The Charm of the Fifth-Generation Canter

With a sturdy frame and straightforward mechanics, it demonstrates its true value in daily pick-up and delivery.

Centered around a ladder frame and a simple straight-4 diesel engine (NA / some turbo), it's designed to emphasize low and medium-speed durability. The cab is straightforward in terms of visibility and operation layout, and the small minimum turning radius makes it easy to handle in alleys and when parking. The wide range of wheelbase and cargo bed length variations is a major strength, making it easy to select specifications suited to practical operations, such as standard/wide cab, long body, flat/van/dump. Its minimal electronic control and high maintainability, which helps keep downtime to a minimum, are considerable advantages when operating overseas.

Shortcomings of the Fifth Generation Canter

Comfort and safety are "standards of the time", focus on rust and undercarriage when buying used cars.

Sound insulation and thermal insulation are modest, making its comfort in long-distance and high-speed cruising inferior to later models. Safety features (ABS, airbags) are limited. For used vehicles, special attention should be paid to the corrosion of the frame and the base of the cargo area, leaf springs and bushings, hubs/brakes, and the aging of fuel and cooling hoses. For customized vehicles, it's essential to check the quality of the additional equipment and wiring.

Rival of the 5th generation Canter

Isuzu Elf (N Series)

A staple in its class. Some regions may have an advantage in terms of stock quantity and distribution, but the Canter competes with its price, maintenance, and availability of parts. Consider a comparison based on load capacity, minimum turning radius, and a track record of desired features to avoid any mismatch.

Specifications of the 5th Generation Canter

Body Style: Cab-over, Ladder Frame Engine: Inline 4 Diesel (NA/Some Turbo variants) Transmission: Primarily 5-Speed Manual (Varies based on region and model year) Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive/Some 4×4 (FG Series) GVW Guide: 3.5-7.5 ton class (Depends on specifications) Frame: Flat/Aluminum Van/Refrigerated/Dump and others

The Charm of the Sixth Generation Canter

Enhancing cabin comfort and equipment, reducing driving strain.

Ergonomic redesigns such as steering wheel position, seating, and pedal layout have improved comfort, visibility, and operability. The gradual adoption of safety equipment such as ABS helps mitigate dangerous situations in the city. The engine has been upgraded to a more efficient diesel (NA/turbo), enhancing the balance between low-speed torque and fuel efficiency. With a wide range of customizations options like refrigeration, gates, and trucks with cranes, the appeal of this generation lies in finding a specification that suits your needs.

Weaknesses of the 6th Generation Canter

Appropriate quietness and vibration for its model year, degradation of over-mileage units

Advanced safety features and multi-stage AT are not equipped. Used cars differ significantly in clutch, brake, steering, and chassis conditions due to mileage and loading history. For vehicles equipped with refrigeration units, battery load, operating noise, and maintenance history must be verified.

Rival of the 6th Generation Canter

Hino Dutro (Toyota Dyna Series)

Prices and equipment are competitive. It's practical to choose based on the distance to sales and maintenance bases, residual value, and track record of the desired body/cargo handling equipment.

Specifications of the 6th Generation Canter

Type: Cab-over, Ladder Frame Engine: Inline 4 Diesel (NA/Turbo) Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission centered Drive: FR / 4×4 Settings available GVW Guidance: 3.5 - 7.5 tons class Superstructure: Flat / Van / Refrigerated & Freezing / Dump / Gate, etc.

The Appeal of the 7th Generation Canter

Emphasizing response to regulation enforcement, carburetor improvements, and maintenance of operational efficiency.

In accordance with strengthened emissions regulations, post-processing devices such as EGR and catalysts have been introduced (varies by model year and region). The cab has been improved in terms of sound insulation, storage, and visibility, enhancing its everyday usability. A wide range of options, including wide cabs and long bodies, continue to be available, and we have extensive experience with special equipments like refrigerated and power liftgates. Maintenance accessibility has also been improved, making it easier to maintain operational efficiency with regular maintenance.

Drawbacks of the 7th Generation Canter

The condition of post-processing and electrical systems is crucial; there is a wide range of specifications.

Performance and cost differences can easily occur depending on the condition of the exhaust gas treatment (EGR/catalyst). For vehicles with many additional electric installations, it's essential to check the quality of wiring and fuse systems. Due to the broad equipment difference depending on the year and market, it's imperative to specify the model, GVW, body dimensions, and wheelbase.

Rival of the 7th Generation Canter

Isuzu Elf / Hino Dutro

Neck and neck in terms of regulatory compliance, price, and comfort. The best solution changes by application (frozen goods/building materials/home delivery) and route (hills/traffic/high-speed ratio).

Specifications of the 7th Generation Canter

Form: Cab-over, Ladder Frame Engine: Inline-4 Diesel (Post-processing period) Transmission: 5MT/Partial AT Drive: FR/4x4 GVW Guidelines: 3.5 to 7.5 Ton Class Superstructure: Flat/Van/Refrigerated/Freezer/Dump/Gate etc.

The charm of the 8th generation Canter

Achieve efficiency and operability with DUONIC (Dual Clutch AMT)

The 6-speed AMT 'DUONIC' is included (varies by region). With the efficiency of MT coupling and the operability of an AT, it simultaneously reduces fuel consumption and fatigue in frequent stop-start deliveries. The engine, based around the 4P10 series diesel, combines post-treatment devices such as DPF/urea SCR (BlueTec) to strike a balance between regulations and economy. Safety features like ESC and AEBS (Advanced Emergency Braking System) are gradually being expanded, improving the safety margins in urban areas.

Drawbacks of the 8th Generation Canter

Proper operation of post-processing and AMT is a prerequisite, and specification checks should be thorough.

DPF regeneration and urea replenishment for the SCR are essential steps in maintaining the post-treatment system. Short-distance and low-temperature biases can cause clogging. Managing the clutch, operation oil, and learning values are prerequisites for DUONIC. It's crucial to identify the safety equipment by model year, AT specifications, GVW, body dimensions, and wheelbase for used cars. Choose the right vehicle based on its intended use (refrigerated, construction materials, delivery).

Rival of the 8th Generation Canter

Isuzu Elf "Smoother E" / Hino Dutro "Pro Shift"

Compare AMT's level of refinement (low-speed creep control & acceleration feel) and safety features. Test drives and estimates tailored to route conditions (hills, traffic, high-speed) and average load are effective.

Specifications of the 8th Generation Canter

Type: Cab over, Ladder Frame Engine: Inline-4 Diesel (4P10 Series) + DPF/SCR (BlueTec) Transmission: 6-Speed AMT (DUONIC) / 5MT (partially) Drive: FR/4x4 (FG Series) GVW Guide: 3.5~7.5t Class (varying specifications) Safety and Comfort: ESC, AEBS, Idle Stop and more (depending on the model year) Body Style: Flat/Van/Refrigerated/Cargo Lift/Dump and more.

The Appeal of the 9th Generation Canter

Significant expansion of advanced safety features and the first interior redesign in 14 years.

The current model underwent a full model change in October 2020. In a minor change in February 2024, it fully renewed the interior design for the first time in 14 years, continuing from the eighth generation. With a chic interior color scheme and a sophisticated style, the design flows from the dashboard to the left and right boarding grips, improving accessibility. Safety features have been significantly enhanced, including the standard installation of collision damage mitigation brake 'Active Brake Assist 5' and left-turn wrap prevention feature 'Active Sideguard Assist 1.0' (only for DUONIC 2.0 cars). The option of 'Active Attention Assist' warns of driver fatigue. LED headlights with daytime running lights are standard, improving visibility. The millimeter-wave radar detects vehicles, obstacles, and pedestrians in front, and in case of danger, supports collision avoidance and damage reduction through warnings to the driver and brake operation. The continued adoption of DUONIC 2.0 maintains the balance of fuel economy with direct MT connection and AT operability.

Drawbacks of the 9th Generation Canter

The price range is due to the latest equipment, with used circulation to follow.

Due to the enhancement of advanced safety features, the price range of new cars is rising. As it is a 2020 model, its circulation in the used car market is still limited, and it will take time to broaden the options. Like the eighth generation, the complexity of the post-treatment device (DPF/SCR) and the electrical system requires caution for the risk of clogging in short-distance and low-temperature operation.

Rival of the ninth-generation Canter

Isuzu Elf (latest model) / Hino Dutro (latest model)

Compare the sophistication of advanced safety features, the operability of driving support functions, and price. It's best to verify the actual experience of the safety features and the comfort of daily use with a test drive that matches the route conditions and average load.

Specs of the 9th generation Canter

Type: Cab over, Ladder Frame Engine: Inline 4 Diesel (4P10 Series 3.0L) + DPF/SCR (BlueTec) Transmission: 6-speed AMT (DUONIC2.0) / 5MT (partly) Drive: FR / 4×4 (FG series) GVW Range: 3.5 to 7.5 tons (according to specifications) Safety & Comfort: Active Brake Assist 5, Active Sideguard Assist 1.0, Active Attention Assist (optional), LED headlights, Daytime running lights, Intelligent Headlight Control, Rear view camera, etc. Body type: Flat / Van / Refrigerated / Dump / Gate, etc.