How Fast Can Mini Trucks Go

HOW FAST CAN MINI TRUCKS GO?

November 8, 2022

Introduction

Japanese mini trucks can haul (up to 1700 pounds), climb slippery slopes (thanks to their 4WD and hi/lo adjustable range), and even dump (certain models, at least), but some people wonder how quickly they go. The top speed for Japanese mini trucks is between 62 and 75 mph. Keep in mind that these trucks were only intended for a top speed of roughly 50 mph, as required by their vehicle class and the law.But, the speed of the trucks varies with models, carried weight, and specifications so, let’s discuss this in detail.

What Are Mini Trucks

A vehicle is often referred to as a mini truck if it meets the criteria for size and engine displacement for the Japanese Kei truck category. In order to comply, trucks must be no longer than 134 inches, no wider than 58 inches, and no taller than 79 inches. The engines are limited to 660cc in size.These little vehicles often weigh less than 1500 pounds, which makes them useful in the confined spaces of Japanese towns. Although it is rarely necessary in a congested metropolitan area, several of these tiny trucks have top speeds of 75 mph. On average, they can support up to 800 pounds on their backs. They are therefore excellent for tiny work or delivery trucks and have a wide range of applications.The majority of these mini trucks are designed with cargo in mind, and many come with flip-down side beds and a tailgate. There are other van variations that may carry people or freight. Talking of the style, these are almost all cab-over designs. This layout places the driver and front passenger almost immediately over the front wheels and above the engine. As a result, there is extra space in the rear. Given the stringent restrictions on these vehicles’ length, that may be significant.

What is The Recommended Mini Truck Top Speed?

It is important to note that these cars have a suggested top speed, but there is also a legal restriction regardless of how fast they can go. Therefore, be careful not to combine the two, or you can end yourself on the wrong side of the law. The highest speed of these tiny trucks varies depending on the model. It is also important to note that several different brands produce these little vehicles. However, the majority of Japanese small trucks have peak speeds between 60 and 75 mph. It would be uncommon to see a Japanese micro truck traveling outside of this speed limit. No matter how they perform on a speed test.Moreover, the legal aspect of things is distinct. The set speed for such a lightweight vehicle must be followed if the vehicle is being used or intended for use in the United States. It will undoubtedly be slower than the vehicle’s peak speed. The highest speed won’t really matter at this stage because most states won’t permit anything beyond 50 mph.

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Daihatsu Hijet

The Daihatsu Hijet is not the most attractive little pickup truck available on the market, but its usage and capabilities have brought it to the list of professionally usable vehicles. According to the odd exterior, the engineers of the tiny truck seriously compromised its appearance since they were more focused on the vehicle’s utility. You may start making use of the Daihatsu Hijet’s other benefits if you can put up with its appearance. Due to its small size, this micro truck is adaptable even for managing city traffic.The Hijet can quickly and effortlessly maneuver through a congested area of traffic. The Hijet, though, could take some getting used to. The Daihatsu Hijet has a 1.3-liter gasoline engine, is lightweight, and is comparatively compact. The engine of this car produces roughly 65 horsepower and has a top speed of 81 mph. That was a really energetic performance, in my opinion.But there’s a catch. First off, it becomes rather noisy as the speed reaches 56 mph. Furthermore, as the pace increases, the noise may grow increasingly louder and more obtrusive. Second, even if the speed can increase to 81 mph, you would need to really push the engine to reach this performance (hopefully not beyond its capacity).The engine is driven by a 5-speed manual gearbox, which is not very sophisticated but is adequate to control the engine’s output.

Suzuki Carry

The Suzuki Carry has been produced over the years under a number of different names and licenses. The Bedford Rascal, Ford Pronto, Daewoo Damas, and Maruti Versa are a few of them, depending on the export market. The Suzuki Carry, however, still has the same specs as the model that came before the introduction of different names.The 2005 Suzuki Carry has the following measurements: 3675 mm in length, 1475 mm in width, 1800 mm in height, and 165 mm in ground clearance. The Suzuki Carry performs admirably with a payload capacity of 1880 lb. from a total gross vehicle weight of 3197 lb. conveniently, a 10-gallon gasoline capacity with a half-full tank is used. Including a manual transmission with a peak speed of 75 mph and a 4-speed gearbox

Subaru Sambar

The first Kei class truck (Keitora) produced in Japan was the Subaru Sambar. In the local markets of Finland, China, and Japan, this little truck continues to enjoy high demand. The majority of well-known Sambars that are imported have 660cc engines that pair with either a 3-speed automated gearbox or a 5-speed manual gearbox to provide power.The Subaru Sambar also comes with a 57 horsepower supercharged engine variant and a selectable 4WD. Check out the incredible peak speed of 87 mph as well. In contrast to the Daihatsu, the Subaru Sambar has several unique characteristics in its exterior packages, such as the “Dias Classic,” a flat front fascia with vintage-style Volkswagen insignia that was adapted from the German (Volkswagen) automaker.

Mazda Scrum

The Suzuki Carry was originally rebadged as the Mazda Scrum when it was initially released. With a peak speed of 49 mph, it continues to use the Suzuki engine throughout manufacturing. Now let’s go specificEither a 550cc Suzuki engine from before 1990 or a 600cc Suzuki engine from after 1990 drives the Suzuki Scrum. Its engine is capable of producing at least 45 horsepower, and it has an exceptional fuel efficiency of 45 mpg. The Scrum had low and high-gear drive choices as well. That is a selectable 4WD drivetrain or a 2WD (rear-wheel-drive) drivetrain. It has a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 3-speed automatic gearbox for manual transmission.Frequently, the Scrum is equipped with scissor lifts with hydraulics, mechanical dump beds, a combination of hydraulic scissors and dumps, beds with refrigeration, and bed-mounted electric cranes, featuring electric lift gates or boxed beds, direct from the manufacturer. You may also look at some common aftermarket products, like plows, grass or Trax tires, cranes, salters, dump beds, refrigerator beds, scissor lifts, and all the many types of bespoke signs.

Why IS The Speed Limit On These Vehicles So Low?

The mini truck is designed to operate at a slower pace for reasons of safety. Many states that permit the usage of Japanese small vehicles have this rule. It would be quite dangerous, practically speaking, to have a vehicle like the kei truck traveling at high speeds on the highway. Since these cars really don’t have the most recent safety features in place. For example, they don’t have anything like an airbag. Unless someone makes the uncommon decision to install them himself, which is rare. Taking into account that nothing more recent than 25 years is permitted on US highways, these cars are rather ancient.

Comparison Chart for Speed Of Different Mini Tucks

Model	Max. Speed
Daihatsu Hijet	81 mph
Mahindra Supro	59 mph
Honda Acty	60 mph
Suzuki Carry	75 mph
Subaru Sambar	87 mph
Mazda Scrum	49 mph
Tata Ace Mega	50 mph

How Fast Do Mini Trucks Go In the USA?

Japanese mini trucks are exclusively sold for off-road use in the USA according to Federal regulations. The maximum speed of those little trucks delivered here must be restricted to 25 mph as part of that compliance. That could seem like a significant constraint, but consider how you really utilize your tiny truck. 25 mph is more than adequate while you’re driving through your fields especially when fully loaded.25 mph is quite acceptable when hunting or ascending rough mountain trails. Therefore, a peak speed of 25 mph is not an issue for off-road use. And did I mention that the tiny truck is built with the same durability and safety features as a much bigger vehicle? That is a benefit.

Conclusion

Japanese micro trucks have traditionally displayed outstanding dependability and performance. When it comes to the lightweight class, these cars are among the finest. Looking at the information above, it is obvious that they are not the best cars in terms of speed.However, they are wonderful with anything else. If the legislation permits it, it can be utilized everywhere. Check out some of the Japanese mini trucks we have listed on the Mini Truck Imports Inventory. If you’re willing to buy one. We can assist you with the delivery and import process as soon as you reach out to us.

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WELCOME TO THE NUMBER 1 MINITRUCK IMPORTER IN THE U.S.!