Daihatsu Hijet Deckvan Mini Trucks
Daihatsu Hijet Deckvans are a unique type of mini truck—neither the traditional regular cab nor a fully-enclosed van. They feature a crew cab body with seating for four and a deep rear load area, offering both passenger capacity and practical cargo space. Ideal for off-road trips with friends.
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Introduction
Daihatsu Hijet Deckvans are a unique take on the Japanese mini truck formula, offering a shape and style distinct from both regular cab models and fully-enclosed van-style models like the Cargo. With a crew cab body that seats four and a deep rear load area, they balance passenger space with practical cargo capacity. Like all mini trucks here at Mini Truck Depot, they feature 4WD and a choice of transmission ensuring you get reliable performance in tough conditions. A fully weatherproof cab provides comfort and protection from the elements for both you and your passengers.
Deckvans bring additional versatility with their unique design. The rear load area is deeper than most, offering ample capacity even despite its shorter length. The rear seats can also be stowed, creating an enclosed space to protect gear from weather exposure, while the open rear bed enhances overall cargo-carrying ability.
So, why choose a Deckvan? Fold the rear seats down, slide open the doors, and your dogs can easily hop aboard. With the seats upright, you can bring along your grandkids to help out on the ranch. Alternatively, load up friends and gear for an off-road hunting or fishing trip. Combining comfort, utility, and adaptability, the Deckvan is ready for tasks ranging from farm work chores to recreational outdoor adventures.
Selection For Sale
Here are just a few of the Hijet Deckvan models that we have here at Mini Truck Depot. Click on any of them to see more details, or click here to see all the mini trucks we have of this particular model. (If you just want to keep reading about Daihatsu Hijet Deckvan mini trucks, scroll down to to go to the next section about the history behind this kei truck.)
History
The Daihatsu Hijet Deckvan is a vehicle with a distinctive yet practical origin. Introduced in 1989 as part of the seventh-generation Hijet lineup, designed to combine the passenger capacity of a van with the open cargo utility of a mini truck. This innovative approach created a completely new type of mini truck that blended versatility, practicality, and compact design. Its quirky style and functional features have also made it a favorite among US buyers, carving out a unique niche in the market here also. While first-generation Deckvans are now rare, more recent models, like this 2017 version, continue to showcase the same blend of charm and utility that defined the original.
This newer model features the popular green (khaki) metallic body color and is shown here at the beach. It comes equipped with additional accessories, including a large roof rack ideal for carrying gear and a front-mounted light bar for enhanced visibility at night.
Interior
Deckvans are fun, quirky off-road machines that also stand out with a practical and distinctive design. They catch the eye from the outside, but stepping inside reveals just how comfortable, versatile, and functional their interiors really are.
Like all mini trucks for sale here at Mini Truck Depot, these Deckvans feature proper steel construction for their fully weatherproof cabs. And yes, they come with doors and windows included as standard. Unlike regular UTVs, where such basics are often treated as optional extras, mini trucks provide these essential features without additional costs.
Now, let’s start by exploring the interior. First up, here’s a look at the front seats in an automatic Deckvan.
The gear selector is built into the dashboard, leaving the floor area between the front seats completely clear. This thoughtful design not only frees up extra legroom but also makes it easy to slide across the cabin if you need to exit from the opposite door. It’s a small feature, but it adds a lot to the overall comfort and flexibility of the interior.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the front seats. Convenience features such as the cup holders, door pockets, and sun visors are certainly useful, but the real question is whether the seats themselves provide the comfort you and your passengers need during longer periods of use.
Take a look at these photos of the interior of a new Hijet Deck Van G. These really are proper seats—designed with comfort and usability in mind. With full adjustability, they make it easy to find a comfortable driving position, allowing you to focus on the task of driving off-road.
The rear seats are practical and well-suited to the Deckvan’s versatile design, too. While they’re more like a bench seat, they’re durable and feature proper headrests for added comfort. These seats also include some smart functionality that really contributes to the Deckvan’s overall adaptable nature.
Starting with the basics: fold both rear seats down (‘full flat’), and you’ve got a convenient space for your four-legged friends to climb aboard or extra room to transport items you want to keep sheltered from the elements.
Did you spot the additional functionality these rear seats can offer? It’s not available on every Deckvan model—this feature is unique to the G model, introduced with the latest version at the end of 2021. In this version, the rear seat splits, allowing one seat to be folded down while the other stays upright. Earlier models only allow the rear seat to be fully up or fully down, but this newer G model adds a further level of versatility, making it even more adaptable with a 3-up + cargo arrangement.
Getting in and out of the Deckvan is simple and hassle-free. Whether you’re sliding into the driver’s seat through the wide-opening front door or helping your kids or dogs climb aboard through the spacious sliding rear doors, access is easy for everyone. These large rear sliding doors are generously sized to make boarding simple: Big dogs can hop in with no trouble, and even little kids can easily climb up and get settled.
Features & Equipment
There’s a lot to say about the many features that make the Daihatsu Hijet Deckvan an excellent example of a Japanese mini truck, but let’s stick to the key highlights. Keep in mind that the features can vary depending on the model year and specific vehicle, so be sure to review the details of any particular Deckvan you’re considering.
- AC and heat (yes, all mini trucks have this!)
- Central locking
- Keyless entry
- Push button starter
- Fuel cap opener
- Windshield wipers
- Windshield washers
- Sun visors
- Split folding rear seats
- Power steering
- Door mirrors
- Power windows
- Door pockets
- Glove box
- Cup holders
- 12V / 120W power outlet
- Power sliding doors (rare)
Body Colors
Of course, the way your Deckvan looks on the outside matters, but it’s not the most important thing. After all, you’ll spend more time inside looking out than outside admiring it. Even so, the Deckvan is offered in some fantastic colors that will make you proud to own one. Let’s take a closer look at these options, starting with the previous generation, available until the end of 2021:
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It’s fair to say that Green Metallic was the most popular color option, with Black and Silver close behind. That’s not to overlook Mint Metallic and Rose Metallic, which brought their own distinct style to the lineup. With the release of the latest Hijet at the end of 2021, the color options were updated to reflect a fresh, modern palette. Let’s take a closer look at the new options available for a brand-new Deckvan today:
It might seem like there’s been a bit of a downgrade. Ice Green doesn’t quite match the vibrancy of Mint Metallic. However, the most popular colors, including the much-loved Green Metallic, are still available, offering plenty of great choices.
Engine & Transmission
Deckvans are versatile and uniquely styled mini trucks, especially suited for off-road adventures with kids or friends. Their combination of flexibility and cool design makes them stand out in the mini truck world. Now, let’s dive into what powers these kei trucks by focusing on the engine and drivetrain.
Engine
The engine in the Deckvan is the same proven unit used across all Hijet body types, including the regular cab model. Daihatsu’s KF-series engine is a compact 3-cylinder 12-valve design that’s water-cooled and features advanced electronic fuel injection. With a compression ratio of 10.8, this engine delivers a balance of power and efficiency. Maximum power is reached at 5,700 rpm, while peak torque comes in at a lower 4,000 rpm, providing reliable pulling power for navigating challenging terrain and handling heavy loads with ease.
Although the engine’s capacity is restricted to 660cc by kei truck rules, Daihatsu has made steady improvements to its design over the years. These enhancements focus on efficiency and reliability. The 11th-generation models include advanced fuel-saving technology that severely curtails fuel use during idle periods to improve overall economy. Even before this innovation, the 10th-generation Hijet models achieved fuel consumption approximately 50% better than standard UTVs. The inclusion of this advanced tech in the latest generation further boosts that fuel economy, with CVT automatic Deckvans now offering 25% greater efficiency compared to their already economical predecessors.
Equally, Daihatsu’s commitment to meeting it’s parent company Toyota’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) standards ensures these engines operate smoothly and quietly. This refinement reduces fatigue during long days of use, whether working on the ranch, making deliveries, or enjoying off-road excursions. It also means that the Deckvan can be used around animals without them getting spooked. The difference of not having a more raucous engine droning away contributes significantly to the overall driving experience.
Maintenance is straightforward and user-friendly. These trucks run on standard regular gasoline, and essential parts like air and oil filters are widely available and easy to replace. Even in colder climates, ensuring reliable performance requires only the standard use of antifreeze. Owners with even basic mechanical knowledge can handle most routine maintenance tasks without difficulty, making the Deckvan practical and cost-effective to own.
The engine placement further enhances the Deckvan’s capabilities. Mounted low at the front, it improves weight distribution and lowers the center of gravity. This configuration enhances stability, safety, and off-road performance, especially on uneven or rugged terrain. All US-bound Hijet mini trucks come with naturally aspirated engines, ensuring ease of maintenance and dependable operation.
Finally, here’s a detailed cutaway view of the KF engine, offering an in-depth look at its innovative internal design and engineering.
Transmissions
The previous generation Hijet Deck Van 4×4 models had a couple of different transmission options, both of which were operated with the shift mounted in the dashboard:
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic
With the introduction of the latest generation model right at the end of 2021, things have become a little more complex. Basically, which transmissions are available depends on the exterior color. Unfortunately, if you want a manual model, it means that things are a little more limited:
Manual transmission models
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- Deck Van L in White
- Deck Van L in Silver
Automatic (CVT) transmission models
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- Deck Van L in White or Silver
- Deck Van G in White, Silver, Green Metallic, Ice Green, or Black
With the CVT transmission and latest engine, the Hijet regular cab has 25% better fuel economy than the previous 4-speed auto model, in addition to the unquantifiable benefits of the smoother power delivery, so we expect there should be also a similar step improvement in the fuel efficiency of the other Deckvan models as well. Here’s a cutaway showing the inner workings of that CVT transmission:
4WD System
To clarify, all the mini trucks for sale at Mini Truck Depot are designated for off-road use only and are equipped with 4WD powertrains. This feature is standard across all models, ensuring reliable traction in a variety of conditions. While the basic 4WD system has remained largely consistent over the years, a slight update was introduced in the latest model.
In earlier generations, a button on the dashboard allows drivers to toggle the 4WD system on or off based on the situation. Why would you switch 4WD off? Powering all four wheels requires more energy than powering just two, so using 2WD improves fuel efficiency when full traction isn’t necessary. For example, 2WD works perfectly for driving on dry gravel tracks. However, if you move onto muddy or slippery terrain, a simple press of the button activates the 4WD system, delivering enhanced grip and control.
Here’s the location of that button in the center console of the previous generation model, providing easy access for the driver:
The latest Hijet Deckvan takes the 4WD system to the next level with its Auto 4WD mode, featured in the CVT automatic models. This advanced system eliminates the need to manually switch between 4WD and 2WD. Instead, the Deckvan’s onboard system automatically determines whether 4WD is required based on driving conditions. Under normal conditions, it defaults to the more fuel-efficient 2WD mode. When extra traction is needed—such as on muddy or slippery terrain—the system seamlessly engages 4WD without any input from the driver.
For more demanding off-road tasks, the ‘4WD Lock’ override is available, allowing you to engage 4WD continuously. This feature ensures that even in extreme conditions, you have full control over the drivetrain. However, in most scenarios, the Auto 4WD system is designed to handle everything, leaving you free to focus on the road ahead.
Think of it like the automatic mode on a high-end camera. While manual controls offer a level of customization, most users quickly discover the convenience of auto mode and make it their go-to setting. Similarly, the Deckvan’s Auto 4WD system is so intuitive and effective that after a few uses, you’ll likely rely on it for your everyday off-road driving. The occasional use of the ‘4WD Lock’ button may be useful in challenging situations, but for most driving conditions, Auto 4WD takes care of the decision-making, ensuring the optimal balance between traction and efficiency.
Load Bed
The Deckvan’s load bed is understandably quite different from its more traditional counterparts, such as the regular cab and Jumbo models. With the main cabin designed to accommodate four passengers instead of two, it’s no surprise that the load area sacrifices some length to keep within with the same external dimension restrictions governing all mini trucks. However, what it loses in length, it gains in depth, offering a practical solution for a variety of hauling needs.
The rear gate that drops down ensures effortless loading, making the Deckvan’s cargo area more functional than it might first appear. Despite the reduced length, this load bed is highly usable and well-suited for off-road work or light-duty tasks. Below are the specifications for the latest S710W model, which are closely comparable to those of the previous generation S331W model.
So, what can you do with this space? Well, here’s a closer look so you can get a feeling about just how deep and wide it is. First with the rear gate down.
Now this is what you can do with that space if you’re out working on a ranch, for example:
If you find the load space isn’t sufficient for your needs, a regular cab pickup Hijet or the Jumbo cab model might be a better fit — especially if it’s length that you require. However, as a 4-seater, the Hijet Deckvan stands out as an incredibly versatile Japanese mini truck. With its unique balance of passenger capacity and practical load-bearing, it offers a level of flexibility that few off-road vehicles can match. Whether you’re taking family or friends off-road or need a dependable and adaptable vehicle for off-road work, the Deckvan delivers a unique solution that’s hard to beat.
Buying A Daihatsu Hijet Deckvan
Although these Deckvans are more of a niche off-road vehicle than the regular cab Hijets or the Jumbo cab Hijets, you’ll still be able to often find them for sale here at Mini Truck Depot. On the other hand, if you would prefer a fully enclosed load area as well as seating for four, then check out the Hijet Cargo with it’s van-style body, as this may well be the more appropriate Japanese mini truck for you.
