Kei Truck Transmissions
Every transmission type you will encounter when buying a kei truck — explained once, in plain language, with maintenance requirements, common issues, and buyer guidance. One canonical page per type.
Information for guidance only. Always verify trim-level fitment with the auction sheet or a specialist importer before making a purchase decision.
Manual transmissions
Automatic transmissions
3-speed automatic (3AT)
Buyers who specifically need automatic and are targeting the oldest eligible trucks — accept the power penalty
4-speed automatic (4AT)
Buyers who need automatic and want more refinement than a 3AT — accept that off-road capability (diff-lock, low range) is not available
CVT (continuously variable transmission)
City and light farm use where smooth, automatic driving matters. Not for sustained heavy hauling or serious off-road. Check US import eligibility — most CVT kei trucks are not yet eligible.
Manual vs automatic: the most important choice
Diff-lock and low-range trims are only available with a manual transmission. If off-road capability matters, this is not a preference — it is a technical constraint.
Read the full manual vs automatic comparison →