- The Daihatsu Hijet kei truck and the Hijet Cargo are offered in multiple configurations.
- Specially equipped versions include dump trucks, freezers, panel vans, and more.
- The 11th-gen Hijet received extra safety features for 2025, but the design is carried over.
Daihatsu has updated the Hijet kei truck for 2025 with additional safety features in order to comply with regulations. While the exterior and interior design are carried over from the 11th-generation Hijet that debuted in late 2021, what caught our eye is the sheer volume of different bodystyle variants available in Japan.
Despite its tiny footprint, the Hijet is a versatile LCV that caters the needs of all kinds of professionals thanks to its modular cargo area. If we add up the closely-related Hijet truck, the Hijet Cargo van and the Atrai passenger van, the lineup includes no less than 26 variants.
More: Toyota, Suzuki, And Daihatsu’s Electric Kei Vans Are Finally Launching This Year
The Hijet can be had in standard, high roof, and jumbo (extended-cab) bodystyles, as well as “specially equipped vehicles” with unique rear attachments. Indicative of the level of specialization is that the “Dump Series” includes four variations, namely Multi-purpose dump, Road dump, Earth and sand dump, and Cleaning dump, each coming with a slightly different hydraulic flatbed.
Additionally, there are also two Hijet trims with liftgates, a panel van, and five freezers for transporting goods. As if these weren’t enough, Daihatsu offers Deck Van trims of the Attrai and the Hijet Cargo, featuring a two-row cabin, sliding doors, and smaller rear beds.
The entire lineup of the Hijet and Atrai rides on the DNGA platform. As per the kei car regulations, the models are exclusively available with 660 cc gasoline powertrains, generating 46 hp (34 kW / 46 PS) in naturally-aspirated form, or 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) in turbocharged guise.
Power is transmitted to either the rear or to all four wheels through an electronically controlled 4WD system with an optional differential lock function, while there is a choice between a five-speed manual and a CVT.
More: Tiny Dakar Kei Truck Built Around A Suzuki Jimny Is Utterly Adorable
The cheapest version of the Daihatsu Hijet with a single-cab body, a standard bed, rear-wheel-drive and a manual gearbox starts at ¥1,028,500 yen ($6,900). On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive is the Hijet Freezer that costs ¥2,667,500 ($17,900) when equipped with the 4WD system and the CVT gearbox.
Daihatsu admits that prices had to be increased compared to last year due to the “soaring prices of raw materials and other factors”.
Of course, the Hijet is not the only kei truck with numerous configurations. The Suzuki Carry, Super Carry, and Every van are available in a similar variety of bodystyles, posing as the main rivals of the little Daihatsus in Japan.
