Sambar vs. Carry vs. Hijet
Which Kei Truck Is Right for You?
A no-fluff, side-by-side breakdown of the three most popular kei trucks available to Canadian buyers — their history, strengths, and ideal use cases.
A Brief History of Each
Understanding where these trucks came from helps explain what makes each one tick.
Subaru Sambar debuts at the Tokyo Motor Show with a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout — unique then and still unique today. Subaru chose the rear-engine layout for superior traction under heavy loads and a quieter cabin. The Sambar was Subaru's flagship commercial vehicle for over 50 years before moving to a Daihatsu-based platform in 2012.
Suzuki Carry also launches its first generation, quickly establishing itself as the volume leader in the kei truck segment. Suzuki focused on simplicity, reliability, and parts availability. The Carry remains the best-selling kei truck of all time, with over 60 years of continuous production.
Daihatsu Hijet is actually the oldest of the three. Under Toyota's umbrella since the late 1990s, the Hijet benefits from Toyota-grade engineering discipline. Its body-on-frame construction gives it a genuine "real truck" character.
All three upgrade to 660cc engines when Japan raised the kei class displacement limit. This is the generation most Canadian buyers target — 5th/6th gen Sambar (1990–2010), 7th–10th gen Carry (1991–2010), and S80–S210 Hijet (1990–2004). These are the trucks hitting Canada's 15-year import window right now.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Subaru Sambar | Suzuki Carry | Daihatsu Hijet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 660cc inline-4 (only 4-cyl in class) | 660cc inline-3 | 660cc inline-3 |
| Engine Position | Rear (behind bed) | Mid (under seats) | Mid (under seats) |
| Boost Option | Supercharger — instant torque | Turbocharger available | Turbocharger available |
| 4WD System | Full-time or on-demand + Extra Low | Hi/Lo transfer case + diff lock | Hi/Lo transfer case |
| Frame | Body-on-frame (ladder) | Unibody | Body-on-frame (ladder) |
| Ride Quality | Smoothest (4-cyl, rear engine) | Good | Firm, confidence-inspiring |
| Parts in Canada | Moderate — specialty suppliers | Best in class | Good — Toyota-adjacent |
| Cabin Noise | Quietest (engine behind bed) | Engine noise enters cabin | Engine noise enters cabin |
| Cargo Bed | ~1,500×1,280 mm | ~1,500×1,280 mm | ~1,510×1,300 mm (slightly larger) |
| Timing Belt | Non-interference (safe failure) | Interference — inspect belt | Interference — inspect belt |
Who Should Buy Which Truck?
Choose the Sambar if…
- →You want the supercharged option for loaded driving
- →You value a smooth, quiet ride on Canadian roads
- →You want 4WD with full-time engagement
- →You appreciate collector appeal — fewer exist in Canada
- →Non-interference timing belt (safe failure) matters to you
Choose the Carry if…
- →Parts availability matters most to you
- →You want the widest selection of used units
- →You want a proper Hi/Lo transfer case for off-road
- →You're in a remote area and need easy sourcing
- →First kei truck — best ownership safety net
Choose the Hijet if…
- →Heavy utility — job site, ranch — is your primary use
- →You want the most robust body-on-frame build
- →Dump bed or scissor-lift is a priority feature
- →You want Toyota-adjacent supply chain reliability
- →Long-term ownership and maximum durability first
Our Verdict
Best All-Rounder: The Suzuki Carry wins for first-time buyers. Parts are everywhere, the community is large, and the Hi/Lo 4WD system is genuinely capable.
Best Character: The Subaru Sambar is the enthusiast's pick. Supercharged variants are genuinely fun and capable. The non-interference EN07 means a timing belt skip won't destroy your engine.
Best Work Truck: The Daihatsu Hijet earns its spot at job sites and ranches. Body-on-frame build, widest variant selection, and Toyota build discipline make it the hardest-working of the three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all three trucks available with 4WD in Canada?
Yes, all three were offered in 4WD configurations. Always confirm the specific unit you're looking at is the 4WD variant — 2WD examples also exist. Dyna Motor Imports sources both.
Which kei truck is easiest to find parts for in Canada?
The Suzuki Carry has the best parts ecosystem in North America, with multiple dedicated suppliers and cross-compatibility with the Mazda Scrum (same truck, different badge). Hijet comes second through Toyota-adjacent supply chains. Sambar parts require more specialist sourcing.
What years are currently legal to import to Canada?
Under Canada's 15-year import rule, trucks manufactured in 2010 and earlier are eligible as of 2025. See our full guide on kei truck legality in Canada for province-by-province registration details.
Is the Mazda Scrum the same as the Suzuki Carry?
Essentially yes — the Mazda Scrum is a rebadged Suzuki Carry. Same platform, same engine, same parts. The same purchase logic applies.