A uniquely Japanese standard: engines of 660cc or less within 3,400mm long and 1,480mm wide. Low taxes, insurance and expressway tolls make kei cars ideal for Japan's narrow roads. Super-height wagons such as the N-BOX and Spacia now dominate, offering room for four adults. In 2022 the Sakura and eK X EV established a new kei EV genre.
🚗 How to choose
For everyday shopping and commuting, choose a super-height wagon (N-BOX, Tanto, Spacia); for the outdoors, the Jimny; for EV curiosity, the Sakura. No category beats kei cars on running costs.
Hatchbacks and sedans roughly 4,000–4,400mm long. The Yaris, Note and Fit fight a three-way battle in this mainstream segment. Fuel economy is excellent and they are easy to drive in town. Hybrids are now common, and the Yaris exceeds 36 km/L on the WLTC cycle. Among imports, the Golf, Polo and A3 have a strong presence.
🚗 How to choose
For fuel economy, the Yaris; for interior space, the Fit; for the e-POWER drive, the Note. Among imports, the Golf stands out for driving quality.
The fastest-growing segment of the 2020s. SUVs based on compact cars — the Yaris Cross, Vezel and Kicks — are especially popular. They are as easy to live with as a compact car while offering an SUV's commanding view and luggage space. Imports such as the XC40, GLA and T-Cross add plenty of choice.
🚗 How to choose
For value, the Yaris Cross; for design and driving, the Vezel; for e-POWER acceleration, the Kicks. For a premium take, the Lexus LBX is a new option.
The volume zone where the RAV4, X-Trail, Harrier, CX-5 and Forester go head to head. Their size handles everything from daily family use to weekend adventures. Electrification is advancing: the X-Trail is e-POWER only, and the RAV4 lineup includes a plug-in hybrid.
🚗 How to choose
For refinement, the Harrier; for rough roads, the Forester; for e-POWER, the X-Trail; for value, the CX-5. For a PHEV, choose the RAV4 PHEV or Outlander.
Large SUVs typified by the Land Cruiser, centred on models with genuine off-road capability — the Land Cruiser 250/300, Defender and Wrangler. Prices exceed ¥5 million, but resale values (especially the Land Cruiser) are a major attraction. Ultra-luxury SUVs such as the Urus, Cullinan, Bentayga, DBX and Purosangue are also covered.
🚗 How to choose
For serious off-roading, the Land Cruiser 250/300 or Defender. For luxury, the Range Rover Sport. For the very top regardless of price, you can also compare ultra-luxury SUVs such as the Cullinan and Bentayga.
Family minivans centred on the Serena, Noah/Voxy and Freed. Sliding doors and three rows of seats make them the staple for families with children. A wave of redesigns in 2022–23 brought a full range of electrified powertrains such as e-POWER, HV and e:HEV.
🚗 How to choose
For ProPILOT, the Serena; for compactness, the Freed; for design, the Voxy. The Sienta holds a unique spot as an even smaller three-row car.
A premium minivan segment led by the Alphard/Vellfire, with the Elgrand, Odyssey and Delica D:5. The Alphard in particular is popular as an asset thanks to its exceptional resale value, which keeps the effective cost of ownership low. The Lexus LM opened a new ultra-luxury minivan genre priced above ¥20 million.
🚗 How to choose
For resale value, the Alphard is the only choice. For a balance of driving and refinement, the Odyssey. For a one-of-a-kind off-road minivan, the Delica D:5.
A traditional category made up of the Crown, Prius, Civic, Skyline and others. The market is shrinking under the SUV boom, but sedans remain unmatched for quietness and stability. The Crown reinvented itself as a crossover, and the fifth-generation Prius turned sporty. Among imports, the 3 Series and C-Class are the staples. Ultra-luxury sedans such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom and the Bentley Flying Spur are also covered.
🚗 How to choose
For driving fun, the 3 Series or Civic; for fuel economy, the Prius; for Japanese refinement, the Crown. For comfort, the C-Class is hard to beat.
Represented by the Levorg, Corolla Touring and V60. Compared with SUVs they offer a lower centre of gravity, better stability and very usable cargo space. They are becoming rare in Japan but remain popular in Europe.
🚗 How to choose
For AWD and advanced safety, the Levorg; for value, the Corolla Touring; for a premium feel, the V60. For driving enjoyment, the Levorg STI Sport.
Cars built for the joy of driving — the Fairlady Z, GR86/BRZ and Roadster. Japanese makers lead the world here. After a period of discontinuations, the new GR86/BRZ and Fairlady Z in the 2020s signal a sports-car revival. Alongside the Porsche 911, ultra-luxury sports cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Aston Martin are also covered.
🚗 How to choose
For lightweight fun, the Roadster or GR86/BRZ; for power, the Fairlady Z. Manual fans can choose the Roadster or Fairlady Z.
Fully electric SUVs and crossovers such as the Ariya, bZ4X, Model Y and IONIQ 5. Ranges of 400–600 km are more than enough for daily use. Charging infrastructure is growing and low running costs are appealing. Chinese entrants such as BYD's Dolphin and Seal have rapidly widened the choice.
🚗 How to choose
For range and charging network, the Tesla Model Y; for Nissan's ProPILOT, the Ariya; for price, the BYD ATTO 3 or Dolphin. The IONIQ 5 stands out for design and charging speed.
In Japan, the Mitsubishi Triton is the only officially sold pickup truck. Pickups are best-sellers overseas, but in Japan vehicle size and parking constraints have limited their spread. They retain a loyal following for outdoor and leisure use.
🚗 How to choose
The Triton, the only pickup you can buy new in Japan, offers 4WD capability and a one-tonne payload.