Suzuki Carry Regular Cab Mini Trucks

Suzuki has a long history of success in the Japanese mini truck market, spending decades as the leader before falling to second position. Like their rival Daihatsu, Suzuki’s most popular model is the regular cab Carry.

Introduction

Suzuki has long been a leader in the mini truck market, holding the top spot for decades before losing it and dropping to second place. This legacy reflects their expertise in creating off-road kei trucks that still remain highly popular. Much like their main competitor, Daihatsu, Suzuki’s most sought-after model is this pickup-style Carry with a regular cab and fixed bed. The Carry lineup also includes a dump bed variant, an extended cab Super Carry, and a van body style known as the Every. On this page, the spotlight stays on the regular cab Carry—the cornerstone of Suzuki’s lineup.

A Brief History

Suzuki Carrys have been in production for over 60 years, a fact that speaks volumes about their enduring appeal to working people in Japan. It’s reassuring to know that Suzuki’s decades of experience have been shaped by constant feedback from real-world users. Every redesign and refinement over the years has built on this foundation, with today’s Carry being the culmination of that expertise.

The Carry is currently in its 11th generation and, historically, these generations tend to last quite a while. For example, the 10th generation, introduced in 1999, included the DA52T/DB52T models. Of course, these were unmistakably a product of their time, with styling that now feels quite dated. Interestingly, the DA52T was the last Carry to feature a carbureted engine, a design that was phased out within just 10 months when this model was discontinued in November 1999. While this 10th generation offers a glimpse into the Carry’s evolution, it’s not the focus here.

By September 2001, Suzuki had already introduced the DA62T model, featuring the all-aluminum KA6 fuel-injected engine. While it looked nearly identical to the earlier DA52T, the new engine represented a significant step forward in performance and efficiency. This improvement helped the Carry maintain its position at the top of the sales charts in the early 2000s. While you might think Suzuki would have paused here to enjoy its success, they had other plans. Just six months later, a major upgrade arrived with the DA63T model, pictured below, marking another leap in the Carry’s evolution.

In addition to its obvious exterior redesign, one of the standout innovations of the DA63T model was its detachable load bed. This feature wasn’t about compromising durability or safety—far from it. The point of this design was to make maintenance and repair more straightforward and cost-effective. A damaged load bed no longer meant scrapping the entire vehicle, and conversely, a perfectly intact bed could be salvaged from a wrecked truck and fitted onto another as a replacement. This practical and forward-thinking feature marked the first time such an innovation appeared on a mini truck, putting a spotlight on Suzuki’s focus on utility and usability.

Following this wave of changes, the Carry remained largely unchanged apart from minor tweaks until late 2005, when Suzuki introduced the DA65T model. The DA65T was a short-wheelbase version of the longer DA63T, offering a tighter turning circle of just 11 feet 9.5 inches—the same as the Daihatsu Hijet regular cab model. This compact turning radius proved invaluable for navigating tight off-road spaces and challenging terrain. Another significant enhancement was the addition of a differential lock to the Farming model, improving traction in tough conditions. Meanwhile, driver comfort also received attention, with the removal of intrusive wheel arches that then resulted in extra cabin space.

Fast-forward to August 2013, and Suzuki overhauled the Carry lineup once more with the launch of the 11th generation DA16T model, nearly 15 years after the DA52T had debuted. A key change in this generation was the elimination of the separate long- and short-wheelbase variants. Instead, the DA16T unified the design while maintaining a turning circle of 11 feet 9.5 inches, matching the agility of the earlier short-wheelbase DA65T and its competitor, the Daihatsu Hijet.

The DA16T also introduced the RA06 engine, a modern upgrade that, when paired with stronger and lighter steel in the body, delivered significant improvements. The new steel design saved 110 pounds of weight—impressive for a vehicle already focused on lightness—while the RA06 engine boosted fuel efficiency further. Additional refinements included comfort upgrades such as a seat slide adjuster with 14 increments, and functional improvements like an increased approach angle, up from 20 degrees to 23 degrees that enhanced the truck’s capability on uneven terrain.

Despite these advancements, Suzuki faced stiff competition. Daihatsu’s Hijet had claimed the sales crown in 2009, ending Suzuki’s 39-year reign as the market leader. The DA16T represented Suzuki’s big effort to reclaim the top spot, but while the Carry has retained a loyal fanbase, it still hasn’t been able to wrest the crown back from Daihatsu.

Exterior Colors

Now that we’ve covered the recent history of the Suzuki Carry, let’s shift focus to the exterior colors available for the latest DA16T models. As expected, white is a standard option, but what other colors are on offer?

The color options for the Suzuki Carry are certainly more understated compared to some of the bold choices available for the Daihatsu Hijet regular cab. There’s no metallic orange or polarizing shades like Ice Green that you can see on the latest Hijets. However, the Carry’s palette goes beyond plain white, offering a more refined selection. Dark Green metallic and Denim Blue metallic, in particular, are likely to stand out as popular choices.

Interior

When it comes to your mini truck experience, the interior matters at least as much as the exterior—especially when you’re spending hours each week driving it around your ranch. Comfort and practicality are essential, and with decades of experience serving Japan’s farming community, the Carry is built to meet the demands of hard-working men and women.

The interior of the Carry is thoughtfully designed, offering a level of practicality and comfort far beyond that of a typical UTV or golf cart. Durable, hard-wearing plastics and waterproof fabric seat covers ensure the space is built to handle tough working conditions. The driver’s seat adds another layer of convenience, with a base that can be adjusted fore and aft through 5.5 inches in 14 increments, allowing for precise positioning to ensure a comfortable driving experience.

The Carry’s body design also takes full advantage of its width. Unlike off-road-only vehicles with their intrusive steel piping frames, the DA16T’s tough steel weatherproof shell provides ample interior space for both driver and passenger. This design not only maximizes cabin comfort but also offers excellent protection from the elements, making it well-suited for demanding off-road tasks.

The Suzuki Carry’s door-to-door width is slightly less than the Daihatsu Hijet regular cab (which leads the class at 4 feet 5 inches in its newest model). However, with just a 1.5-inch difference, it’s unlikely to have a noticeable impact on your driving experience. If you’re choosing between the Daihatsu and the Suzuki Carry, it’s safe to say those missing inches won’t be the deciding factor.

What truly sets the Suzuki Carry apart from a regular UTV are interior features like these:

UV-cutting window glass to protect both your skin and the interior of your mini truck.
Adjustable AC and heat to keep you comfortable year-round.
Options for power windows, with manual wind-up windows on other models.
Ample storage, with 10 places around the cabin to keep essentials organized, from your phone to your keys.
A dedicated cup holder for your water bottle or coffee mug, ensuring you’re ready for long days on the move.

With these features, the Carry offers a significant upgrade in comfort and practicality compared to typical off-road vehicles.

Engine & Transmission

The Suzuki Carry provides a practical and comfortable interior to serve as your off-road ‘office,’ whether you’re working on a farm, golf course, solar field, or other demanding off-road locations. But just as important as where you work is how you get around, and that comes down to the engine and transmission in your Suzuki Carry mini truck. Like the Daihatsu Hijet, the Carry adheres to the same kei truck rules, but let’s take a closer look at the specifics, starting with the engine.

Engine

The engine powering the Suzuki Carry is the same R06A-type engine found in Suzuki’s Super Carry models. This 3-cylinder, water-cooled engine features electronic fuel injection and variable valve timing, delivering maximum power at 5,700 rpm and peak torque at 3,500 rpm. While both the R06A engine in the Carry and the KF-series engines in the Daihatsu Hijet reach their power peaks at 5,700 rpm, Suzuki’s engine achieves maximum torque 500 rpm earlier. This slight advantage provides a bit more pulling power that little bit lower down the rev range, which can be beneficial in some off-road conditions. While neither engine is designed for extreme torque, both deliver reliable performance for moving and hauling over tough terrain.

In comparison, the R06A engine represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, the K6A, with 10% less internal friction. It was also the first kei truck engine to introduce variable valve timing (VVT) and was even the lightest engine in its class at the time of launch. However, with the DA16T Carry now over a decade old, this R06A engine has been surpassed by Daihatsu’s latest Hijet engine, which features start-stop technology for better fuel efficiency. How Suzuki responds with the DA16T’s eventual replacement remains to be seen.

Now, these Suzuki engines are also built to meet NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) standards that far exceed those of typical UTVs like Gators or CanAms. While not always top of mind when you’re considering a Japanese mini truck, a quieter, smoother engine reduces fatigue during long workdays, making a noticeable difference when you’re spending hours out driving around off-road on your property.

Maintenance is straightforward with the R06A engine. It runs on regular gasoline, and parts like air and oil filters are readily available and simple to replace. For cold winters, standard precautions like using antifreeze apply, just as with any other gasoline-powered vehicle. But routine upkeep is easy to handle yourself, ensuring minimal downtime and helping you keep costs low.

As for the engine’s placement, it sits under the cab, mounted low beneath the seats. This setup gives the Carry a low center of gravity, ideal for off-road stability. Accessing the engine is simple—both the driver’s and passenger’s seats can be removed, providing clear access for tasks like oil changes or repairs. The accompanying photo illustrates what you’ll see when the passenger seat is removed, but the driver’s seat offers similar accessibility.

It’s not always easy to fully appreciate the engine when it’s tucked away within the chassis and body. So, let’s take a look at it on its own. Its compact design is a testament to Suzuki’s engineering expertise.

Transmission

While Daihatsu offers two transmission options—automatic or manual—Suzuki goes a step further with three: automatic, manual, and a unique hybrid of the two called ‘5AGS.’ This fascinating piece of engineering is worth a closer look, which we’ll explore below.

Manual Transmission

Carry mini trucks with manual transmission come with 5 speeds, just like their counterparts from Daihatsu. Additionally, some models are equipped with a hi-lo range feature, commonly referred to as the ‘Farming Package.’ What sets the Carry apart, though, is a slight difference in the design of its hi-lo range lever compared to the simpler one used in the Hijet. Take a closer look and see if you can spot what makes the Carry version different:

That’s right—the Carry’s hi-lo range lever includes extra settings labeled ‘4L,’ ‘4H,’ and ‘2H.’ These settings provide added flexibility for a variety of conditions:

4L (4WD Low Range): Ideal for tackling steep slopes or other challenging terrain that requires maximum traction and power.
4H (4WD High Range): Perfect for driving on less extreme terrain, such as a snowy track that isn’t particularly steep or slow-going.
2H (2WD High Range): Best suited for flat surfaces, like a dirt road, where 4WD isn’t really necessary.

These options ensure the Carry can adapt to a wide range of off-road tasks, giving you greater control no matter the conditions.

Automatic Transmission

The DA16T Carry features a traditional 3-speed automatic transmission, much like the older Daihatsu Hijet models used to have. However, at the end of 2021, Daihatsu replaced this traditional automatic with a more efficient CVT option, which delivers significantly better fuel economy. While Suzuki has yet to follow suit, it wouldn’t be surprising if they eventually took the same step. The DA16T is starting to show its age, and while no official announcements have been made, a new Suzuki Carry mini truck seems increasingly likely. If and when a replacement arrives, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Suzuki introduce a CVT as part of the update, aligning with industry trends and improving fuel efficiency.

5AGS Automatic Transmission

Japanese engineers and their acronyms, right? So, what is ‘5AGS’? Let’s break it down. First, ‘AGS’ stands for ‘Auto Gear Shift,’ which gives a hint at its functionality. And the ‘5’? That simply refers to the five gears. Essentially, the 5AGS is a 5-speed manual transmission that shifts automatically. This setup offers significantly better fuel economy compared to the traditional automatic, while still providing the convenience of automatic shifting. But, on top of that, it also adds the flexibility of true manual control when needed.

So what does this mean for off-road driving? The 5AGS allows you to switch between full automatic mode and full manual mode, depending on your preference or the terrain. However, it’s important to note that, unlike the true full manual transmission models, the 5AGS models do not come with the hi-lo range or a diff lock.

If this 5AGS explanation sounds complex, that’s because the engineering behind it also is. Take a closer look and see for yourself.

4WD System

Before diving into the details, it’s worth noting that all the Japanese mini trucks for sale here are designated for off-road use only, and as such, they all come equipped with 4WD. The DA16T Suzuki Carry, like earlier generation Hijets, features a button that allows you to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes. For most off-road tasks on your ranch or farm, you can leave it in 4WD for optimal grip and traction. However, there are situations where switching to 2WD makes sense to save fuel—such as driving on a flat gravel track where the extra grip of 4WD isn’t necessary. The convenience of the 4WD button gives you the flexibility to make this choice manually.

Where Suzuki has lagged behind slightly is in automation. Daihatsu’s late 2021 model introduced an advanced system that automates the 2WD/4WD switching process. The vehicle’s electronic control system decides when to engage 4WD, ensuring it’s only used when conditions demand it. This hands-free approach simplifies operation and helps improve fuel efficiency by minimizing unnecessary 4WD use. While this system provides a significant advantage for the latest Hijet models, Suzuki has yet to introduce a comparable feature. It will be interesting to see how they respond in future Carry models.

For the DA16T Suzuki Carry, models equipped with this feature have the 4WD button located here:

Load Bed

The Suzuki Carry regular cab load bed measures an impressive 6 feet 8 inches in length, tying with the Daihatsu Hijet for the longest load bed among mini trucks. Both share the top spot in this regard. The floor of the bed sits just over 2 feet above the ground, and the 11-inch-deep side walls fold down completely—not just at the rear but along the sides as well. This design makes loading and unloading the Carry exceptionally easy, whether you’re dealing with heavy equipment or unwieldy items.

And with this much space, the Carry can handle a wide variety of loads, making it an incredibly versatile off-road vehicle. Here’s a look at those folding sides in action:

If you’re working after sundown, the Carry has you covered. The load area lamp, mounted on the rear of the cab, ensures you can see what you’re doing even in the dark. With a quick flip of the switch, the rear bed lighting illuminates the area, making nighttime or pre-dawn work out in the fields much easier.

Suzuki’s focus on practicality shines through in features like this. Decades of customer feedback and millions of vehicles sold have driven the inclusion of thoughtful touches that help users get their work done efficiently and effectively.

Buying A Regular Cab Suzuki Carry Mini Truck

While Suzuki Carrys may not be as popular as Daihatsu Hijets in the U.S., they still have a loyal following. You might even find some available for sale here at Mini Truck Depot from time to time.

Although this page has focused on models with the fixed load bed, it’s worth noting that the regular cab Carry is also available with a dump bed. If you’re interested in Suzuki mini trucks with a dump bed, click here to explore your options. Alternatively, if you need a bit more cabin space, consider Suzuki’s answer to the Hijet Jumbo—the Super Carry. Click here to learn more about it.