by The Mitsubishi Minicab Review & Specs
The Mitsubishi Minicab Kei truck has been popular in Japan since 1966. An electric version, the Minicab MiEV, was introduced in 2011. As of 2014, it became the Suzuki Carry rebrand, excluding the unique MiEV model. The Minicab continues to evolve and inspire!
First-Gen Mitsubishi Minicab 1966–1971
The Minicab pickup truck debuted in 1966, replacing the smaller 360 trucklets that shared its name with the Minicab sedan. Coded LT30, it had a convenient cargo gate on three sides for loading. In 1968, a van was introduced in four configurations. By 1971, the Minicab truck had evolved into the Minicab EL, while the van received updates like a new front grille. The air-cooled T30V model continued production until 1976, with updates. The Super Deluxe came with an upgraded engine.
- 359cc two-stroke, 25.6-29.5 HP
- Front-Engine
- RWD
- 3-Speed Manual
- Van Conversion
Second-Gen Mitsubishi Minicab 1971–1976
1971, the Minicab EL was launched, featuring an extended cargo bed. The LT30 van continued until the third generation debuted in 1976. It was powered by the ME24 engine that had 29.4 HP across trims like Standard, DeLuxe, and Super DeLuxe. Enhanced ride comfort came from new suspension systems. 1972, the Minicab W came out, equipped with a new water-cooled engine. By 1975, Mitsubishi introduced MCA technology for emissions standards while producing 27.6 HP.
- 359cc two-stroke, 27.6 HP
- Front-Engine
- RWD
- 3-Speed Manual
- Van Conversion
Third-Gen Mitsubishi Minicab 1976–1984
In 1976, the Minicab launched its third version with a roomier design and a bigger engine. By 1977, the Minicab Wide 55 came out featuring a new 546-cc engine. Production continued until 1979 when a stylish grille and increased horsepower were added. In 1981, the engine was modernized, and the name was simplified back to "Minicab." In 1982, the Minicab introduced a flat-floor van for ample cargo space and a four-wheel drive option, updated with a minor facelift.
- 546cc-28.6 HP/ 644cc-30.5 hp
- Front-Engine
- RWD & 4WD
- Van Conversion
- Height:: 65-75 Inches
- Length: 117.9-125.6 Inches
- Width: 51-54.9 Inches
Forth-Gen Mitsubishi Minicab 1984–1991
With the debut of the Minica in June 1984, the Mitsubishi Minicab lineup introduced the U11/12 series with two- and four-wheel-drive options. Mitsubishi upgraded the Minicab with highlighted angular headlights and larger windows. One thousand nine hundred eighty-five more models were made, including a powerful three-cylinder engine called Cyclone in June 1987 and several new variants in 1989. By January 1990, the vans received engine upgrades to a 657 cc engine, with minor updates, including larger bumpers. The fourth-generation Minicab featured an automatic free-wheel hub, a compact turning radius of just 3.7 meters for two-wheel-drive models, and a sliding sunroof for estate models.
- 548cc 28 – 34 HP
- Front-Mid-Engine
- RWD & 4WD
- 4-5 Speed Manual
- Van Conversion
- Length: 125.8-127 Inches
- Width: 54.9 Inches
Fifth-Gen Mitsubishi Minicab 1991–1999
In 1991, the Minicab U40 Series had a 660-cc engine, a four-valve, and a five-valve option for the Bravo model. There was a five-speed option with a four-speed manual and a three-speed automatic option. Updates in 1994 included square headlights and redesigned tail lights. In 1996, it came with halogen lights, and the steering wheel was updated to a two-spoke design. May 1996 saw the launch of the Type V with a four-valve engine, while 1997 introduced a fuel-injected engine for higher-end models.
- 357cc 37.4 HP- 47 HP
- Front Mid-Engine
- RWD & 4WD
- 4-5-Speed Manual / Auto
- Van Conversion
- Length: 129.7 Inches
- Width: 54.9 Inches
- Curb Weight: 1,430-1,740 Ib
Sixth-Gen Mitsubishi Minicab 1999–2014
The 1999 Mitsubishi Minicab was part of the U60 Series, featuring a unique semi-front design. The Town Box adds more variety to the lineup. In 2020, Mitsubishi unveiled the Minicab MiEV, a fully electric version. It features a traction motor generating approximately 30 kW (40 horsepower) and two battery options: a 10.5 kW-hr and a 16.0 kW-hr battery. Charging options include fast DC charging to 80% in 15 to 35 minutes. Despite the end of i-MiEV production, the Minicab MiEV continued until 2021.
- Gas 40 HP & EV
- Front-Mid-Engine
- RWD & 4WD
- 4-5 Speed Manual / Auto
- Van Conversion
Seventh-Gen Mitsubishi Minicab 2014–
The DS64V 2014, the seventh generation of the Mitsubishi Minicab, is a rebranded version of the Suzuki Carry or Every.