Suzuki Carry vs Daihatsu Hijet — Which Japanese Mini Truck Is Right for You?
The two most popular Japanese mini trucks (kei trucks) in the USA are the Suzuki Carry and the Daihatsu Hijet. Both are exceptional work vehicles, both are street legal in most US states, and both offer incredible value — but they have meaningful differences. Here’s the complete comparison.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Suzuki Carry | Daihatsu Hijet |
|---|---|---|
| Production Years | 1972–Present | 1960–Present |
| Engine | 660cc 3-cyl | 660cc 3-cyl |
| Parts Availability (USA) | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★★☆ Very Good |
| 4WD Availability | Most models | Most models |
| Dump Bed Option | Yes | Yes (incl. PTO) |
| Jumbo Cab Option | Super Carry | Hijet Jumbo |
| Popularity in USA | #1 | #2 |
| Starting Price (Japan stock) | From $3,200 | From $3,200 |
Suzuki Carry — The Most Popular Kei Truck in America
The Suzuki Carry is the undisputed king of Japanese mini trucks in the USA. With over 27 million units produced worldwide, it’s one of the best-selling commercial vehicles in history. Here’s why American buyers love it:
- Widest parts availability — more Carry owners means more parts suppliers, better prices, and faster sourcing
- Proven 660cc engine — the F6A and K6A engines are legendarily reliable, with hundreds of thousands of miles of service common
- Excellent 4WD system — the part-time 4WD with Hi/Lo transfer case handles mud, snow, and rough terrain with ease
- Strong resale value — Carries hold their value better than almost any other kei truck
- Fuel economy — most Carries achieve 40–50+ MPG in real-world use
Best for: General farm and ranch use, first-time kei truck buyers, anyone who wants the most proven and parts-supported mini truck available.
Daihatsu Hijet — Japan’s Most Versatile Kei Truck
The Daihatsu Hijet has been in production since 1960 — making it the oldest continuously produced kei truck. While the Carry outsells it in America, the Hijet has unique advantages:
- More body variants — Hijet comes in more configurations than any other kei truck: standard flatbed, dump, PTO dump, high-dump, jumbo cab, Deckvan, firetruck, and more
- Toyota engineering — Daihatsu is a Toyota subsidiary, and the build quality reflects this. Many Hijet owners report outstanding durability
- Jumbo cab advantage — the Hijet Jumbo has significantly more cab space than the standard model, making it far more comfortable for taller drivers
- PTO dump option — unique to Hijet, the Power Take-Off dump system is more capable than hydraulic dump systems on competing trucks
- Newest models available — new 2024/2025 Hijet Jumbo models are available from our Australia stock
Best for: Buyers who need specific body configurations, taller drivers wanting more cab space, or those seeking the latest model mini truck.
The Verdict
For most buyers, the Suzuki Carry is the safer, more practical choice due to its superior parts network and proven track record in the USA. However, if you need a dump bed (especially PTO dump), more cab space, or a newer model, the Daihatsu Hijet is the right choice.
At JPM Mini Trucks, we carry both in all configurations. Contact us and we’ll help you pick the perfect mini truck for your specific needs.