- megan03834
- Sep 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 9
The Best 2010 Kei Trucks You Can Import to Canada: Specs, Costs & Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve been eyeing Japan’s tough little workhorses, 2010 is a sweet spot for Canadian buyers. Thanks to the 15-year import rule, many 2010 Kei trucks are admissible now—giving you access to low-mileage, commercial-grade vehicles that sip fuel, squeeze through alleys, and claw through Canadian winters with available 4WD/AWD. This guide compares the most popular 2010 Kei trucks—what they’re best at, what to watch for, and how to think about total cost.
New to landed costs, duties and taxes? Get a clear, step-by-step breakdown in How Much Does It Cost to Import a JDM Car to Canada.
What is a Kei truck (and why does Japan build so many)?
“Kei” (軽) is a Japanese vehicle class created to encourage affordable, compact transportation. Kei trucks are capped to small dimensions and ~660cc engines, which keeps taxes, insurance, and running costs low. They’re engineered for daily commercial use—farm work, deliveries, service trades—so they’re simple, durable, and easy to maintain.
Learn more about the incredible capability of these mini-titons here:
Why Kei trucks have a reputation for reliability
Commercial-duty DNA: Ladder frames (on most models), simple drivetrains, and robust suspensions built for payloads around ~350 kg.
Parts availability: Several models share platforms or have OEM “twins,” making parts sourcing easier.
Easy to wrench on: Minimal electronics on 2010 trucks; basic tools go a long way.
Winter-ready options: Many trims offer 4WD/AWD, low-range (on select models), and block-heater compatibility—ideal for Canadian winters.
A big reason these trucks arrive in Canada in great shape is Japan’s rigorous inspection regime, known as Shaken. Owners often sell earlier rather than pay for the next inspection, which puts well-maintained, lower-kilometre units into the export pipeline. For the cultural backstory and why this matters, read The History of the Shaken.
Watch (owner experience & popularity): Kei Trucks — Why Are They So Popular In The United States?
Pricing dynamics in 2010: a Canadian opportunity
Canada’s 15-year rule means 2010 trucks are admissible now, while many U.S. buyers still wait under a 25-year rule and/or face registration limits in certain states.
Less U.S. on-road demand today for 2010 units can mean more selection and attractive pricing for Canadians in the near term.
Japan’s high inspection standards and depreciation curve mean clean examples circulate at fair auction values.
Want model-specific cost examples? See our landed-price walk-throughs for How Much Does It Cost to Import a Subaru Sambar to Canada and How Much Does It Cost to Import a Honda Acty Mini Truck to Canada.
2010 Buyer’s Guide: Model-by-Model at a Glance
How to use this section: Start with the use case that fits your life (farm, acreage, jobsite, city delivery, cabin roads). Then compare drivetrains and transmissions. Finally, shortlist a few VINs based on condition grade, kilometres, rust, and service records.
Note: Specs below are representative for 2010 JDM-market trucks; exact figures vary by trim.
2010 Suzuki Carry (DA63T)
Engine/Drivetrain: ~658cc I3 (K6A), 2WD or 4WD
Transmissions: 5MT / 3AT
Payload: ~350 kg
Best for: Parts ecosystem, broad availability, lots of bed variants (low-deck, dump)
What to watch: 3-speed auto is short-geared for highway; check bed wear on work units
2010 Daihatsu Hijet (S201P/S211P)
Engine/Drivetrain: ~658cc (KF), 2WD or 4WD
Transmissions: 5MT / 3AT
Payload: ~350 kg
Best for: Excellent availability, strong aftermarket, Toyota affiliations aid parts access
What to watch: Auto gearing can feel busy at speed
2010 Honda Acty (HA8/HA9)
Engine/Drivetrain: ~656cc (E07Z), mid-engine balance, 2WD or 4WD
Transmissions: 5MT / 3AT
Payload: ~350 kg
Best for: City maneuverability, planted feel, enthusiast favorite
What to watch: Smaller parts ecosystem than Carry/Hijet twins; inspect for underbody rust
2010 Mitsubishi Minicab (U62T) / Nissan Clipper (U72T)
Engine/Drivetrain: ~657cc, 2WD or 4WD
Transmissions: 5MT / 3AT
Payload: ~350 kg
Best for: Value pricing; shared platforms = flexible parts sourcing
What to watch: Bed rash on former work units; autos are fine in town, less ideal on highways
2010 Subaru Sambar (TT2)
Engine/Drivetrain: ~658cc, 2WD or 4WD/AWD (select trims)
Transmissions: 5MT / 3AT
Payload: ~350 kg
Best for: Cult classic appeal, tidy handling, great for tight spaces and winter with AWD
What to watch: Some parts are model-specific—confirm availability for your trim
Which 2010 Kei truck is right for you?
Farm, ranch & acreage: Carry or Hijet
Reason: Bed/variant options, parts availability, simple maintenance.
Urban trades & deliveries: Acty or Sambar
Reason: Tight turning circles, city-friendly gearing, easy parking.
Off-road cabin access & service roads: Minicab/Clipper 4WD
Reason: Capable 4WD, robust frames, simple to outfit with AT tires.
Budget workhorse: Clipper/Minicab
Reason: Often list at sharper prices with comparable spec.
Winter tip: Pair 4WD/AWD with proper snow tires and, if you live cold, add a block heater—you’ll be surprised how confident these feel on those punishing -35 Canadian days.
Total cost: what “landed” really includes
When we quote a “landed” price, we’re bundling the auction hammer price, exporter fees, ocean freight, duty and GST, terminal & brokerage, and inland transport to your city. You can see how those add up—with real numbers—in How Much Does It Cost to Import a JDM Car to Canada.
Fun facts you can drop at cars & coffee
Many Kei trucks have OEM twins (e.g., Carry = Mazda Scrum; Minicab = Nissan Clipper), which helps with parts.
Kei trucks were designed to be everywhere vehicles: rice fields, alleys, rooftops (via hoists), and temple courtyards.
The fold-down bed sides on many models create a flat platform—handy for pallets, lumber, and market stalls.
How to get started (and avoid the lemons)
Define your use case and budget.
Shortlist 2010 models that match your drivetrain/transmission needs.
Review auction sheets, underbody photos, and condition grades.
We bid, buy, insure, ship, and clear customs.
We deliver to your city and guide you through provincial inspection/registration.
Why Kei trucks have a reputation for reliability
Real-World Proof: 4×4 Kei Truck on a Mountain Trail
We’ve talked about why Kei trucks are so dependable—simple drivetrains, commercial-duty components, and easy maintenance. Now, see that reliability in the wild. In this short field test, a Suzuki Carry 4×4 tackles Colorado’s Alpine Loop, showing how light weight, short wheelbase, and low gearing translate into real confidence on rough terrain. It’s not about big horsepower—it’s about traction, control, and driving within the platform’s limits.
Watch the run:
What to look for as you watch:
Steady crawling and line choice over loose rock (why gearing > power here)
How 4×4 + proper tires manage steep sections without drama
Practical takeaways for Canadian conditions—especially winter backroads and unplowed lanes
Bottom line: The same qualities that make Kei trucks reliable on the spec sheet make them surprisingly capable off the spec sheet—so long as you respect payload, temperature, and descent speed.
Ready to import your 2010 Kei truck?
Tell us what you need (work, play, or a bit of both), and we’ll curate the best candidates—with transparent landed pricing and a clean, low-stress process from Japan to your driveway.
Visit our Get Started Page
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