They are called the Honda Acty, with the T360 serving as the historic predecessor of Honda’s tiny pickups.
Honda’s lineage of compact trucks begins with the T360 from the early 1960s and continues today largely through the Acty family, a kei-class lineup that includes both a small pickup (Acty Truck) and a cargo van (Acty Van). The Acty remains the modern touchstone for Japan’s micro-truck market, while the T360 is remembered as Honda’s first production mini-truck and a landmark in kei-era automotive design.
Origins of Honda's tiny pickups
The smallest Honda trucks trace their roots to two key milestones: the T360, Honda’s first production mini-truck in the 1960s, and the subsequent Acty family, which expanded Honda’s kei-class light-truck offerings for decades.
The following items highlight major models that define Honda's small-truck lineup.
- T360 (introduced in 1963): Honda's first production mini-truck, a 360cc kei-class pickup used for light commercial work.
- Acty Truck and Acty Van (introduced in 1977): Honda's long-running kei-class light truck and cargo-van family, designed for urban and rural micro-business use.
Together, the T360 and Acty represent the essential arc of Honda’s small-truck history, from a historic pioneer to a mainstay in Japan’s kei-vehicle segment.
Current status and naming
Today, the Acty name is the primary badge for Honda’s smallest trucks in Japan, spanning two main body styles: the compact Acty Truck (pickup) and the Acty Van (cargo van). The Acty family has been a staple of small-business fleets and agricultural operations due to its compact footprint and tall cargo space.
Outside of Japan, official sale of new Acty kei trucks has been limited, with most markets relying on imports or not offering these models at all. The T360, while iconic, is now mainly a collector’s item and rarely seen on public roads.
Common variations in the Acty lineup include two primary body types, each serving different commercial needs.
- Acty Truck — the kei-class mini pickup used for light hauling and municipal tasks
- Acty Van — the kei-class cargo van for deliveries and trades
In short, Honda’s current small-truck icon remains the Acty, while the T360 stands as a venerable early chapter of the brand’s light-truck history.
Industry context and impact
Honda’s foray into ultra-compact pickups helped define the kei-truck category in Japan, a market governed by strict size and engine-displacement limits that pushes for practicality and efficiency. The Acty’s enduring presence illustrates how manufacturers can tailor tiny vehicles to niche commercial needs while maintaining reliability and ease of maintenance for fleet operators.
Summary
The smallest Honda trucks are the Acty family (Acty Truck and Acty Van) in modern times, with the T360 serving as the original micro-truck that launched Honda’s presence in the kei-truck segment. While the Acty remains prevalent in Japan and select markets, the T360 is primarily of historical and collector interest outside of public roads today.
In essence, Honda’s mini-truck story is anchored by the Acty’s ongoing kei-class presence, while the T360 stands as a milestone from the company’s early, formative years.
What is the cheapest new small pickup truck?
2026 Ford Maverick
1. 2026 Ford Maverick • $28,145. The smallest pickup on sale, the Ford Maverick packs versatility into a tiny package. The Maverick sacrifices towing capacity for a fuel-efficient hybrid, a peppy turbo engine, a manageable size, and a low starting price tag.
What are the disadvantages of kei trucks?
And I've upgraded all the springs and suspension. This would never be able to hold a candle to trail riding. But that's not the purpose.
What are the Honda mini trucks called?
Honda Acty
The Honda Acty stands out with its mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, earning it the nickname “NSX of mini trucks” and a reputation for smart design and reliability.
Are kei trucks illegal in the US?
Kei trucks currently operating on U.S. roads are permitted under a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulation that allows importers not to certify compliance with FMVSS of imported vehicles that are more than twenty-five years old.