Suzuki’s Updated $8,400 Manual Box On Wheels Is The Ultimate Kei Van

The Suzuki Every has long been one of the unsung heroes of Japan’s vast automotive landscape. For the current model year, the kei van benefits from mild styling and tech upgrades, keeping it fresh and on par with local safety regulations.

Visually, changes are focused on the redesigned bumper and the thicker grille, giving the base models a less utilitarian look. Furthermore, the Join trim features an additional chrome insert above the grille.

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The Every Wagon is distinguished by the darkened headlights and the sportier bodykit including a larger grille, sharper bumper intakes, deeper side skirts, and roof spoiler. It also rides on alloy wheels rather than steelies, features optional retractable side steps, and gains a new Majestic Deep Gray Pearl Metallic color.

Suzuki Every J Limited

The adventure-packed Every J Limited flagship trim also benefits from a restyled front bumper. However, in this case it comes with a glossy black finish, matching the hubcaps, mirrors, pillars, door handles, and Suzuki emblems of the special edition.

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The J Limited also retains its outdoorsy decals, dedicated colors, and cool accessories that make its versatile cabin ideal for camping and other outdoor activities.

Digital Cluster And Improved Safety Gear

Inside, Suzuki opted for an all-black theme that should be less prone to stains. The analogue dials have been replaced by a digital instrument cluster which is standard across the range. Furthermore, there is an optional 9-inch infotainment display with built-in navigation and a new 360-degree camera, as well as a heated steering wheel.

Safety equipment has been improved with the Dual Sensor Brake Support II system featuring upgraded radar and monocular camera systems. The ADAS suite also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Lane-Departure Prevention, and parking sensors on both ends.

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Another hidden upgrade is the addition of a specialized damping mastic sealer between the roof panels to actively suppress booming noise and cabin vibrations for reducing driver fatigue. As with its predecessor, the kei van remains available in two-seater and four-seater versions with flat folding rear seats.

The cargo area has gained standard LED lighting for night shifts. According to Suzuki, the the 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long van is capable of carrying 40 standard Japanese beer cases or two child seats and a pair of strollers. The entry-level PA trim retains its manual crank windows for cost-cutting reasons and to ensure long-term fleet reliability.

Manual, 4WD, And Turbo Options

Suzuki Every and Every Wagon

The Every rides on a mid-engined architecture, closely related to the recently facelifted Carry and Super Carry kei trucks. It is also identical to the Nissan Clipper Van, Mitsubishi Minicab Van, and Mazda Scrum Van that received the same upgrades.

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The kei van is powered by a tiny 660cc three-cylinder engine, available in two non-electrified flavors. The naturally-aspirated mill produces 48 hp (36 kW / 49 PS) and can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT. The more potent turbocharged version packs 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) and can only be ordered with the CVT. In both cases, buyers have the option between RWD and part-time 4WD layouts.

Besides the combustion variants, Suzuki also offers the fully electric e-Every. However, this is actually based on a different platform, as a rebadged version of the Daihatsu e-Hijet Cargo and Toyota Pixis Van BEV.

Pricing And Rivals

While lifestyle-oriented variants usually grab the headlines, the entry point into the Suzuki Every range remains a masterclass in affordable transportation. The PA trim with RWD and a manual gearbox starts from as low as ¥1,343,100 ($8,400) in Japan.

For those who want more, the cheapest 4WD is priced at ¥1,475,100 ($9,300), and the most affordable variant with a turbocharged engine starts from ¥1,775,400 ($11,200). Finally, the adventure-ready J Limited turbo 4WD will set you back ¥2,132,900 ($13,400) and the priciest Every Wagon PZ Turbo Special with a high-roof body tops out at ¥2,264,900 ($14,200).

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The unrelated and fully electric Suzuki e-Every starts at ¥3,146,000 ($19,800), which is more than double the price of the base combustion model.

Rivals of the Suzuki Every in Japan include the identical badge-engineered models from Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Mazda, as well as the Daihatsu Hijet Cargo / Attrai, Toyota Pixis Van, and Subaru Sambar Van triplets.