Mitsubishi Minicab Kei Truck: Buy & Import from Japan
Ready to import a Mitsubishi Minicab kei truck from Japan to the USA? Mirai sources, inspects and ships them to U.S. buyers with export and 25-year import handling. Trace the Minicab Truck from Mitsubishi’s 359cc LT30 through the U41T/U42T and U61T/U62T export families to today’s Suzuki-manufactured DS16T. Compare engines, 2WD/4WD, A/C, Minori traction equipment and special bodies—then build a destination-specific sourcing request.
The first LT30 truck launched in August.
Mitsubishi-built U-series, then Suzuki-built DS16T.
U41T, U42T, U61T, U62T and DS16T.
Published across the normal current Japanese truck range.
Mitsubishi Minicab Kei Truck: One Name, Radically Different Eras
The buyer’s first job is to separate generation, chassis pair and engine family before comparing trim equipment.
Mitsubishi launched the first LT30 Minicab Truck in August 1966 with a cab-over body and a 359cc air-cooled two-stroke engine. The 1970s brought water cooling, 471cc and 546cc four-strokes; 4WD joined the Wide 55-era family in 1982.
For export buyers, U41T/U42T maps the 1991–1998 657cc family and U61T/U62T maps the longer-running 1999–2013 Mitsubishi-built family. February 2014 introduced DS16T: a Suzuki Carry-based truck manufactured by Suzuki, with R06A power and different parts identity.
This guide covers Japanese-market Minicab trucks only. Minicab Vans, Bravo, Town Box and Minicab EV vans are outside scope. Standard three-way beds, dumps, tail lifts, refrigerated bodies, panel bodies and documented specialty trucks remain in scope.
U-series and DS16T are not one mechanical family
U41T/U42T and U61T/U62T are Mitsubishi-built trucks using Mitsubishi 3G83 engines. DS16T is Suzuki-manufactured and uses the R06A engine. Minicab branding alone is not enough for parts, drivetrain or service decisions.
Interactive Mitsubishi Minicab Truck production timeline
Filter the major truck eras by displacement and manufacturer, then select a period for its architecture, engine and buyer context.
The 1966 LT30 started as a purpose-built cab-over
Mitsubishi developed the Minicab as the commercial kei market shifted away from bonnet trucks. The first truck used a 359cc air-cooled two-stroke and initially had a single rear gate; a three-way drop-side version followed in December.
- August 1966 launch
- 359cc air-cooled two-stroke engine, 21 PS
- LT30 identity recorded in Mitsubishi’s 40th-anniversary history
Minicab Truck chassis-code finder
Enter a code such as U41T, U42T, U61T, U62T or DS16T. Japanese approval prefixes may appear before the base code and do not replace it.
Core truck codes covered: LT30, U41T, U42T, U61T, U62T and DS16T.
| Truck code | Approx. period | Engine family | Typical drive | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT30 | 1966–1971 | 359cc air-cooled two-stroke | Rear-wheel drive | First-generation heritage identity |
| U41T / U42T | 1991–1998 | 3G83 657cc inline-three | U41T 2WD / U42T 4WD | Mitsubishi-built export-age family |
| U61T / U62T | 1999–2013 | 3G83 657cc inline-three | U61T 2WD / U62T 4WD | Final Mitsubishi-built petrol family |
| U61TP / U62TP | 1999–2013 | 3G83 657cc inline-three | 2WD / 4WD | Cab-chassis or conversion-oriented derivative |
| DS16T | 2014–present | R06A 658cc inline-three | 2WD / 4WD by grade | Suzuki-manufactured Carry-based family |
The table uses representative base codes, not every approval prefix, emissions revision or body-builder derivative. The stamped chassis and Japanese record control.
Minicab Truck engine lineage
Five broad engine eras explain most of the service and parts differences buyers encounter.
359cc two-stroke
LT30 began with a 21 PS air-cooled engine. The second era moved from an uprated air-cooled unit to water cooling in 1972.
471cc then 546cc four-stroke twins
Minicab 5 bridged the rule change with 471cc; Wide 55 then used a 546cc four-stroke with Mitsubishi Silent Shaft balancing.
3G81-family 550cc inline-three
The U10-era truck adopted Mitsubishi three-cylinder power. Exact carburetion, transmission and 4WD equipment vary by year.
3G83 · 657cc inline-three
Used through U41T/U42T and U61T/U62T. Fuel system and output evolved, but these remain Mitsubishi-built engine families.
R06A · 658cc inline-three
The Suzuki-manufactured DS16T uses a DOHC VVT engine. Mitsubishi’s February 2026 specifications list 50 PS.
U61T/U62T is the final Mitsubishi-built petrol family
The January 1999 redesign added a semi-cab crumple zone, 3G83 MVV engine and Easy Select part-time 4WD. Equipment still varies, so do not infer A/C, power steering, automatic transmission or a differential lock from U62T alone.
- Confirm 3G83 service history and cold/hot running
- Inspect the cab floor, frame, bed mounts and rear wheel bearings
- Operate 4WD and every fitted body control
Legacy work grades, current M, Minori & G
Chassis codes identify broad platform and drive families. Grade names and physical controls establish comfort and traction equipment.
| Grade / era | A/C | Drive | Differential lock | Low gearing | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy Standard / Deluxe | Year and grade dependent | 2WD or 4WD by chassis | Not implied | Version dependent | Mostly manual; selected automatic |
| U41T / U42T work grades | Fitted equipment only | 2WD or part-time 4WD | Not implied by U42T | Grade dependent | Manual / selected automatic |
| U61T / U62T work grades | Fitted equipment only | 2WD or Easy Select 4WD | Not implied by U62T | Configuration dependent | 5MT / 3AT / 4AT by year |
| 2026 M | A/C | 2WD or 4WD | Not listed | Normal transfer | 5MT or 4AT |
| 2026 Minori | A/C | 4WD only | 5MT configuration | Hi-Lo on 5MT | 5MT or 4AT |
| 2026 G | A/C | 4WD only | Not listed | Normal transfer | 4AT |
Mitsubishi’s February 2026 equipment chart lists A/C across all three current grades. Hi-Lo and differential lock are specifically assigned to Minori 5MT; neither is proved by DS16T or 4WD alone.
M
The current base grade, available in 2WD or 4WD and with 5MT or 4AT. February 2026 equipment includes A/C, power steering and power windows.
Minori
A current 4WD-only grade with four-leaf rear springs, bed protection, work lamp and reverse buzzer. Its 5MT configuration adds Hi-Lo and differential lock.
G
The current 4WD/4AT top grade adds LED fog lamps, fabric seats, upgraded mirrors, USB power and extra cabin trim.
Names changed by year
Do not project current M, Minori or G equipment onto U-series trucks. Use the model plate, catalog period and physical controls.
February 2026 e-Assist
All current grades receive the updated driver-assistance suite, LED headlamps, parking sensors and stability control.
Photograph every control
Request the model plate, 4WD selector, Extra Low or Hi-Lo control, differential-lock switch, A/C panel and engine compartment.
Standard, dump, lift & specialty Minicab bodies
The Minicab has supported a broad special-purpose program, but the base chassis code does not identify conversion maker, rating or remaining payload.
Three-way drop-side bed
The standard general-purpose body. Current Mitsubishi data lists a 1,940 × 1,410 × 290 mm bed on most grades and 350 kg maximum payload.
Tipper & scissor-lift dump
Shallow, earth and lift-dump variants exist. Verify subframe, cylinder, safety prop, gate arrangement, lift geometry and completed weight.
Compact & vertical tail lift
Powered tail-lift conversions exist on Minicab base trucks. Record maker, platform rating, controls, interlocks and inspection history.
Insulated, refrigerated & freezer
Cooling equipment has a separate identity. Inspect unit model, refrigerant, power source, body plate, calibration evidence and payload.
Panel & mobile-sales bodies
Panel, vending and shop bodies need separate structural, electrical, ventilation, weight and door-seal checks.
U61TP / U62TP
P-suffix derivatives appear in Mitsubishi service material and can identify cab-chassis or conversion-oriented trucks. Verify the completed body separately.
Inspect the conversion separately from the truck
Request a complete unloaded raise, hold and lower video, then confirm:
- Body-builder plate, serial and completion date
- Subframe welds, hinge pins and cylinder leakage
- Power pack, wiring, controls and safety prop
- Bed-floor corrosion, distortion and gate latches
- Finished empty weight and remaining payload
The current DS16T is a Suzuki-manufactured Minicab
The Carry-based truck launched under Mitsubishi branding in February 2014. The February 2026 update changed its face, safety systems and equipment while retaining the DS16T chassis identity.
Current DS16T equipment is clearly separated by grade
Mitsubishi’s current publications identify R06A power, 5MT/4AT, A/C across the range and a 350 kg payload. The manufacturer line explicitly names Suzuki Motor Corporation.
- M offers 2WD or 4WD with 5MT or 4AT
- Minori is 4WD-only; Hi-Lo and diff lock apply to its 5MT version
- G is the higher-equipment 4WD/4AT grade
DS16T does not mean Mitsubishi-built
The Mitsubishi badge and sales channel do not change the underlying manufacturer. Use Suzuki Carry-compatible mechanical research for the DS16T, while preserving Mitsubishi documentation and chassis identity for registration and sourcing.
Mitsubishi Minicab configuration & import pathway finder
Select the truck, equipment and destination. The result separates vehicle fit from national import timing and the state or local road-use layer.
Build the Minicab you want
The result is conservative screening guidance, not customs, title, registration or insurance approval.
Your screening result
Choose a buildThe year and stamped code establish the Minicab family you are sourcing.
The main U.S. age route is calculated from the exact month and year.
How to inspect and source the right Minicab
Define the job and destination first, then verify both the mechanical family and the physical equipment.
Match every document
Stamped chassis, model plate, Japanese record, engine, manufacture month and body-builder plate should form one consistent identity chain.
Inspect the frame and cab floor
Check front frame rails, cab floor, spring hangers, bed mounts, steering joints, wheel bearings and driveline boots for corrosion, impact repairs or excess play.
Confirm maintenance by engine family
Request service evidence, cold start, hot restart, cooling-fan operation, leak inspection and running-quality evidence appropriate to the historic two-cylinder, 3G81, 3G83 or R06A engine fitted.
Operate every mode
Test selectable 4WD, Easy Select operation, any Hi-Lo range and any differential-lock switch at the correct low speed.
Verify the conversion separately
Record maker, serial, completion date, hydraulic or refrigeration operation, safety devices, empty weight and body-specific maintenance.
Prove A/C and steering function
A trim name or switch is not enough on older trucks. Request cold-vent temperature, compressor engagement and steering-operation video.
Rust checks change with the body
Inspect the cab floor, front frame, bed mounts and spring hangers on every truck. Dump, lift, refrigerated and panel bodies add subframes, hinge points, hydraulic mounts or insulated seams that need their own structural inspection. Fresh undercoat should never replace that evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions that most often change a Minicab shortlist.
When did Mitsubishi launch the Minicab Truck?
Mitsubishi launched the first Minicab Truck in August 1966. It used a 359cc air-cooled two-stroke engine and a cab-over body; a three-way drop-side bed joined the range in December 1966.
What is the difference between U41T and U42T?
U41T generally identifies a two-wheel-drive 1991–1998 Minicab Truck and U42T a four-wheel-drive version. Both belong to Mitsubishi’s 657cc 3G83-era family, but transmission, air conditioning and traction equipment still require direct verification.
What is the difference between U61T and U62T?
U61T generally identifies a two-wheel-drive 1999–2013 Mitsubishi-built Minicab Truck and U62T a part-time-four-wheel-drive version. The truck uses the 657cc 3G83 inline-three and was available with manual and automatic transmissions.
What does DS16T identify?
DS16T identifies the Suzuki-manufactured Minicab Truck sold from February 2014. It is based on the Suzuki Carry, uses the 658cc R06A inline-three and is mechanically different from Mitsubishi-built U-series trucks.
Which engines are used in export-age Minicab Trucks?
The 1984 U10-era trucks used Mitsubishi’s 550cc three-cylinder family, U41T/U42T and U61T/U62T trucks use 657cc 3G83 inline-threes, and the current DS16T uses Suzuki’s 658cc R06A inline-three.
Did every Mitsubishi Minicab Truck have four-wheel drive?
No. Mitsubishi sold rear-wheel-drive and part-time-four-wheel-drive trucks. U42T and U62T identify four-wheel-drive families, while U41T and U61T identify two-wheel-drive families; DS16T requires grade and control verification.
Is the current DS16T built by Mitsubishi?
No. Mitsubishi’s current specifications identify Suzuki Motor Corporation as the manufacturer of the DS16T Minicab Truck. Mitsubishi-built U61T/U62T production ended before the February 2014 DS16T launch.
Does every four-wheel-drive Minicab have a differential lock?
No. Four-wheel drive alone does not prove a differential lock. The current Minori 5MT specifically includes a differential lock and Hi-Lo transfer gearing, so require the correct controls and a functional test on any candidate.
Does the current Minicab Truck have air conditioning?
Yes. Mitsubishi’s February 2026 equipment information lists air conditioning across M, Minori and G grades. Older U-series trucks may have factory air conditioning, optional equipment or no air conditioning.
Can a Minicab Truck have an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive?
Yes. Automatic four-wheel-drive Minicabs exist. The current DS16T offers a four-speed automatic with four-wheel drive, while the documented Hi-Lo transfer and differential lock belong to the Minori five-speed-manual configuration.
Can a Mitsubishi Minicab Truck be imported to the USA?
Potentially, but U.S. eligibility depends on the exact manufacture date and vehicle configuration. The federal 25-year rule, EPA requirements and state-level title, registration and road-use rules are separate, so screen the individual truck before purchase.
What should Mirai verify before sourcing a Minicab?
Mirai should verify the stamped chassis, manufacture month, engine, drivetrain, transmission, grade, air conditioning, fitted traction controls, body-conversion plate, condition and destination pathway before purchase or shipment.
Primary sources & verification method
Mitsubishi’s own history, service records, releases and equipment sheets establish the model facts. Government sources establish only the first national import screen.
- Mitsubishi Motors — Minicab vehicle history
- Mitsubishi Motors — Minicab 40th-anniversary history
- Mitsubishi Motors — U41T/U42T and U61T/U62T service notice
- Mitsubishi Motors — U61T/U62T automatic-transmission cooler tube notice
- Mitsubishi Motors — current Minicab Truck
- Mitsubishi Motors — current dimensions and specifications
- Mitsubishi Motors — current equipment by grade
- Mitsubishi Motors — February 2026 Minicab Truck update
- NHTSA — vehicle importation FAQ
How Mirai should verify a candidate
Match the stamped chassis and Japanese record, establish exact manufacture month, identify the engine and grade, photograph the drivetrain and traction controls, test body equipment, document completed weight, then apply the destination’s current import and road-use rules. For real-world top speed by configuration, see Mirai’s kei truck top speed guide.
Source the Minicab generation that fits the job
Send Mirai your destination, preferred chassis, 2WD/4WD choice, transmission, body and must-have equipment. We can search Japanese stock and verify the individual configuration before you commit.