
Ready to Find Your Kei Truck?
Take a look at our latest Kei trucks for sale or get in touch with the Kei Trucks UK team to discuss what you're looking for.