01 / About

A small guide
to small trucks.

Kei Trucks is an independent field guide to Japan's mini work trucks: what they are, the main models, and the work they do. It's meant to be plain, accurate and short.

What this site is

A plain-English guide

Short pages on what kei trucks are, who makes them and what they're used for, with real photos and no hype.

What it isn't

A dealer or a marketplace

We don't sell trucks or parts, list vehicles for sale, collect leads or earn money from links. Nothing here is legal or buying advice.

02 / FAQ

Common questions.

Short answers to what people ask most. For anything legal, the official agency has the final word.

  • What is a kei truck?

    A small Japanese pickup built to fit Japan's kei, or "light vehicle," class. Today that means no more than 3.4 m (about 11 ft 2 in) long and 1.48 m (about 4 ft 10 in) wide, with an engine of 660cc or less. In Japan they're called keitora.

  • Why are kei trucks so small?

    Because the class rules require it. Japan sets maximum dimensions and engine size for kei vehicles, and owners pay less tax and insurance in return. Makers build right up to those limits, which is why so many kei trucks look alike.

  • Can I import one into the US?

    Under federal rules, a vehicle at least 25 years old, counted from its month of manufacture, can be imported without meeting US safety standards. There are forms, fees and steps involved, so check NHTSA, EPA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance before you buy.

  • Are kei trucks street legal?

    It depends on your state. Federal rules decide whether a truck can enter the country; each state decides whether it can be titled and driven on public roads. Some register them like other vehicles, some allow them with speed or road limits, and some refuse road registration. Check with your state's motor vehicle agency.

  • Can you drive a kei truck on the highway?

    Often not. Many states that allow kei trucks limit them to lower-speed roads or keep them off interstates. Your state's rules are what count.

  • How much can a kei truck carry?

    They're commonly rated for about 350 kg (770 lb) in the bed. Keep loads within that rating, low and centered.

  • Do kei trucks have four-wheel drive?

    Many do. Four-wheel drive is widely available, and some models add a low range or extra-low first gear and a rear differential lock for mud and steep ground.

  • Kei truck or side-by-side: what's the difference?

    A kei truck was built as a road vehicle for Japan, with an enclosed cab, glass and lights. A side-by-side is built for off-road use. How either can be used on US public roads depends on state law.

  • Are new kei trucks coming to the US?

    Toyota has announced the KEI-01, a kei-style truck built to federal low-speed vehicle rules with a 25 mph top speed. It's set to be assembled in Indiana, with fleet sales planned from the second half of 2027.

  • Does this site sell kei trucks?

    No. This is an independent, informational site. We don't sell vehicles or parts, list trucks for sale, or take payment for links.

03 / Photo credits

All photos are from Unsplash and used under the Unsplash License. With thanks to Mlook 124, Kristina Bekher, Julia A. Keirns, Wanjah Ali, Red Shuheart, Moha A, Ashita Mata, Johnny Ho, Alexander Kaufmann, Ryan Chan, Jonah Townsley, Jason Leung, Paul Esch-Laurent and Sergio Planum.