New $8,500 Nissan Kei Truck: Still Stuck in the 90s? (2026)

For a mere $8,500, Nissan is offering a Kei truck that still evokes the aesthetics of the '90s. This compact workhorse, known as the Clipper Truck, is a rebadged version of the Suzuki Carry, with changes limited to the emblems. The original Clipper Truck, launched in 2003, was a rebadged Mitsubishi Minicab. A decade later, in 2013, Nissan switched partners, basing the second-generation Kei truck on the Suzuki Carry. This mid-cycle refresh marks the first meaningful update, centered around visual tweaks and compliance-focused tech. The new Clipper Truck mirrors the Suzuki Carry, with the only visual cue setting it apart being the Nissan badge perched on its stubby cab-over nose. For 2026, the truck gains slimmer LED headlights, a revised bumper intake, and fresh ADAS sensors. The interior, however, remains unchanged, with exposed metal and hard plastics dominating. Despite this, there are a few upgrades, including a new digital meter, integrated headrests, and a tray for small items. Safety has also improved with lane departure prevention, road sign recognition, an emergency stop signal, and pedal misapplication control. Under the hood, the powertrain remains unchanged, featuring a tiny 658cc three-cylinder engine making 50 hp and 59 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic, with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Sales for the 2026 Nissan Clipper Truck open in Japan on January 23, with pricing starting at ¥1,344,200 (about $8,500 at current exchange rates) and stretching to ¥1,676,400 ($10,600) for higher trims. This pricing puts it above the Suzuki Carry's base model, despite the near-identical hardware.

New $8,500 Nissan Kei Truck: Still Stuck in the 90s? (2026)

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