Suzuki Carry DA16T — US Import Eligibility

Displacement

0.66 L (658 cc)

Configuration

Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve with VVT (variable valve timing on intake and exhaust)

Power / Torque

approx. 52 hp (NA truck spec) — up to 64 hp in turbocharged passenger variants · approx. 44 lb-ft (NA) — up to 74 lb-ft (turbo variants)

Timing

Timing chain — no belt replacement interval. However, the chain is thinner than the K6A unit and is a known weak point at high mileage.

Eligibility

Eligible from August 2038

Earliest examples eligible from August 2038 — 146 months away.

Right-hand drive (RHD)

AllowedNo federal ban on right-hand-drive vehicles. Most states allow RHD registration with no extra requirements. Confirm with your state DMV as a small number have local rules.

Taxes

Most kei trucks are classified as cargo trucks and attract the 25% "chicken tax" import duty on declared value; the 2.5% passenger-vehicle rate applies only if the vehicle is legitimately classified as such — a customs broker's determination, not a buyer's choice. There is no federal VAT or federal sales tax at the border. State sales/use tax and title & registration fees are charged at registration and vary by state. The 25-year rule exempts safety and emissions compliance but does NOT waive the import duty. Budget ocean freight, port-to-door transport, and the customs broker fee separately.

Registration authority

NHTSA and EPA handle federal import compliance. Individual state DMV handles title and registration.

Information for guidance only — verify with official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-08.