Kei trucks and minivans, compact vehicles originally designed for the Japanese market, are gaining traction among US buyers. These small trucks offer a practical alternative to larger, more expensive pickups, especially for urban environments.
When a writer’s 2007 Ford F-150 finally succumbed to the harsh New England winters, the search for a replacement revealed a market dominated by trucks prioritizing size and features over practicality. New models came with hefty price tags, and they often featured oversized engines while still having small bed sizes.
This led to a consideration of the Japanese kei trucks. These so-called ‘light vehicles’ are not sold new in the US, but they’re a significant part of the Japanese car market, and older models are legal to import. They’re known for being affordable to purchase and operate, and they are durable and no-frills, making them a modern take on the traditional American work truck.
