The DA16T is the Carry that Suzuki built to win back the market. When Daihatsu’s Hijet ended Suzuki’s 39-year reign as kei truck sales leader in 2009, the DA16T was the response — launched in August 2013 with a new engine, refined suspension, updated interior, and modern safety features. It is current production and the most capable, refined Carry ever made. For most US buyers, it is also the one they have to wait the longest to own.
Who this truck is for
The DA16T is the right choice for buyers in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and other markets without a rolling 25-year restriction — and for US buyers who are planning very long-term or specifically want the newest truck regardless of timing. It is not the right choice for a US buyer who wants to import in the next few years.
Walk away if…
US buyers: the DA16T launched in August 2013. The earliest examples become eligible under the 25-year rule from August 2038. If you need a truck in the near term, the DA63T (eligible from May 2027) or DA62T (eligible now) are the right generations to target.
Green flag
UK, Australia, NZ, and Norway buyers: the DA16T is importable now, parts are current production, and the R06A engine meets modern emissions standards. This is the strongest specification Carry ever offered.
The R06A engine — more modern, more demanding
The DA16T replaced the K6A with the R06A — a more modern engine with VVT on both camshafts, improved combustion efficiency, and meaningfully better fuel economy. In the DA16T it produces approximately 50 PS, a modest gain over the K6A’s 44 PS, but the real improvement is fuel consumption and emissions compliance.
The R06A is a good engine. The full R06A engine profile covers the specs, maintenance schedule, and common issues in detail. The key points for DA16T buyers:
The timing chain is thinner than the K6A’s unit and more sensitive to skipped oil changes. The VVT system adds complexity the K6A doesn’t have. Oil changes must be done on schedule with the correct 0W-20 spec — this engine is less forgiving of maintenance neglect than the simpler K6A. With attentive maintenance it is reliable; with neglect, the chain and VVT actuator are the first things to suffer.
Check at inspection
For any used DA16T, confirm the oil change history. Dark, old oil in an R06A is a warning sign — VVT systems and the timing chain both depend on clean oil. A truck with no documented service history should have a full fluid service before you put it to work.
Known problems to check for
What changed from the DA63T
The DA16T’s refined suspension provides a smoother ride when loaded, while the DA63T’s simpler setup often proves easier and less expensive to maintain. That trade-off is the summary of the whole generation difference.
The DA16T brings: better ride quality under load, more refined interior with improved ergonomics, modern safety features including improved crumple zones, available CVT transmission on 2WD models, and the R06A’s superior fuel economy.
The DA63T keeps: a simpler engine (K6A) that is more forgiving of maintenance gaps, a wider and deeper US parts network, and a lower purchase price on the used market.
Neither is strictly better. The DA16T is more comfortable and more economical. The DA63T is simpler to own.
Trim levels and the farming spec
Trim levels on the DA16T offer gearbox (auto or manual), 2WD/4WD including a low-range option, and AC and power steering. The farming/agricultural spec carries over from the DA63T generation — the Nōhan equivalent with diff-lock and crawler gear, manual transmission and 4WD only.
The CVT is available on 2WD models and suits city or light delivery use. For farm, trail, or off-road use the manual remains the correct choice — and the diff-lock farming trim remains the spec to seek if you need serious off-road capability.
Walk away if…
A CVT DA16T for heavy farm use. CVTs overheat under sustained heavy hauling at low speeds and require strict fluid change discipline. For a working farm truck doing real off-road and load work, the 5MT 4WD farming spec is the right choice.
The Super Carry variant
The DA16T also comes in a “Super Carry” configuration — an extended cab version with storage space behind the seats, at the cost of reduced cargo bed length. This suits delivery or commute use where driver comfort matters more than maximum payload. Pure work and farm buyers should stick with the standard Carry.
Importing the DA16T
USA: Not eligible until August 2038 at earliest. US buyers targeting a Carry should look at the DA63T or DA62T.
UK: No age restriction. Import now with an MOT if the truck is over 10 years old. UK is right-hand drive so no conversion needed.
Australia: Generally eligible — verify your state’s specific rules. See the Australia import guide when live.
New Zealand: Eligible — kei trucks must be manufactured on or after 1 July 2000, and the DA16T (from 2013) clears this easily. RHD is standard. See the NZ import guide.
Norway: No age restriction. Each vehicle requires individual approval (enkeltgodkjenning) by Statens vegvesen. See the Norway import guide.
Check at inspection
For any non-US market: confirm the R06A meets your market’s emissions standard before importing. The DA16T meets Japanese domestic emissions standards which are broadly compatible with Euro 5/6 levels, but verify with your registration authority.
DA16T vs DA63T — the decision
Buy the DA16T if:
- You are in the UK, Australia, NZ, or Norway and want the newest, most refined Carry
- Fuel economy is a priority
- You want available CVT or the most modern safety features
- You are a US buyer planning a very long-term hold (2038+)
Buy the DA63T if:
- You are a US buyer wanting to import in the next few years
- You want the simplest possible long-term ownership
- You prefer a proven engine (K6A) with a deeper US parts network
- Budget is a consideration — DA63T trucks are cheaper on the used market
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Suzuki Carry DA16T eligible to import to the USA?
- Not yet for most buyers. The DA16T launched in August 2013, meaning the earliest examples become eligible under the US 25-year rule from August 2038. It is available to import now in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and other markets without a 25-year restriction.
- What engine does the Suzuki Carry DA16T have?
- The DA16T uses the Suzuki R06A — a 0.66L inline-3 DOHC engine with VVT (variable valve timing), producing approximately 50 PS (49 hp). It replaced the K6A from the DA63T generation and offers better fuel economy and lower emissions at the cost of slightly more complex maintenance.
- What is the difference between the DA16T and DA63T?
- The DA16T is the 11th generation Carry launched in 2013; the DA63T is the 10th generation from 2002–2013. Key differences: the DA16T uses the R06A engine (VVT, better economy), has more refined suspension, available CVT transmission, updated interior, and modern safety features. The DA63T uses the simpler K6A, is already US import eligible, and is generally easier and cheaper to maintain.
- What transmission options does the DA16T have?
- The DA16T is available with a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or CVT depending on the trim and year. The CVT is available on 2WD models. Manual transmission remains the recommended choice for 4WD and off-road use.
- Does the DA16T have a differential lock?
- Yes — the agricultural/farming trim of the DA16T includes a differential lock and low-range crawler gear, available with manual transmission and 4WD. The same Nōhan-style farming spec carries over from the DA63T generation.
Related Tools & Pages
Suzuki Carry DA16T — US import status
Check EligibilitySuzuki Carry DA63T — US import status
Check EligibilitySuzuki Carry DA62T — US import status
Import RulesImporting to United States
Import RulesImporting to United Kingdom
Import RulesImporting to New Zealand
Import RulesImporting to Norway
Ready to import your kei truck?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with export specialists who can make it happen.
Request a Free Quote →